Jewelry Care & Materials

A little care helps your jewelry keep its shine. Here’s what to expect from gold-plated pieces and how to look after them.

Materials

For pieces described as 18k gold-plated stainless steel, the base is stainless steel with a layer of 18k gold plating on the surface. Gold-plated jewelry is not solid gold. Check each product description for its specific materials, as finishes may vary by piece.

Water and tarnish

Stainless steel resists corrosion, but gold plating can wear or lose its shine with time. An occasional splash is unlikely to ruin a piece immediately, but it’s best to remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or washing with soap. Water, sweat, chlorine, salt, and repeated friction can shorten the life of the finish. We don’t promise that plated jewelry will never tarnish, fade, or discolor skin; wear and individual skin chemistry vary.

Perfume and lotion

Apply perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry. Let them dry first, and avoid direct contact with cleaning products and other chemicals.

Cleaning

After wearing, gently wipe your piece with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly. Avoid soaking, scrubbing, polishing compounds, abrasive cloths, ultrasonic cleaners, and harsh jewelry solutions, which may damage the plating.

Storage

Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined box in a cool, dry place. Keep them out of humid bathrooms and away from other pieces that might scratch the finish.

If plating fades

Plating can gradually wear with use. Stop using abrasive cleaners, keep the piece dry, and contact us through the store’s contact options with a photo and your order details if the wear seems unexpected. We can review the concern and let you know what options are available; this guide does not create a guarantee about plating lifespan.