How to care for your fine gold plated jewelry?
My tips for preserving their shine 💛
By Agathe · Hirondelle Bijoux · Brittany
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You've been wearing one of my pieces for a few months, and you notice it's starting to lose some of its golden luster?
First and foremost, know that this is completely normal — and it's also a good opportunity to understand how to care for your jewelry so it can accompany you for a long time to come.
At Hirondelle Bijoux, my creations are made of brass, then gold-plated with fine gold by electrolysis.
This process, which I chose for its quality and luminous finish, deposits a thin layer of real gold on the surface of the metal.
This is what gives my jewelry its warm and precious color — but it also requires a little extra care.
In this article, I explain everything: why the gold plating can wear off, how to clean your jewelry without damaging it, and how to store it to preserve that beautiful layer of fine gold.
✨ What you will learn in this article:
• What fine gold electroplating is (and why it's different from classic gold plating)
• Why the gold layer can wear off over time
• Gentle gestures to clean your jewelry without damaging it
• What to absolutely avoid to prevent premature wear of the gold plating
• How to store them properly to extend their lifespan
1. Fine gold electroplating: what exactly is it?
Electrolysis — or galvanic plating — is a process that involves depositing a thin layer of pure gold on the surface of brass jewelry,
using an electric current in a gold salt bath.
It is a technique used in quality jewelry, very different from simple cheap plating.
I work with specialized master gilders in Paris for this step.
The deposited gold layer is thin but real — it's genuine gold — which gives my jewelry its unique warm color and durability.
But precisely because this layer is thin, it requires a little more gentleness than solid gold.
The good news? With the right habits, your jewelry will keep all its sparkle for many, many years.
2. Why can the gold layer wear off?
This is the question I get asked most often.
The gold layer deposited by electrolysis is by definition thin — this is what allows for light and accessible jewelry.
It can therefore gradually wear off due to several factors:
→ Friction: repeated contact areas (inside of a ring, clasp of a bracelet, back of an earring...).
→ Perspiration and skin pH: some people have more acidic skin, which naturally accelerates the wear of the plating.
This is not a defect of the jewelry, it is simply the chemistry of each skin!
→ Cosmetic products: perfumes, creams, shower gels, swimming pool water, seawater...
All these products contain chemical agents that attack the gold layer.
→ Shocks and scratches: a gilded surface scratches more easily than solid gold.
The key is to avoid these factors as much as possible so that your jewelry retains its shine for as long as possible.
3. How to clean your fine gold plated jewelry?
The number one rule with electroplated gold jewelry: gentleness above all.
Here is the method I recommend.
✦ Gentle cleaning — to be done regularly
1. Use a soft, clean cloth — ideally a microfiber cloth like a spectacle cloth.
2. Gently rub the jewelry following its shapes, without pressing.
3. If the jewelry is slightly dull, slightly dampen the cloth with white vinegar.
4. Dry immediately and completely with a dry cloth
never let moisture stagnate on the jewelry.
✦ In case of more significant tarnishing
If your jewelry is really very dull and gentle cleaning is not enough, there are wipes or solutions specially formulated for fine gold plated jewelry — available at jewelers or online.
They clean gently without attacking the plating.
And if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact me.
I can advise you according to your specific piece of jewelry.
4. What to absolutely avoid daily
Beyond cleaning, it's your daily habits that make the biggest difference.
Here are the situations to avoid:
❌ Wearing your jewelry in the shower or bath: hot water, soap, and hair products are very aggressive for the gold layer.
❌ Going to the sea or swimming pool with your jewelry: salt and chlorine are the number one enemies of gilding. Always remove your jewelry beforehand.
❌ Putting on your jewelry before perfume and cream: the golden rule? Jewelry is put on last. Especially if there are mother-of-pearl elements.
Wait until perfume, cream, and hairspray are dry before putting on your creations.
❌ Sleeping with your jewelry: nocturnal perspiration and friction against the pillow and sheets prematurely wear out the gilding.
❌ Exercising with your jewelry: sweat is acidic and weakens the gold layer. Remove your jewelry before any physical activity.
❌ Leaving them in contact with other jewelry: jewelry that rubs against each other gets damaged faster.
5. How to properly store your fine gold-plated jewelry?
Good storage is half the battle in preserving your jewelry for a long time.
→ Store each piece of jewelry separately, in its suede pouch or small box.
→ Avoid humidity: do not store in the bathroom. A bedroom drawer, a closed jewelry box, is perfect.
→ Avoid direct sunlight, which can alter some natural stones over time.
6. What if the gold layer is really worn out?
This can happen, especially on friction areas of a ring or bracelet.
If your jewelry reveals the brass under the gilding, know that it is possible to have it re-gilded.
This is a service I occasionally offer from my workshop, or you can ask a jeweler offering galvanic gilding service.
The jewelry then regains its original luster.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you are in this situation — together we will find the best solution for your jewelry.
📋 The summary to keep handy
✅ Clean with a soft, dry or very slightly damp cloth
✅ Dry immediately after any contact with water
✅ Put your jewelry ON LAST (after perfume, cream, hair styling)
✅ Store each piece of jewelry separately, away from air and humidity
✅ Remove your jewelry before showering, going to the sea, swimming pool, or exercising
❌ Never use baking soda or acidic products on fine gold plated jewelry
❌ Never use abrasive cloths, hard brushes or ultrasonic cleaning
❌ Never expose to perfume, cream or prolonged perspiration
In summary 💛
Your fine gold plated jewelry are true little treasures — and they deserve to be treated as such.
With a little care and a few simple habits, they will retain all their sparkle for years.
I put a lot of care into the making of each piece, from the design to the gilding.
That's why I love sharing these tips with you so much: because I want your jewelry to accompany you for a long time, in the moments that matter.
If you have any questions about caring for a specific piece of jewelry, I am always available via message or on Instagram.
And if this article was helpful to you, share it — it's always nice to know that my little workshop tips are making their way!
See you soon,
Agathe 🐦