Jewellery Care 101: How to Keep Your Pieces Looking New
Written by Pellington
Good jewellery deserves a little care, and the good news is that looking after tarnish-free gold-plated pieces is refreshingly simple, and mostly in your favour. Here is how to keep yours looking brand new, including the honest truth about water.
Why jewellery loses its shine
Most dullness does not come from water. It comes from the residue of everyday life: perfume, lotion, sunscreen, hairspray and natural oils building up on the surface, plus scratches from pieces knocking together in a drawer. Quality plating resists all of this far better than cheap jewellery, but a few habits keep it looking its best.
Daily habits that make the biggest difference
- Jewellery on last. Put pieces on after perfume, lotion and hairspray have dried. This one habit prevents most build-up and is the single best thing you can do.
- Wipe after wear. A quick pass with a soft, dry cloth at the end of the day removes oils before they settle.
- Take care with hand cream. Rings pick up lotion fastest, so wipe them if your hands feel greasy.
The truth about water
Here is where quality gold-plated jewellery differs from delicate fine pieces. Because every Pellington piece is 18k PVD gold-plated stainless steel, it is waterproof and tarnish-free, so you do not need to take it off to wash your hands, shower or swim. You will read advice telling you to remove jewellery before water, and that is true for soft solid-gold and gemstone pieces, but it does not apply to tarnish-free stainless steel. The only tip worth following: after the pool or the sea, give pieces a quick rinse in fresh water to remove chlorine and salt, then pat dry. That keeps them at their brightest.
How to store your jewellery
- Store pieces dry and separate, in a pouch, a lined box, or the box your order arrived in, so they do not scratch each other.
- Keep necklaces clasped to stop them tangling.
- For travel, wrap pieces in a soft cloth or use a small jewellery roll.
How to clean gold-plated jewellery at home
Cleaning is gentle and quick:
- Add a drop of mild soap to a bowl of warm (not hot) water.
- Dip a soft cloth or very soft brush and wipe the piece gently.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. These are too aggressive for plated jewellery and can wear the finish. Gentle is all you need.
How often should you clean?
A quick wipe after wear is enough for most pieces. A gentle soap-and-water clean every few weeks, or whenever a piece looks dull, keeps everything bright. Pieces you wear daily, like rings, benefit from slightly more frequent attention because they meet the most lotion and soap.
What not to do
Skip the abrasive polishes and "jewellery cleaning" dips meant for solid gold or silver, they are too harsh for plating. And do not store pieces loose in a bag where they rub together. That is really the whole list.
Made to last, easy to keep new.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower and swim in Pellington jewellery?
Yes. Every piece is waterproof, tarnish-free 18k gold-plated stainless steel, so showering and swimming are fine. Just rinse with fresh water after the pool or sea to remove chlorine and salt.
How do I clean gold-plated jewellery?
Use warm water with a drop of mild soap, wipe gently with a soft cloth, rinse and dry. Avoid abrasives, toothpaste, baking soda and ultrasonic cleaners.
Why does my jewellery look dull?
Usually build-up from perfume, lotion and natural oils rather than water damage. A gentle clean restores the shine. Putting jewellery on last helps prevent it.
How should I store my jewellery?
Dry and separate, so pieces do not scratch each other. Keep necklaces clasped to avoid tangles, and use a pouch or lined box.
Will gold-plated jewellery tarnish over time?
Quality 18k PVD plating is tarnish-free and, with basic care, keeps its colour for years. Every Pellington piece carries a 1-year tarnish-free warranty.
Your jewellery, looking new
Caring for tarnish-free gold-plated jewellery comes down to a few easy habits: jewellery on last, rinse after the sea or pool, gentle cleaning, and separate storage. Do that and your pieces stay bright for years. Browse the collection in our best-sellers.
