Ara L. - Feb 9, 2021

Caring for Your Plated Jewels

We want you to enjoy your jewels, not worry if it's going to get damaged. This simple outline will change all of that. This Resources piece is packed with five essential points on caring and maintaining for your Gold plated and Vermeil jewels. 

Toughness and Longevity

Gold plating lasts long! The process of electroplating ensures the finishing stays put. Additionally, the heavier the microns - layers of Gold plating - the longer it lasts. It's not invincible. With use and over a long time, you'll notice a natural degradation, and, in some circumstances, it's unavoidable.

Wearing It

It's easy to find an excuse to wear your jewellery. Am I right? Unfortunately, sometimes it's a short NO. And this doesn't only go for Gold plated jewels. Solid Gold and Diamond enamoured pieces are just as fragile in their way. Remember, it's jewellery, after all.

Here are a few suggested NOs of when to wear plated jewels:
Swimming and saltwater
Physical activity or working out
Specific work environments such as: Nursing, Landscaping, Electrician and more

Harsh Chemicals

Like Superman, Gold plating has its version of Kryptonite. The culprit: hand sanitizer. During this pressing time, we can't avoid it.

As it relates to your jewellery, typically, avoiding contact with harsh chemicals would help ensure longevity. It does make a difference. When washing hands, cleaning or merely sanitizing, the best practices book states removing your Gold plated jewels is wise, prevents loss of colour and tarnishing.

Storage and Care

Jewels crafted in a Sterling Silver base metal are prone to oxidization and natural decolouration. It's not defective at all! It's the mixed alloys that are kind of like a necessary evil. There is a way to avoid this!

Keep your Sterling Silver pieces in a "lack of oxygen" environment. Any small, sealable plastic bags or storage devices like a Leather Jewellery case keep your jewels from discolouring. Keep it sealed, or zipped and you'll prevent potential decolouration.

Repairs

Firstly, it's quite common to have your Vermeil and Gold plated jewellery refinished. Here's why. Over time, with use and your body's natural oils, the natural lustre Gold plating offers will change. It will sort of "dull-out". This "dull-out" process also applies to Solid Gold jewels.

Fortunately, there's always a way to make your jewellery look new again. Whether your Necklace or Ring, for example, looks like it's lost its lustre, sometimes it's a professional cleaning by a Goldsmith. Otherwise, a professional refinishing by platting your jewels again.  

Let's face it. You're an expert at keeping your pieces neat, clean and in tip-top shape. Whether natural degradation or an "oops" moment, repairing your jewellery is caring for your jewellery. This guide, though, is our way of helping you keep your jewellery looking perfect all the time. Buy plated jewellery with confidence and support your decision with a warranty. Seek that information from your Jeweller of choice to make it simple to own Gold Plated and Vermeil jewels.