Short answer: put jewellery on last and take it off first, keep it away from water, perfume and chemicals, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store each piece on its own in a pouch. Below is a plain-English guide to caring for gold-plated jewellery so it keeps its warm colour for as long as possible.
Jewellery care at a glance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Getting ready | Perfume, lotion and hairspray first, jewellery last |
| Before water or sport | Take it off - showering, swimming, the gym, cleaning |
| After wearing | Wipe with a soft dry cloth |
| Storage | Each piece in its own pouch, chains laid flat |
| Never | Silver dips, toothpaste, abrasive polishes, chlorine, salt water |
Why does gold-plated jewellery change colour over time?
Plating is a thin layer of gold-coloured metal on top of a base metal. Perfume, lotion, sweat, chlorine, salt water and friction slowly wear that layer, especially on rings and bracelets that rub against surfaces. PVD plating, which bonds the layer to the steel in a vacuum chamber, is more resistant to everyday wear than a standard flash plating, but no plating lasts for ever.
When should I put my jewellery on and take it off?
Put it on last, after perfume, lotion, make-up and hairspray have dried, and take it off first - before showering, bathing, swimming, exercise, cleaning and going to bed.
Can I wear gold-plated jewellery in the shower?
We recommend taking it off. Soap and shampoo leave a film that dulls the finish, and hot water and chemicals shorten the life of the plating.
How do I clean gold-plated jewellery?
Wipe each piece with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after wearing. If it needs more, use a drop of mild soap in lukewarm water, rinse, and pat completely dry. Never use silver dips, toothpaste, abrasive polishes or chemically treated polishing cloths - they remove plating.
How should I store my jewellery?
Store each piece on its own in a soft pouch, away from humidity and direct sunlight, so pieces do not scratch each other. Lay flat chains such as herringbone straight rather than bunched up, because flat links can kink if folded.
Is gold-plated stainless steel suitable for sensitive skin?
Stainless steel contains a small amount of nickel bound within the alloy, so we cannot promise it will suit every metal allergy. If you have a known allergy, check with your doctor or pharmacist before wearing it, and stop wearing a piece if irritation occurs.
Pieces to start with
Our everyday favourites are the Herringbone Chain Necklace, the Chunky Dome Hoop Earrings and the Adjustable Dome Ring. Browse Necklaces & Bracelets and Earrings & Rings, or read our FAQ for delivery and returns. Every Orevella piece is 316L stainless steel with an 18k gold PVD plating - not solid gold. Every order ships free across the UK with Royal Mail, and you have 30 days from delivery to return anything unworn.