You've invested in a beautiful piece of personalised jewellery — now let's make sure it stays beautiful. 18K gold plated jewellery is durable, stunning, and designed to last, but like anything worth keeping, it needs a little care. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your AUREATE pieces looking their best for years to come.
Understanding Your AUREATE Jewellery
Before we dive into care tips, it helps to understand what you're working with. AUREATE offers three metal options:
- 18K Gold Plated — Stainless steel or sterling silver base coated with 18K gold.
- 18K Gold over Sterling Silver — 925 sterling silver bonded with 3–5 microns of 18K gold for a premium finish.
- Sterling Silver (S925) — 92.5% pure silver with a rhodium finish for tarnish resistance.
Each material is hypoallergenic and built to last, but proper care extends their lifespan significantly.
Daily Care Routine
The best care routine is the simplest one — because you'll actually stick with it.
- Put jewellery on last. Get dressed, apply makeup, spray perfume, and let everything dry. Then put on your necklace or earrings. This single habit makes the biggest difference.
- Take jewellery off first. When you get home, remove your pieces before washing your hands, showering, or cooking. Make it part of your wind-down routine.
- Give it a quick wipe. Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently buff your piece before storing it. This removes oils, sweat, and residue from the day.
What to Avoid
Gold plating's biggest enemies are moisture and chemicals. Here's what to keep away from your jewellery:
- Water — Remove jewellery before showering, bathing, swimming, or washing dishes. Prolonged water exposure weakens the bond between gold and base metal.
- Chemicals — Household cleaners, chlorine, and even hand sanitiser can damage plating. If you sanitise frequently, make it a habit to remove rings and bracelets first.
- Perfume and lotions — The alcohol in perfume and the oils in moisturisers react with gold plating over time. Always apply these products first and let them dry completely before putting on jewellery.
- Sweat — Remove jewellery before workouts, yoga, or any activity that causes heavy perspiration. Sweat is acidic and accelerates wear.
- Abrasive surfaces — Avoid wearing jewellery during activities where it might rub against hard surfaces (gym equipment, rough fabrics, etc.).
How to Clean Your Gold Plated Jewellery
Cleaning is simple — and you should resist the urge to over-clean. Here's the safe method:
- Dampen a soft microfibre cloth with lukewarm water (not hot).
- Gently wipe the surface of the piece — follow the direction of any engraving or lettering.
- Immediately dry with a separate soft cloth.
- Allow the piece to air-dry completely before storing.
Never use: ultrasonic cleaners, silver polish, baking soda, toothpaste, or any abrasive cleaner. These will strip the gold layer. If your name necklace has intricate lettering, use a soft-bristle brush (like a clean makeup brush) to gently clean between letters.
Storage Tips
How you store your jewellery matters just as much as how you wear it:
- Use the AUREATE gift box. Every piece comes in a box designed for storage. Keep it — it protects against dust, moisture, and scratching.
- Store pieces separately. Gold plating can scratch when pieces rub together. Use individual pouches, compartments, or the original boxes.
- Add anti-tarnish strips. Place a small anti-tarnish strip in your jewellery box or pouch. These absorb moisture and chemicals from the air that cause tarnishing. Replace every 6–12 months.
- Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing jewellery in bathrooms (too humid) or near windows (sunlight and heat can affect plating over time).
When to Remove Your Jewellery
Make it a habit to remove your pieces before:
- Showering or bathing
- Swimming (pool, ocean, or hot tub)
- Exercising or playing sports
- Cleaning the house
- Applying makeup, perfume, or sunscreen
- Sleeping (optional, but recommended to reduce friction)
Travel Tips
Travelling with jewellery? Keep it safe:
- Use a travel jewellery case with individual compartments — or wrap each piece in a soft cloth.
- Pack jewellery in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.
- Remove jewellery before beach or pool days. Salt water and chlorine are especially harsh on plating.
- Bring a small microfibre cloth for quick wipe-downs at the end of each day.
Signs of Wear and What to Do
Even with perfect care, gold plating will eventually show signs of wear. Here's what to look for:
- Slight dulling: Normal after several months of regular wear. A gentle clean with a soft cloth often restores the shine.
- Colour change in high-friction areas: Clasps, chain links, and the back of pendants may show the base metal over time. This is cosmetic and doesn't affect wearability.
- Green or dark marks on skin: This is a reaction between the base metal and your body chemistry — not harmful, but a sign the plating has worn in that area.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pieces
Follow these habits and your AUREATE jewellery will last for years:
- Rotate your pieces. Don't wear the same necklace every day. Give each piece rest days to reduce cumulative wear.
- Follow the "last on, first off" rule. Jewellery goes on after all products have been applied and comes off first when you get home.
- Clean weekly. A quick wipe with a dry cloth once a week prevents buildup.
- Store properly. Individual pouches or compartments, away from moisture and sunlight.
- Handle with care. Put necklaces on by the clasp, not by pulling the pendant. Avoid bending or twisting chains.
With the right care, your AUREATE pieces will remain as beautiful as the day they arrived. Explore our full necklace collection and earring collection to find your next favourite piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with my 18K gold plated necklace?
No. Water — especially hot water — weakens the bond between the gold layer and the base metal over time. Always remove your jewellery before showering, bathing, or swimming. This single habit will significantly extend the life of your piece.
How long does 18K gold plated jewellery last?
With proper care (removing before water exposure, storing correctly, cleaning gently), 18K gold plated jewellery can maintain its appearance for 1–3 years of regular wear. AUREATE's 18K gold over sterling silver pieces use 3–5 microns of gold, which is thicker than industry standard and lasts longer.
How do I clean my personalised name necklace?
Gently wipe with a soft, damp microfibre cloth, then dry immediately with a separate cloth. For intricate lettering, use a clean soft-bristle brush to remove buildup between letters. Never use chemical cleaners, silver polish, or abrasive materials.
"I created AUREATE because I wanted jewellery that actually means something. Not just beautiful — but yours. Every piece we make carries a little piece of someone's story, and that's something I never take lightly."
— Aurelia, Founder of AUREATE