How to Care for Your Gold Plated Necklace: Tips to Keep It Shining Like New

Gold plated necklaces are a beautiful and affordable way to add a touch of luxury to any look. Unlike solid gold pieces, gold plated jewelry requires a little extra care to keep it looking at its best. With right maintenance, you can ensure your necklace stays bright and lustrous, making it a lasting addition to your jewelry collection. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your gold plated necklace, from cleaning tips to storage advice.

1. Understanding Gold Plated Jewelry

First, it helps to know what makes gold plated jewelry different. Gold plated necklaces have a thin layer of gold on the surface of another metal, often brass or copper. This gold layer is what gives the necklace a beautiful golden hue, but it also makes it more susceptible to tarnishing over time. Everyday factors like sweat, perfume, and exposure to air can gradually wear down the plating if the necklace isn’t properly maintained. Understanding these factors can help you take the best care of your piece.

2. Daily Habits to Protect Your Gold Plated Necklace

Keeping a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your necklace’s finish.

• Put Jewelry on Last: When getting ready, it’s best to put your gold plated necklace on after you’ve applied lotions, perfumes, and hairspray. This minimizes the exposure to chemicals that can break down the gold layer over time.
• Avoid Moisture: Water and humidity can be harsh on gold plating. It’s best to avoid wearing your gold plated necklace in the shower and to remove it before swimming or working out. Even sweat can contribute to the wearing of the gold layer, so if you’re planning a particularly active day, consider leaving your necklace at home.
• Avoid Physical Impact: Gold plated jewelry is more delicate than solid gold, so it’s more prone to scratches or dents. Avoid wearing your necklace during activities that could cause accidental bumps or impacts, like sports or heavy lifting.

3. Cleaning Your Gold Plated Necklace

Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the shine of a gold plated necklace, but it must be done gently to avoid wearing down the gold layer.

• Use a Soft Cloth: After wearing your necklace, lightly wipe it down with a soft, lint-free cloth. This removes any oil or dirt buildup and helps maintain the necklace’s luster.
• Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh chemicals, like those in traditional jewelry cleaners, are too strong for gold plating. Instead, if your necklace needs a deeper clean, use mild soap and warm water.
• Soap and Water Method: To clean your necklace thoroughly, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap. Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water, gently wipe your necklace, then rinse it with plain water and pat it dry.

4. Preventing Tarnish on Your Necklace

Even with the best care, gold plated necklaces are prone to tarnishing. While tarnish is a natural process, there are a few things you can do to slow it down.

• Store in a Dry Place: When you’re not wearing your necklace, store it in a cool, dry place. Humidity accelerates tarnishing, so avoid keeping your jewelry in a bathroom or any area where moisture is common.
• Use a Jewelry Box or Soft Pouch: A jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal for storage. If you don’t have one, a soft cloth pouch or even the box it came in will help prevent the necklace from rubbing against other pieces, which can wear down the gold layer.
• Anti-tarnish Strips: Adding an anti-tarnish strip to your jewelry box can absorb moisture and reduce the likelihood of tarnish. They’re an inexpensive way to help preserve the look of your gold plated pieces.

5. Refreshing the Shine of a Gold Plated Necklace

Over time, even with good care, the shine of a gold plated necklace may dull. Here are a few tips to help refresh it:

• Buffing with a Soft Cloth: Regularly buffing your necklace with a soft microfiber cloth can restore its shine. Be gentle and use small, circular motions to avoid damaging the plating.
• Use a Dedicated Gold Polishing Cloth: If your necklace is starting to look a bit dull, a specialized gold polishing cloth can work wonders. However, it’s essential to use one designed for gold plated jewelry, as regular polishing cloths can be too abrasive.
• Avoid DIY Polishing Methods: While DIY methods like toothpaste or baking soda are often recommended for solid gold, they’re too abrasive for gold plated jewelry. Stick to gentle products designed specifically for plated pieces.

6. Protecting Your Necklace from Tarnish Causing Agents

Certain substances are known to accelerate tarnishing in gold plated jewelry, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.

• Perfumes and Lotions: These personal care products often contain alcohol, oils, or other chemicals that can damage gold plating. Applying these products before putting on your jewelry is an easy way to prevent exposure.
• Household Chemicals: Even everyday cleaning products like dish soap, bleach, and ammonia can erode gold plating. Always remove your necklace when cleaning or handling chemicals to keep it safe.
• Saltwater and Chlorine: Saltwater and chlorine can be particularly damaging to gold plated jewelry. It’s best to remove your necklace before swimming in a pool or the ocean, as prolonged exposure can cause significant fading and tarnishing.

7. Long-Term Care: When to Consider Re-plating

Despite your best efforts, gold plating may naturally fade after extended wear. When you notice that the base metal is starting to show through, it may be time to consider re-plating your gold plated necklace.

• Why Re-plating is Worth It: Re-plating your necklace involves adding a fresh layer of gold, making it look new again. It's an easy and relatively inexpensive process that can extend the life of your favorite pieces.
• When to Re-plate: Re-plating frequency depends on how often you wear your necklace. For a frequently worn piece, you might need to re-plate every 1-2 years, whereas a less worn necklace may last much longer.

8. Enjoying Your Gold Plated Necklace for Years to Come

Gold plated necklaces are beautiful, affordable, and versatile. With a little care, they can stay looking great for years, adding a golden touch to your favorite outfits. By following these simple steps for cleaning, storing, and wearing your necklace, you’ll keep it in its best condition.

If you’re wondering about best way to store gold plated necklaces or want tips on choosing the perfect style for your outfit, we’ve got plenty of advice to help you enjoy your jewelry to the fullest. So go ahead—embrace the beauty and elegance of your gold plated necklace. With the right care, it’s sure to remain a beloved piece in your jewelry collection for years to come.