Gold-plated jewellery is one of the most beautiful and accessible ways to wear luxury ā but it requires a little care to keep it looking its best. Whether you've just bought a Kundan necklace set or a pair of Jadau chandbali earrings, these simple habits will help your pieces stay radiant for years.
1. Keep It Away from Water
Water is the number one enemy of gold-plated jewellery. Even brief exposure to water ā from washing hands, sweating, or rain ā can cause the gold layer to wear away faster. Always:
- Remove jewellery before bathing, swimming, or washing dishes
- Avoid wearing pieces during heavy workouts
- Pat dry immediately if your jewellery does get wet
2. Apply Perfume and Makeup First
Chemicals in perfumes, hairsprays, and cosmetics can react with the gold plating and cause it to tarnish or discolour. The golden rule: jewellery goes on last, comes off first. Spray your perfume, finish your makeup, and let everything dry before putting on your pieces.
3. Clean Gently After Every Wear
A quick wipe-down after each use makes a big difference. Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently remove oils, sweat, and dust from the surface. For a deeper clean:
- Dip a soft cloth in lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild soap
- Gently wipe the surface ā do not scrub
- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth before storing
- Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners ā these scratch the gold layer
4. Special Care for Kundan & Jadau Pieces
Kundan and Jadau jewellery have delicate stone settings that need extra attention:
- Avoid soaking ā water can loosen the lac (wax) base that holds Kundan stones in place
- No ultrasonic cleaners ā the vibrations can dislodge stones
- Wipe stones separately with a dry cotton bud to remove dust from crevices
- If a stone falls out, keep it safely and take the piece to a jeweller for re-setting
Browse our Jadau Kundan Jewellery collection ā each piece is crafted to last when cared for properly.
5. Store Each Piece Separately
Storing jewellery together causes scratching and tangling. Best practices:
- Wrap each piece in a soft cloth or tissue before storing
- Use individual zip-lock pouches or a jewellery box with separate compartments
- Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and humidity
- Add a small silica gel packet to your jewellery box to absorb moisture
6. Avoid Sleeping or Exercising in Your Jewellery
Friction from pillows, gym equipment, or clothing is one of the fastest ways to wear down gold plating. Make it a habit to remove your jewellery before bed and before any physical activity.
7. Re-plating: When and How
Even with perfect care, gold plating will eventually wear thin ā especially on high-contact areas like the back of rings or bracelet clasps. When you notice the colour fading or a silver/copper base showing through, a jeweller can re-plate the piece for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Most quality gold-plated pieces can be re-plated multiple times.
Quick Care Checklist
- ā Remove before water, sweat, or chemicals
- ā Put jewellery on last, take it off first
- ā Wipe down with a soft cloth after every wear
- ā Store each piece separately in a soft pouch
- ā Never soak Kundan or Jadau pieces
- ā Re-plate when the colour starts to fade
With the right care, your gold-plated jewellery can look as stunning years from now as it does today. Explore our full range of necklaces and Jadau Kundan Jewellery ā crafted for brides and jewellery lovers who value beauty that lasts.