Gold-plated jewelry adds luxurious warmth to any outfit and will flatter nearly every skin tone. From gold-plated earrings worn as an everyday must-have to chunky layered gold-plated necklaces for a glamorous evening look, gold-plated jewelry is both stylish and affordable compared to solid gold jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry is available in a variety of designs, which means there is something for every style and occasion.
However, just like solid gold jewelry, gold-plated jewelry can lose its luster if not properly cared for. There's no reason your jewelry shouldn't last a lifetime, with a little love and care, your gold-plated jewelry can sparkle. The following articles help you understand how to properly care for and clean gold-plated jewelry.
Why does gold-plated jewelry change color?
Gold-plated jewelry not only captures the natural light, but also the beauty of the wearer. Over time, however, jewelry can tarnish and become slightly tarnished. This happens when gold reacts with moisture and air causing it to oxidize.
Jewelry begins to darken as dirt, grime, and oils from skin, moisturizers, and perfumes build up on the gold plating. To restore gold-plated jewelry to its original luster, proper cleaning and maintenance are required. This can be achieved by using various household items.
Can you restore gold-plated jewelry?
There are many ways to clean gold-plated jewelry, all of which can be done at home. From light finishing to deep cleaning, our guide will show you how to clean your gold-plated jewelry carefully and correctly.
1. Apply perfume and moisturizer before wearing jewelry
Keep your gold-plated jewelry in pristine condition, even before you put it on. Beauty products such as moisturizers and fragrances often contain chemicals and oils that can cause jewelry to tarnish. While using moisturizer to keep your skin fresh and spritzing on perfume is an accessory in and of itself, it's important to use these beauty products a few minutes before wearing your jewelry to avoid damaging your favorite pieces. This will allow enough time for beauty products to be absorbed into your skin before you put on your gold-plated jewelry.
2. Clean with soap and water
If your gold-plated jewelry is starting to look a little dull, gentle cleaning with soap and water will help restore its former luster.
Mix mild liquid soap and warm water in a bowl to make a foaming solution. Put the jewelry in the water and let it sit for a few minutes.
Remove the jewelry from the water, then wipe the item with a soft cloth, taking care to wipe all surface areas. If the jewelry has many small details and carvings, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
After removing dirt, rinse the item with warm water
Wipe with a lint-free cloth and make sure each piece of jewelry is thoroughly dry before placing it in the jewelry box.
3. Use a jewelry polishing cloth
Your gold-plated jewelry might just need a little wipe to restore it to its once dazzling self. If this is the case, then lightly buffing with a jewelry cloth will do the trick.
Use a high-quality jewelry polishing cloth to remove dirt and tarnish, and bring your jewelry back to its radiance.
When polishing jewelry with wiping, not scrubbing, be sure to be gentle.
Polish your jewelry between deep cleans to keep it shiny.
4. Use aluminum foil and baking soda for a deep clean
This deep cleaning method is ideal for cleaning heavily tarnished gold-plated jewelry. It will work wonders in restoring its radiance and removing severe discoloration. Not only that, but this method is gentle on gold plating as it does not require frictional contact with the jewelry. The chemical reaction between the solution and the jewelry will remove any rust without irritating the gold plating.
Line a glass bowl with aluminum foil. Make sure the shiny side of the foil is facing up
Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt to a bowl.
Add enough hot water to the bowl to dissolve the powder and make sure there is enough solution to completely submerge your jewelry.
Immerse your gold-plated jewelry in the solution and let it sit for a few minutes
You'll start to notice black and yellow flakes drifting off the jewelry. This is sulfur, which causes the oxidation of gold in the first place. These flakes will be attracted to the aluminum and float towards it.
Once the rust has mostly come off the gold plating, remove the jewelry from the bowl and wipe it with a lint-free cloth.
Rinse gold-plated items with warm water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
How to store gold-plated jewelry?
Once your jewelry is completely clean, be sure to carefully store it jewelry in a safe place. Jewelry boxes are the perfect place to store your gold-plated jewelry.
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