You've found the perfect piece — now let's make sure it stays that way. Gold-plated and sterling silver jewelry are both beautiful and durable, but they do require a little love to keep them looking their best. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding the Difference
Gold-plated jewelry is made from a base metal (like titanium steel or alloy) coated with a thin layer of gold. The plating gives it that warm, luxurious look at an accessible price point. Sterling silver (925) is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals for strength — it's a fine jewelry material that can last a lifetime with proper care.
How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewelry
Do:
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and sweat
- Store in a jewelry pouch or box away from direct sunlight and humidity
- Put your jewelry on last — after perfume, lotion, and hairspray
- Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising
Don't:
- Expose to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or saltwater
- Use abrasive cloths or jewelry cleaners not designed for plated pieces
- Store pieces tangled together — friction wears down the plating faster
With proper care, pieces like our 18K Gold-Plated Chunky Chain Link Bracelet and 18K Gold-Plated Flower Bracelet will maintain their warm glow for years.
How to Care for Sterling Silver (925) Jewelry
Do:
- Polish regularly with a soft silver polishing cloth to restore shine
- Store in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not wearing
- Clean with mild soap and warm water for a deeper clean — then dry thoroughly
- Wear it often — the natural oils in your skin actually help keep silver shiny
Don't:
- Leave it exposed to air for long periods — this causes tarnishing
- Use toothpaste or baking soda (too abrasive for fine silver)
- Expose to chlorine, bleach, or harsh household cleaners
- Store with rubber bands — rubber accelerates tarnishing
Our sterling silver pieces — like the 925 Sterling Silver Butterfly Bracelet and the 925 Sterling Silver Planet Bracelet — are crafted to last. A little care goes a long way.
What About Tarnish?
Tarnish is a natural reaction that happens when silver (or the baremovese metals in gold-plated pieces) are exposed to air, moisture, and sulfur compounds. It doesn't mean your jewelry is low quality — it just means it needs a little attention. A quick buff with a polishing cloth usually does the trick for silver. For gold-plated pieces, prevention is the best approach.
Quick Reference Guide
- ✅ Wipe after wearing
- ✅ Store separately in pouches
- ✅ Put on last, take off first
- ❌ No perfume, chlorine, or saltwater
- ❌ No abrasive cleaners
- ❌ No tangled storage
Taking care of your jewelry is an act of self-care too. Browse our full Jewelry for Women collection and invest in pieces worth keeping.
Vic xox