How to Care for Plated Jewelry
Since the gold layer is very thin, friction between your skin and the plated jewelry can slowly rub off the plating. Also, exposure to water, sweat, soap, perfume and other chemicals can cause the plating to fade.
To take care of plated jewelry, you should:
Avoid getting the jewelry wet with water, soap, perfume, lotion and other chemicals. If the jewelry does get wet, wipe it immediately with a soft cloth.
Avoid getting the jewelry wet with your sweat. Remove the jewelry when you are going to engage in some strenuous physical activity.
Remove the plated jewelry when you sleep at night to reduce contact with bare skin.
Store the jewelry in a dry place. Also, it is best to store the plated jewelry separate from other plated jewelry (either you keep them in individual plastic pouches or separate them in the jewelry box). Do not store or keep several plated jewelry in a single bin. Several plated jewelry in a single bin will rub or scratch against each other and will cause the plating to fade faster.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep jewelry away from water, soap, lotion, and chemicals. If it does get wet, promptly dry it with a soft cloth.
- Minimize Sweat Exposure: Remove jewelry during strenuous activities to prevent contact with sweat.
- Remove Before Bed: Take off plated jewelry before sleeping to reduce skin contact.
- Store Properly: Store jewelry in a dry place, preferably in individual pouches or separate compartments to prevent scratching.
- Apply Products Beforehand: Avoid exposing jewelry to cosmetics, hair products, lotions, perfumes, and powders by putting them on after your jewelry.
- Keep Out of Direct Sunlight: Prevent jewelry from prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause fading.
- Prevent Tarnishing: Store jewelry in a sealed bag or box in a dry, dark, and cool place to reduce tarnishing.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling plated jewelry to avoid damage.