November 21, 2024

How to Prevent Tarnish on Gold Plated Necklaces and Keep Them Looking New

Gold plated necklaces are a gorgeous, affordable way to enjoy the luxurious look of gold. However, over time, these pieces can begin to tarnish due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, and the natural oils on your skin. With a little extra care, you can slow down the tarnishing process and keep your favorite pieces looking fresh and shiny. Here’s a guide on how to prevent tarnish on your gold plated necklaces, ensuring they remain beautiful for years to come.

Why Gold Plated Necklaces Tarnish

Before diving into prevention tips, it’s helpful to understand why tarnishing happens. Gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold coating another metal, such as copper or brass. This outer gold layer can fade or react with substances over time, causing discoloration or tarnish. While this is a natural process, there are several steps you can take to slow it down and protect the beauty of your jewelry.

Daily Habits to Prevent Tarnish

Developing a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your gold plated necklace tarnish-free.

Avoid Moisture: Water can accelerate tarnishing, so it’s best to remove your necklace before showering, swimming, or exercising. Even small amounts of moisture from sweat can gradually wear down the gold plating. If you’re interested in more tips like this, check out how to care for your gold plated necklace guide.
Put Jewelry on Last: Apply lotion, perfume, or makeup before putting on your necklace to prevent direct contact with these products. Cosmetics and skin products often contain chemicals that can wear down the gold layer over time.
Remove Jewelry During Certain Activities: Everyday activities, like cleaning or cooking, can expose your jewelry to water, oil, or chemicals. If you’re planning to engage in any such activities, it’s a good idea to remove your necklace beforehand to protect it from tarnishing substances.

Proper Cleaning Techniques for Gold Plated Jewelry

Regular cleaning is essential for preventing tarnish, but it needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the gold layer.

Gentle Wiping After Each Use: After wearing your necklace, gently wipe it down with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and dirt that may have accumulated throughout the day. This simple step can prevent buildup that could eventually lead to tarnishing.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners are not suitable for gold plated jewelry, as they can strip away the gold layer.
Use Mild Soap and Water: If your necklace needs a deeper clean, a mild soap and water solution works well. Simply dip a soft cloth in soapy water, wipe the necklace gently, then rinse it with plain water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it.

Best Ways to Store Gold Plated Necklaces

Storage plays a significant role in preventing tarnish. Where and how you store your necklace can impact its longevity.

Store in a Dry Place: Humidity can quickly tarnish gold plated jewelry, so store your necklace in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathrooms or other humid areas. If you’re interested in more jewelry storage tips, our article on the best way to store gold plated necklaces offers a complete guide.
Use a Jewelry Box or Soft Pouch: A jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal, as it prevents your necklace from rubbing against other items, which could wear down the gold layer. Alternatively, a soft cloth pouch can protect the necklace from dust and air exposure.
Consider Anti-tarnish Strips: Adding an anti-tarnish strip to your jewelry box or pouch can help absorb moisture and other particles in the air that may contribute to tarnishing. These strips are a small but effective addition to your jewelry care routine.

Avoiding Chemicals and Harsh Environments

Gold plated jewelry is sensitive to certain environments, so being mindful of where you wear your necklace can help prevent tarnish.

Perfumes and Lotions: These products can contain alcohol or oils that may damage the gold layer on your necklace. Applying perfume or lotion before putting on your necklace is an easy way to minimize exposure.
Household Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain chemicals that are too strong for gold plating. To avoid accidental exposure, remove your necklace before doing any household chores, especially those involving bleach, ammonia, or harsh disinfectants.
Saltwater and Chlorine: Saltwater and chlorinated water can be particularly harsh on gold plated jewelry, causing fading and tarnishing more rapidly. If you’re planning a day at the beach or pool, it’s best to leave your necklace at home to keep it safe.

Refreshing Your Necklace’s Shine

If your necklace has started to lose its luster, there are a few ways to bring back some shine without causing additional wear.

Buffing with a Soft Cloth: A simple, gentle buffing with a microfiber or lint-free cloth can refresh your necklace’s shine. Use small, circular motions to avoid rubbing too hard and wearing down the gold layer.
Use a Gold Polishing Cloth: If your necklace needs a little extra shine, try a cloth specifically designed for gold plated jewelry. Avoid using standard polishing cloths, as they may be too abrasive.

Long-Term Tarnish Prevention: When to Consider Re-plating

Even with the best care, the gold layer on a plated necklace may eventually wear down. Re-plating is a way to add a fresh layer of gold to your piece, restoring its original beauty.

When to Re-plate: If you start to notice the base metal showing through or if your necklace has lost its golden hue, it may be time to consider re-plating. This process can help your favorite piece look like new again. For more information, our article on when to re-plate your gold plated jewelry explains everything you need to know about the re-plating process.
Finding a Quality Service: If you decide to go with re-plating, choosing a reliable jeweler for the process is essential. DIY re-plating options exist but are not recommended, as they often result in inconsistent results.

Enjoy Your Gold Plated Necklace for Years to Come

Gold plated necklaces can remain stunning with a little extra care. By following these tips for preventing tarnish, you’ll be able to enjoy the warm glow of your favorite pieces for years to come. Remember that small changes to your daily routine, like proper storage and gentle cleaning, can make a big difference in preserving your necklace’s beauty.

To learn more about caring for your jewelry, explore our complete guide on how to care for your gold plated necklace. And if you’re curious about different necklace styles, check out our post on popular gold plated necklace styles for inspiration on finding pieces that fit your wardrobe and personality perfectly.