Gold-plated jewellery is designed to give the look of gold over another base material. Because the gold layer sits at the surface, gentle care is important if you want to reduce avoidable wear and keep the finish looking its best.
How to clean gold-plated jewellery
For routine cleaning, use a clean, soft, dry or only slightly damp cloth and wipe the surface gently. Avoid abrasive cloths, polishing compounds and harsh household cleaners because they can accelerate wear to a plated finish.
Should you soak gold-plated jewellery?
Long soaking is usually unnecessary. Water itself is only one part of the issue: soap, shampoo, chlorine, salt, cleaning chemicals and friction can all affect a plated surface. If a piece becomes wet, dry it carefully before storing it.
Can you shower with gold-plated jewellery?
Even when jewellery is described as water-resistant, removing plated jewellery before showering can help reduce repeated exposure to soaps, shampoo and friction. Water resistance should not be interpreted as a guarantee that plating can never wear.
Can you swim in gold-plated jewellery?
It is best to avoid swimming with plated jewellery. Chlorinated pools and salt water can be harder on plated finishes, and swimming also increases the chance of impact, abrasion or losing a piece.
How to help prevent visible tarnish and wear
- Apply perfume, sunscreen, moisturiser and hairspray before putting jewellery on.
- Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising heavily or using cleaning chemicals.
- Wipe pieces gently after wear, especially after hot or humid days.
- Store jewellery dry and separately to reduce scratching and friction.
- Avoid abrasive silver or metal polishes on plated surfaces unless the product instructions specifically permit them.
Why can plated jewellery change over time?
Plating is a surface finish. Friction, moisture, body chemistry, cosmetics and frequency of wear can gradually change its appearance. There is no universal lifespan for a plated finish because real-world wear varies considerably between people and pieces.
Clair De Lune gold finishes
Clair De Lune gold styles use 18K gold plating where specified on the product page. Exact base materials and construction vary by design, so use each product listing as the final material reference.
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