Short answer: put gold-plated jewellery on last and take it off first - after perfume and lotion, before water, exercise and cleaning - wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and store each piece on its own. Below is everything you need to keep 18k gold-plated stainless steel looking its best for longer.
Gold-plated jewellery care at a glance
| When | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting ready | Perfume, lotion and hairspray first, jewellery last | Chemicals wear plating |
| Water and exercise | Take it off before showering, swimming and the gym | Water, chlorine and sweat speed up wear |
| After wearing | Wipe with a soft dry cloth | Removes oils and residue |
| Storage | One piece per pouch, chains fastened | No scratches or tangles |
What is gold-plated jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal. At Ovelira the base is 316L stainless steel and the plating is 18k gold. It gives the warm look of gold at a lower price, but it is not solid gold and it is not hallmarked precious metal.
Does gold plating wear off?
Yes, gradually. Plating is a thin layer, so friction, water, sweat, perfume and cleaning products slowly wear it away. How long it lasts depends on how often you wear a piece and how you care for it - rings and bracelets usually wear faster than earrings and pendants because they rub against more surfaces.
Can I shower or swim in gold-plated jewellery?
It is best to take it off. Soap, chlorine and salt water speed up wear on the plating, and glass pearls can lose their lustre in water. Put your jewellery back on once your skin is dry.
How do I clean gold-plated jewellery?
Wipe it gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after wearing. If it needs more, use a drop of mild soap in lukewarm water, rinse quickly, and dry it straight away. Avoid jewellery dips, toothpaste, baking soda and polishing cloths with abrasives - they remove plating.
How should I store it?
Store each piece on its own in a soft pouch, away from moisture and direct sunlight, so pieces do not scratch or tangle. Fasten chains before storing them and keep snake chains flat so they do not kink.
Is stainless steel jewellery OK for sensitive skin?
316L stainless steel is widely worn for everyday jewellery. Like all stainless steel it contains nickel bound within the alloy, so no one can promise it suits every metal allergy. If you have a known allergy, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, and stop wearing a piece if irritation occurs.
Pieces to start with
For an everyday chain, try the Paperclip Chain Necklace; for a small point of sparkle, the Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace; and for your ears, the Dome Hoop Earrings. Browse Necklaces & Pendants and Earrings & Rings, or read our FAQ for delivery and returns. Every order ships free across the UK with Royal Mail, and you have 30 days from delivery to return anything unworn.