We get it. Nothing gives your outfit an edge and sophistication as gold jewellery does. And since gold-plated pieces became popular, now it’s easier than ever to exhume luxury without breaking the bank.
Unfortunately, though, plated jewellery can tarnish over time. Although sad, this is a natural process in which the gold reacts to external factors like air and moisture, causing it to oxidise and appear darkened. Your jewellery starts losing its shine, and that luxurious feel becomes duller by the minute.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry. Regardless of whether it’s chains or bracelets, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you preserve your favourite men’s gold jewellery sets’ brilliance for longer.
Taking Care of Your Gold-Plated Jewellery
Gold-plating vs Perfumes & Moisturisers
They just don’t go together. So make sure you apply any personal care products well before you put your jewellery on. These products contain alcohol and other chemicals that can cause your chains and pendants to tarnish. Just allow them to first fully absorb and dry on your skin to prevent any contact between your pieces and the substances. It’s such a simple step, yet it is one of the most efficient in prolonging the longevity of your gold pieces.
Keep Away from Moisture
Do you like the sharp look your pieces give you? Do you like the top-quality shine? Then, you will have to avoid wearing your gold-plated sets while showering, swimming, or exercising. Expose them to water or sweat, and the gold layer will very quickly erode and discolour.
So, even though your new chain would look amazing in the gym, you better leave it at home.
Keep Them Cool & Keep Them Dry
However, just leaving your pieces at home before you hit the gym won’t do either. You have to make sure you store them properly.
Most of your sets probably came in soft pouches or jewellery boxes to protect them from scratches. You better learn to keep those around and place your jewellery back in them when you don’t use them. They provide the perfect cool, dry place that keeps your jewellery safe from unnecessary exposure to air, humidity, and heat. All of which will simply destroy its lustre.
Clean Them… The Proper Way
Start by using a jewellery polishing cloth. You can find one of those in most jewellery stores. They are specifically made for cleaning gold. Rub gently, as going too hard can damage the gold plating. In most cases of light discolouring, this practice will be enough.
If your pieces already show signs of tarnishing, you can use a soft cloth and a small amount of mild soap and water to clean away any dirt or residue that might have built up over time.
Allow your pieces to dry completely before wearing them again. Otherwise, you risk causing moisture damage.
However, if your piece is more heavily tarnished and you can see signs of the gold plating wearing off, then consider seeking professional help from a jeweller. They have the right tools to restore it to its original condition.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gold Pieces?
It really depends on how often you wear your pieces and what conditions you expose them to. Here’s a general guideline you can follow:
- Light Wear: If you swap your pieces often and you end up only wearing each rather occasionally, then cleaning every 1-2 months should be enough to keep them in an impeccable state.
- Regular Wear: There is nothing wrong with wearing your favourite gold chains more often. Just make sure you clean them every 2-4 weeks to remove any dirt, oil and tarnish that might have built up.
- Heavy Wear: Just can’t get enough of your pieces? In that case, clean them every 1-2 weeks, especially if you have exposed them to harsher conditions and moisture.
In any case, try to avoid over-cleaning. Excessive rubbing can just as easily damage the gold plating. Keep it regular and gentle, and your pieces will keep your look on point for longer.
The Difference Between Tarnishing & Wear
We’ve mentioned both terms a lot in this guide, but they are not entirely synonymous. Both are processes that affect your pieces differently. If your gold chain and bracelets start to look dull or darker, but this can be easily cleaned with a jewellery cloth or mild soap and water, then we are talking about tarnishing.
However, if it seems like the thin layer of gold has rubbed off and your jewellery is starting to look patchy and discoloured, unfortunately, this cannot be reversed through cleaning. If you’ve tried to polish it and nothing happens, then professional replating might be due.
The Secret to Lasting Gold Jewellery
Keep your pieces dry, clean and cool at all times. Such simple steps go a long way and significantly prolong your jewellery’s longevity. So, try to incorporate regular maintenance, and you will be sure to keep them polished, lustrous and always ready to be the statement piece of your impeccable style.
