Jewelry Care Tips for 18k Gold Plated & 925 Sterling Silver

Jewelry Care Tips for 18k Gold Plated & 925 Sterling Silver

ISHI is a jewelry brand known for its stylish and high-quality pieces. The brand specializes in 18k gold plated and 925 sterling silver jewelry, offering a wide range of designs that cater to contemporary fashion trends. Our collections typically feature a variety of pieces including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, all designed to provide an elegant yet affordable option for jewelry enthusiasts.

What is Gold-Plated jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry refers to items that are made from a base metal, such as copper, brass, or silver, and then coated with a thin layer of gold. This layer is usually applied through a process called electroplating, where the base metal is submerged in a solution containing gold ions and an electric current is used to bond the gold to the metal's surface.

What is Sterling Silver jewelry?

Sterling silver jewelry is made from sterling silver, which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The addition of other metals strengthens the silver, making it more durable and suitable for use in jewelry.

Tips to take care of Gold-Plated & Sterling Silver Jewelry:

1. Apply perfumes & makeup first

Applying perfumes and moisturizers well before wearing your jewelry is essential to preserve its beauty and longevity. Perfumes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can react with metals and gemstones, leading to tarnishing, changes in color, or damage. Moisturizers often have oils and chemicals that can leave a residue, dulling the shine and causing build-up. To protect your jewelry, apply these products first, allowing them to fully absorb into your skin, typically waiting at least 10–15 minutes before putting on your jewelry.

2. Keep it dry

Avoid wearing jewelry while showering, swimming, or exercising to maintain its condition and longevity. When showering, exposure to water and soap can cause a buildup of residue on the jewelry, dulling its shine and potentially leading to tarnishing, especially for pieces made from sterling silver or gold plating. Chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pools can react with metals and gemstones, causing discoloration and structural damage over time. During exercise, sweat can be corrosive, particularly to metals, and the physical activity increases the risk of scratching or bending delicate pieces. To ensure your jewelry remains beautiful and intact, it is best to remove it before engaging in these activities.

3. Handle with Care

Proper handling of your jewelry is crucial to maintaining its beauty & appearance . Wearing or removing jewelry should be done carefully. Over-stretching can cause breaking, particularly in delicate parts. Regularly clean your jewelry using appropriate methods for each type of material to keep it looking its best. By treating your jewelry with care, you can enjoy its sparkle and elegance for years to come.

4. Use a jewelry cloth

There will be a time when you need to clean your gold-plated/sterling silver jewelry, especially if you wear it every day. With a light hand, carefully use a jewelry polishing cloth, specifically designed for cleaning gold/silver, to clean your pieces and bring back their dazzling properties. Just be careful not to rub too hard to avoid removing the gold plating. Make sure to thoroughly dry your pieces before wearing them again. For pieces that are heavily tarnished or the gold plating has rubbed off to reveal the base metal underneath, you need professional help from a jeweler to get your pieces re-plated.

5. Remove jewelry before sleeping

Removing jewelry before bed is not only a practical habit but also a way to ensure the safety of your precious pieces. You might be getting your beauty sleep, but your jewelry pieces certainly won’t be. Movements during sleep can cause jewelry to snag on bedding or clothing, leading to bending, breakage, or loss of gemstones. Removing jewelry minimizes the risk of damage during nighttime activities.

6. Keep jewelry away from harsh chemicals

Jewelry must be kept away from harsh chemicals in order to retain its lifespan and look. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, chlorine, and certain cosmetics can accelerate tarnishing and cause discoloration, particularly in metals like silver and gold. Remove jewelry before engaging in activities involving harsh chemicals, such as cleaning, swimming in chlorinated pools, or using beauty products containing strong chemicals.

7. Store your jewelry in a cool & dry place

If you leave a fancy car out in the rain, what happens? It gets dirty! You need appropriate storage for your stunning pieces. And, you need to be diligent about maintenance. When not wearing your jewelry, store each piece of jewelry separately in soft pouches or individual compartments within a jewelry box to prevent scratching and tangling. Use anti-tarnish strips or papers in your jewelry storage to help prevent tarnishing, especially for silver jewelry.