Understanding Gold Plated Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry offers the beautiful appearance of solid gold at a fraction of the cost, making it a popular choice for fashion-conscious individuals who appreciate the warm glow of gold without the hefty price tag. However, gold plated jewelry requires more careful maintenance than solid gold pieces because the gold layer is relatively thin and can be damaged by improper cleaning methods. Understanding how gold plating works and learning the correct cleaning techniques will help you keep your gold plated pieces looking beautiful for years to come.
Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold onto a base metal, typically brass, copper, or sterling silver, through a process called electroplating. The gold layer is usually between 0.5 and 2.5 microns thick, which is significantly thinner than gold-filled or solid gold jewelry. This thin layer is what gives the piece its golden appearance, but it also makes it more vulnerable to wear, scratching, and chemical damage.
Over time, gold plated jewelry naturally loses some of its luster due to exposure to air, moisture, skin oils, perfumes, lotions, and everyday wear. The gold layer can become tarnished, dull, or discolored, and in some cases, the base metal may begin to show through in areas of heavy wear. Regular, gentle cleaning can slow this process and help maintain the jewelry's appearance, but it's important to use methods that won't accelerate the wear of the gold layer.
What Causes Gold Plated Jewelry to Tarnish
Before diving into cleaning methods, understanding what causes gold plated jewelry to tarnish can help you take preventive measures. The primary culprits behind tarnishing are exposure to chemicals, moisture, friction, and the natural acids in your skin.
Perfumes, hair sprays, lotions, and sunscreens contain chemicals that can react with the gold plating and cause it to break down or discolor. Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs is particularly damaging to gold plating. Even household cleaning products and hand sanitizers can affect the gold layer over time.
Sweat and natural body oils contain acids and salts that can gradually erode the gold plating. People with more acidic skin chemistry may notice that their gold plated jewelry tarnishes more quickly than it does for others. This is completely normal and simply means more diligent cleaning and maintenance are necessary.
Friction from regular wear causes the thin gold layer to gradually wear away, particularly in areas that experience the most contact, such as the inside of rings, clasps on necklaces, and the backs of earrings. While this wear is inevitable, gentle cleaning practices and careful handling can help minimize unnecessary abrasion.
The Warm Water and Mild Soap Method
The safest and most recommended method for cleaning gold plated jewelry is the warm water and mild soap technique. This gentle approach effectively removes dirt, oils, and light tarnish without risking damage to the delicate gold layer. It should be your go-to cleaning method for routine maintenance.
Start by filling a small bowl with warm, not hot, water. Hot water can cause the gold plating to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracking or peeling. Add two to three drops of a mild, phosphate-free liquid dish soap to the water and stir gently to create a light lather. Avoid using harsh detergents, antibacterial soaps, or any products containing bleach or ammonia.
Place your gold plated jewelry in the soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking period allows the warm water and soap to loosen dirt, oils, and other buildup without the need for scrubbing. For pieces with intricate designs or small crevices, a slightly longer soak of up to 20 minutes can help loosen debris from hard-to-reach areas.
After soaking, remove the jewelry and gently clean it using a very soft cloth or a cotton swab. Never use abrasive materials such as paper towels, rough cloths, or scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the gold surface. A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth is ideal. For delicate areas, a cotton ball or the soft bristles of a baby toothbrush can be used with extremely gentle, light pressure.
Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under lukewarm running water to remove all soap residue. Soap left on the surface can leave a filmy residue that dulls the shine. Pat the jewelry dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Never let gold plated jewelry air dry, as water spots and mineral deposits from tap water can mar the surface.
The Baking Soda Paste Method for Stubborn Tarnish
For gold plated jewelry that has developed more noticeable tarnish or discoloration, a baking soda paste can be carefully used for deeper cleaning. However, this method should be used sparingly, as baking soda is mildly abrasive and overuse can wear down the gold layer.
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a thin, smooth paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste. Avoid making the paste too thick or gritty, as larger granules of baking soda can scratch the gold surface. Apply the paste to the jewelry using your fingertip or a soft cloth, gently rubbing in small circular motions.
Focus on areas where tarnish is most visible, and avoid applying excessive pressure. The baking soda paste works through gentle chemical action rather than abrasion, so let the paste do the work rather than pressing hard. After applying, let the paste sit on the jewelry for two to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
This method should not be used more than once every few months, and only when the warm water and soap method isn't sufficient to restore the jewelry's appearance. If you find yourself needing to clean with baking soda frequently, it may be a sign that your jewelry needs professional re-plating.
White Vinegar Cleaning Method
White vinegar is a natural, gentle cleaning agent that can help remove light tarnish and restore shine to gold plated jewelry. Its mild acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits and oxidation without being harsh enough to damage the gold plating when used properly.
Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a small bowl. Place your gold plated jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The vinegar solution will work to break down tarnish and residue on the surface.
After soaking, remove the jewelry and wipe it gently with a soft cloth. If any tarnish remains, you can dip the soft cloth in the vinegar solution and gently rub the affected areas. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under lukewarm running water to remove all traces of vinegar, then dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
Do not soak gold plated jewelry in vinegar for extended periods, as prolonged exposure to acid can damage the gold layer and the base metal underneath. Limit vinegar soaking to no more than 15 minutes, and use this method no more than once a month.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Gold Plated Jewelry
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing the proper cleaning methods. Several common cleaning practices that work well for solid gold or silver jewelry can be disastrous for gold plated pieces.
Never use commercial jewelry cleaning solutions designed for solid gold or silver on gold plated jewelry. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can strip the gold layer or cause discoloration. Similarly, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, which use high-frequency sound waves to clean jewelry, can damage the thin gold plating and should be avoided entirely.
Do not use abrasive materials such as baking soda in its dry form, toothpaste, scouring pads, steel wool, or rough cloths. These materials will scratch and wear away the gold layer quickly. Even paper towels, which may seem soft, have a texture that can create micro-scratches on delicate gold plating.
Avoid using rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, or any solvent-based cleaners on gold plated jewelry. These chemicals can dissolve the adhesion between the gold layer and the base metal, causing the plating to peel, bubble, or flake off. Chlorine bleach is also extremely damaging and should never come in contact with gold plated pieces.
Do not attempt to polish gold plated jewelry using commercial metal polishes or polishing compounds. Polishing works by removing a thin layer of metal to reveal a fresh, shiny surface underneath. With gold plated jewelry, polishing removes the very gold layer you're trying to preserve, exposing the base metal beneath.
Preventive Care and Storage Tips
The best way to keep your gold plated jewelry looking its best is to prevent tarnish and damage before they occur. A few simple habits can significantly extend the life and appearance of your gold plated pieces.
Always apply perfume, hairspray, lotion, and sunscreen before putting on your gold plated jewelry. Allow these products to fully absorb into your skin before wearing your jewelry. This minimizes direct chemical contact with the gold plating and helps prevent accelerated tarnishing.
Remove gold plated jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising, or doing household chores. Chlorinated water, saltwater, sweat, and cleaning chemicals are all damaging to gold plating. Make it a habit to take off your jewelry before any activity that involves water or chemicals.
After each wearing, gently wipe your gold plated jewelry with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils, sweat, and any surface contaminants. This simple step takes only a few seconds but can significantly slow the tarnishing process by removing corrosive substances before they have time to react with the gold layer.
Store gold plated jewelry in individual soft pouches or in a jewelry box with separate compartments lined with soft fabric. This prevents pieces from rubbing against each other, which can cause scratches and accelerated wear. Anti-tarnish strips placed in your jewelry storage area can also help absorb moisture and slow the oxidation process.
Avoid storing gold plated jewelry in bathrooms, where humidity levels are high, or in direct sunlight, which can cause discoloration over time. A cool, dry location with consistent temperature and low humidity is ideal for long-term storage.
When to Seek Professional Help
Despite your best cleaning and care efforts, gold plating will eventually wear thin over time, especially on frequently worn pieces. When cleaning no longer restores the shine, or when the base metal begins showing through, it may be time to consider professional re-plating.
Many jewelers offer re-plating services, where a fresh layer of gold is applied to the piece through the electroplating process. This can restore the jewelry to its original appearance for a fraction of the cost of buying a new piece. The cost of re-plating varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece and the thickness of the gold layer applied.
Consider professional cleaning for particularly valuable or sentimental gold plated pieces. A professional jeweler can assess the condition of the plating, clean the piece safely, and recommend the best course of action for maintaining or restoring the jewelry.
Conclusion
Cleaning gold plated jewelry doesn't have to be complicated or risky. By using gentle cleaning methods like warm soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, and practicing good preventive care habits, you can keep your gold plated pieces looking luminous and beautiful for years. Remember that the key to maintaining gold plated jewelry is gentleness in every aspect of care, from cleaning and handling to storage and wearing. Treat your gold plated pieces with the care they deserve, and they'll continue to add a touch of golden elegance to your wardrobe for a long time to come.
