Caring for your gold or silver plated jewelry

One of the wonderful benefits of Gold and Gold-filled jewelry is that it doesn’t tarnish! However, that is not true for gold-plated pieces. 

Your ShmooBerry earrings are made with Gold-filled earring hooks, however if your earrings are made with gold-plated enamel charms, you will want to know how to keep them looking their best.

Gold plated items tarnish because molecules of the base metals used before it receives gold plating eventually transfer into the thin layer of gold.

But there is good news! There are things you can to do both prevent and in most cases remove tarnish from your jewelry.  Let’s begin with an ounce of prevention by keeping your earrings stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight is a good start. You can further protect your items by avoiding chemical contact from items such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, and soaps, salt, and chlorine, which can be damaging, and even cause discoloration of the metals, so remove your jewelry before applying these items, swimming, or showering.

If you notice your earrings are getting a little dingy, it is likely a buildup of dirt, debris, and oil from your skin.  Regular cleaning prevents extreme buildup. 

If you have sterling silver or silver plated pieces, it can tarnish due to environmental factors such as exposure to air or moisture among other things.  This causes your earrings to unnecessarily appear old and worn.

To regularly clean your items, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth, a jewelry polishing cloth made specifically for jewelry is a good investment and doesn’t cost much. Gently polish and buff, do not scrub.  Scrubbing can remove the thin layer of silver or gold plating.  Also, harsh chemicals and abrasive materials which will scratch and can even damage your items, so please avoid their use. Stick with a soft cloth for regular cleaning, and water, gentle and un-perfumed soap and a soft cloth for a semi-regular gentle cleaning occasionally.

For deeper cleaning, soak items in warm water with mild soap or jewelry cleaner for 10 minutes.  Use a soft bristled baby toothbrush to gently get any crevices, then use a jewelry polishing cloth to remove any tarnish and restore it’s shine. Use a light touch, and be persistent, that tarnish  will eventually give way.  

Investing in a Jewelry Polishing Cloths with a second inner cloth, which is usually treated with a cleaning solution specifically for tarnish and discoloration, is a quick and effective way to give those deeper cleanings. Use the inner cloth to clean up tarnish and discoloration, and the outer cloth to buff and restore it’s luster and shine.  

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