Caring for your jewellery, gold plated and sterling silver
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction
Jewellery has a special place in our lives. It’s not just about accessorising — it’s about expressing who we are, marking milestones, and sometimes holding deep sentimental value. Whether it’s a gold-plated necklace you bought to keep up with the latest fashion trend, or a sterling silver bracelet that’s been your go-to piece for years, caring for your jewellery means it will keep its shine, stay wearable for longer, and always look beautiful when you put it on.
Over the years of running my jewellery business, I’ve seen many trends come and go — from boho-style disc necklaces to today’s love affair with charms. Fashion moves quickly, but the pieces we collect along the way can stay with us for years if we care for them properly. Here’s my simple guide to keeping both gold-plated and sterling silver jewellery in the best condition.
Caring for Jewellery - Gold Plated
Gold-plated jewellery is a fantastic option if you love the look of gold but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on solid gold pieces. Typically, it’s made with a base metal (at I Dream of Silver, this is sterling silver) and coated with a thin layer of gold, usually around 0.5 microns thick.
That means you get the best of both worlds: quality and durability from the sterling silver base, with the luxurious look of gold on the surface. It’s also budget-friendly, letting you stay on-trend without breaking the bank. If charms are in fashion this season (as they are right now), you can enjoy them without worrying about investing in something that may only be on trend for a year or two.
Tips for Keeping Your Gold-Plated Jewellery Looking Good
Best ways for caring for your jewellery:
Keep your jewellery dry: Remove your pieces before swimming, showering, or exercising. Water, sweat, and humidity can all wear away the thin layer of gold over time.
Avoid lotions and sprays: Lotions, perfumes, hairspray and cleaning chemicals can damage the plating. Always apply these products first, let them fully absorb into your skin, and only then put your jewellery on.
Gentle cleaning only: Like your skin, gold plated jewellery needs to be treated with care when cleaning. Wipe your jewellery after each wear with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, harsh polishing or chemicals, as these can rub away the plating.
Store pieces separately: While this may sound onerous, it doesn't have to be. Place each piece in a soft pouch or its own compartment inside a jewellery box. This prevents scratches, but it also stops necklaces from tangling with one another — a small step that saves you hours of frustration later.
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Tips for Caring for Your Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s made up of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically made from copper. This combination makes it stronger and more practical than pure silver, which is too soft to wear every day. When the metal is too soft, you may find it will bend and get worn with everyday knocks and wear and tear.
One of the great benefits of sterling silver is that it’s more resilient than gold plating. You can even wear it in the shower without worrying about ruining it. However, silver naturally oxidises when it reacts with oxygen in the air. This is why silver pieces may darken over time — which is completely normal. Some people love the darker, antique look, while others prefer their silver to stay bright and shiny.
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Tips for Keeping Your Sterling Silver Jewellery Looking Good
Wear it often: The natural oils in your skin actually help protect silver from tarnishing. Don’t leave it sitting in a drawer for months at a time.
Regular polishing: Use a special silver polishing cloth to restore shine. Avoid tissues or paper towels as they can scratch.
Safe storage: Store silver pieces in an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight bag when not in use to reduce exposure to air.
Tip for Cleaning Stubborn Tarnishing: For chains and plain silver jewellery without stones, you can use a home cleaning trick which I find works a treat every time.
1) Line a non-stick pan with aluminium foil.
2) Add your jewellery, and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over it.
3) Pour in boiling water and let it boil for minute or so.
The tarnish will transfer to the foil, leaving your silver brighter. Important: don’t use this method if your silver jewellery includes gemstones, as the process can be too harsh for them.
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Regardless of the type of jewellery, there are a few golden rules:
Last on, first off: Make jewellery the final step in your routine and the first thing you remove at the end of the day.
Clean regularly: Wiping down your pieces after each wear keeps them fresh and prevents build-up.
Dedicated storage: A lined jewellery box with compartments is the best way to keep everything organised, protected, and tangle-free.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re following the latest trends with gold-plated charms or treasuring a sterling silver necklace you’ve had for years, a little extra care makes all the difference. Gold plating can be delicate, but when treated gently it allows you to enjoy the look of gold without overspending. Sterling silver may tarnish, but it’s easy to bring back to life with polishing or a simple cleaning method at home.
Looking after your jewellery is about more than maintenance — it’s about making sure your favourite pieces are always ready to wear, always beautiful, and always part of your story.
And finally, a couple more tips:
Rotate your pieces: Don’t wear the same jewellery every single day. Giving each piece a little rest reduces wear and tear, especially for delicate clasps or chains.
Check your clasps and settings: Every so often, inspect the clasps, hooks, and any stone settings. Catching a loose clasp early can save you from losing a favourite piece.
Travel smart: When travelling, use a small travel jewellery case or roll. This prevents scratches, knots, and the risk of pieces getting crushed in your bag.
The Author : Ruth Chambers
Ruth swapped her corporate life of marketing events, financial services and then teaching for her true passion — jewellery. Originally from the UK and now based in Sydney, she runs I Dream of Silver , where every piece is chosen with love. From hunting for treasures in her mum’s jewellery box as a child to curating her own collection, jewellery has always been part of her story. Now she shares that joy with women who want pieces that feel both beautiful and meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear your jewellery in the shower or while swimming?
To protect your jewellery, we recommend removing it before swimming, showering, or exercising.
How should I clean and care for my jewellery?
Store your jewellery in a dry place and clean with a soft polishing cloth. Keep it dry for best results.
What materials do you use in your jewellery?
All our pieces are crafted from high-quality sterling silver or gold plating over sterling silver. We choose only materials that look beautiful and last.
How can I contact you if I have a question?
Email us anytime at Ruth@idreamofsilver.com — we love to help.
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