How to Clean Gold- or Rhodium-Plated Jewelry Without Damaging Them
Gold- or rhodium-plated jewelry is elegant and delicate accessories that require special care to maintain their shine and the durability of the plating. Unlike solid jewelry, these materials need a gentler cleaning process to prevent premature wear. Below, learn how to clean them properly and keep your pieces looking beautiful for much longer.
Why is it important to clean jewelry?
With daily use, pieces like earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces can accumulate:
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Natural skin oils
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Makeup and perfume residue
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Dust and pollution
These residues can make the piece look dull and speed up the wear of the plating if not removed correctly.
How to clean gold- or rhodium-plated earrings (step by step)
You will need:
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Warm water
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Mild soap (or mild dish detergent)
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A soft polishing cloth or cotton cloth
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A soft-bristled toothbrush (optional)
Step by step:
Prepare the solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap.
Quick soak
Leave the earrings in the solution for 1 to 2 minutes only.
Gentle cleaning
Using your fingers or the soft toothbrush, gently rub the surface, especially areas with more buildup.
Rinse well
Rinse thoroughly under running water, being careful not to drop the piece.
More Important Than Washing: Properly Drying the Piece
More important than the cleaning itself is thoroughly drying the jewelry. Residual moisture can speed up the oxidation of the base metal and compromise the gold or rhodium plating, reducing the piece’s shine and durability.
After cleaning, always use a soft polishing cloth, gently pressing without rubbing too hard. Then, allow the jewelry to finish air-drying, away from humid environments, before storing it.
