How to care for your jewelry: tips for plated, silver, vermeil, and gold pieces
Jewelry holds memories, beauty, and timeless elegance. With the right care, your pieces—whether plated, silver, vermeil, or gold—will shine brilliantly for years to come. Here's a complete guide to keep your treasures in pristine condition.
Caring for plated jewelry
Avoid chemicals: Keep plated jewelry away from perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners, as these can damage the delicate layer of plating.
Water is the enemy: Remove plated pieces before showering, swimming, or washing your hands. Moisture can cause the plating to fade.
Store carefully: Place your jewelry in a small, airtight box when not in use to prevent premature wear and oxidation.
Caring for silver jewelry
Shield from air and light: Silver tarnishes over time when exposed to air and light. Store your pieces in an airtight jewelry box or pouch to slow this process.
Polish gently: If tarnish appears, use natural solutions like pierre d’argile (clay stone) or Blanc de Meudon to restore shine.
Use specialized cleaners: Products like Hagerty silver cleaner offer deep cleaning without scratching the metal.
Caring for vermeil jewelry
Vermeil—a thick layer (18k) of gold over sterling silver—requires special care to preserve its beauty:
Avoid abrasive cleaning: Never use rough cloths or harsh chemicals, as these can wear down the gold layer. Instead, gently clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
Keep it dry: Remove vermeil jewelry before exposure to water, humidity, or sweat to prevent fading and dullness.
Store separately: To avoid scratches, store vermeil pieces individually in soft pouches or lined jewelry boxes.
Caring for solid gold jewelry
Gold, though durable, also needs regular maintenance:
Daily cleaning: Gently wipe your gold jewelry with a soft cloth to remove oils and dirt.
Occasional deep cleaning: Soak the jewelry in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft towel.
Polishing: For extra shine, use a professional gold polishing cloth or have it cleaned professionally every now and then.
Mind the storage: Store gold pieces separately to avoid scratches, as gold is a soft metal.
Timeless care for timeless pieces
By following these tailored care tips, your jewelry—whether plated, silver, vermeil, or gold—will remain beautiful for years to come. Treat each piece like a cherished memory, and it will reward you with lasting elegance and shine.
