Proper care of your gold and silver jewelry will ensure its beauty and longevity for years to come. Solid gold and sterling silver pieces are more durable but still require gentle cleaning and thoughtful storage. Gold plated pieces, on the other hand, require extra care to protect the thin gold layer and preserve their shine. By following these simple care guidelines, you can enjoy your jewelry for a long time!

General Care Tips

  • Be gentle: Always handle your jewelry with care to avoid bending, scratching, or damaging the metal or setting.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry during physical activity: For both gold and silver, it’s a good idea to remove jewelry during exercise, cleaning, or any activity that may subject the piece to impact or abrasion.
  • Keep your jewelry dry: Water, especially saltwater or chlorinated water, can damage both solid and plated jewelry. Always remove jewelry before swimming or showering.
  • Polish regularly: Regularly polishing your jewelry with a soft cloth will help maintain its luster and shine. Be especially cautious with plated pieces, as excessive polishing may wear off the plating.

Solid Gold Jewelry Care

Solid gold is durable but still needs care to maintain its shine.

Cleaning:

  • Regularly wipe with a soft cloth to remove dirt.
  • For deeper cleaning, soak in warm water with mild soap for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse with lukewarm water. Dry with a soft cloth.

Storage:

  • Keep in a soft pouch or jewelry box to avoid scratches.
  • Store separately from other jewelry to prevent damage.

Precautions:

  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals like cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions.
  • Remove before swimming or working with chemicals.

Plated Gold Jewelry Care

Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold that can wear off over time.

Cleaning:

  • Wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Avoid scrubbing.

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight bag or box to minimize exposure to air.
  • Keep away from other jewelry to prevent scratching.

Precautions:

  • Avoid water, lotions, perfumes, and chemicals, as they can wear off the plating.
  • Remove before exercise, cleaning, or swimming.

Silver Jewelry Care

Sterling silver can tarnish but is easy to care for.

Cleaning:

  • Wipe regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils.
  • For tarnish, use a silver polish cloth or a baking soda paste. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Storage:

  • Keep in a cool, dry place, ideally in an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth bag.
  • Use silica gel packs to absorb moisture if needed.

Precautions:

  • Remove before swimming in chlorinated or salty water.
  • Keep away from lotions, perfumes, and chemicals.

Additionally, many jewelers offer professional cleaning and repair services, for a small charge. Should the gold plating wear off on one of your pieces, the gold re-plating process is simple and budget-friendly. The Gilded Horse does not currently offer gold re-plating services.