How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewellery: The Complete Guide to Making Your Charms Last

Good jewellery deserves good care. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Gold-Plated Jewellery Needs a Little Extra Love

Gold-plated jewellery offers the warmth and lustre of gold at an accessible price point — but unlike solid gold, the plating layer requires mindful care to maintain its finish. The good news: with the right habits, your gold-plated charms can look beautiful for years.

Understanding how gold plating works helps you protect it. A base metal (usually brass or copper) is coated with a thin layer of real gold through an electroplating process. The thickness of that layer — measured in microns — determines how long the finish lasts. Our charms use 18K gold plating for a rich, warm tone that resists tarnishing when properly cared for.

The Golden Rules of Gold-Plated Jewellery Care

1. Keep It Dry
Water is the number one enemy of gold plating. Always remove your charms before:

• Showering or bathing
• Swimming (chlorine and saltwater are particularly damaging)
• Washing dishes or hands
• Working out (sweat accelerates tarnishing)

Make it a habit: jewellery off before water on.

2. Apply Products First, Jewellery Last
Perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and body lotion all contain chemicals that break down gold plating over time. Always apply these products first and allow them to dry completely before putting on your jewellery.

3. Store It Properly
How you store your jewellery matters as much as how you wear it. Follow these guidelines:

• Store each piece in a separate soft pouch or compartment to prevent scratching
• Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Use an airtight jewellery box or zip-lock pouch to minimise air exposure
• Never store jewellery in the bathroom, where humidity accelerates tarnishing

4. Clean Gently and Regularly
Regular gentle cleaning removes oils, sweat, and product residue before they can damage the plating:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth (microfibre works best) to wipe down pieces after each wear
• For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth slightly with lukewarm water — never submerge the piece
• Dry thoroughly and immediately after any contact with moisture
• Never use abrasive cloths, toothbrushes, or chemical jewellery cleaners on gold-plated pieces

5. Handle With Care
Gold plating can wear away at points of friction. To minimise this:

• Avoid stacking charm necklaces directly against each other without a layer between them
• Remove jewellery before sleeping to prevent friction against pillowcases
• Clasp necklaces before storing to prevent tangling and chain damage

Special Care for Enamel and Hand-Painted Charms

Our hand-painted woodland creature charms and enamel pieces require a few additional considerations:

• Never soak enamel or hand-painted charms in water — the paint and enamel can lift or crack
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners — the vibrations can damage painted surfaces
• Store flat where possible to prevent chipping
• Handle by the jump ring rather than the charm face to preserve the painted surface
• If a charm gets wet, pat dry immediately with a soft cloth — do not rub

How to Restore Tarnished Gold-Plated Jewellery

If your gold-plated charm has begun to tarnish, don't panic. Mild tarnish can often be addressed at home:

1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water
2. Dip a soft cloth (not the charm itself) into the solution
3. Gently wipe the surface of the charm
4. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe again to remove soap residue
5. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a clean soft cloth
6. Allow to air dry completely before storing

Important: If tarnishing is severe or the plating has worn through to the base metal, home remedies will not restore the original finish. At this point, professional re-plating is the only solution.

How Long Does Gold Plating Last?

With proper care, high-quality 18K gold-plated jewellery can maintain its finish for 1–3 years of regular wear, and significantly longer with occasional wear and careful storage. The factors that most affect longevity are:

• Skin chemistry — some people's skin is more acidic, which accelerates tarnishing
• Frequency of wear — daily wear naturally shortens the lifespan of plating
• Care habits — following the guidelines above makes the single biggest difference
• Plating thickness — thicker plating (measured in microns) lasts longer

Building a Jewellery Care Routine

The easiest way to protect your jewellery is to make care automatic. Here's a simple daily routine:

Before wearing: Check for any moisture or product residue on your skin. Apply perfume and lotion first, wait two minutes, then put on your jewellery.

After wearing: Wipe each piece with a soft cloth before storing. Return each charm to its individual pouch or compartment.

Weekly: Do a quick visual check for any signs of tarnishing or wear. Address early with a gentle wipe-down.

Monthly: A slightly deeper clean with a damp cloth, followed by thorough drying and storage.

The Right Care Kit

• Microfibre polishing cloth — the most important tool you can own
• Small soft pouches — one per piece, to prevent scratching in storage
• Airtight jewellery box — keeps humidity and air away from your pieces
• Mild dish soap — for occasional deeper cleaning

Wear It Well, Keep It Longer

Your charm necklace is meant to be worn — not kept in a box. With the right care habits, you can wear your favourite pieces every day and keep them looking beautiful for years.

Explore our full charm collection and build a necklace worth taking care of.