Gold-finished stainless steel is one of the most forgiving materials in jewellery. It will not turn your skin green, it does not need polishing cloths, and it survives ordinary life. A little care simply keeps it looking new for years rather than months.
The three rules that matter
- Perfume and hairspray go on first. Alcohol-based sprays are the fastest way to dull a gold finish. Get dressed, spray, wait a minute, then put the piece on.
- Take it off for chlorine and the sea. Showering and hand-washing are fine. Swimming pools and salt water are not — both are harsher than anything else your jewellery will meet.
- Store it dry and separate. The box it arrived in is the best home for it. Loose in a dish with other jewellery, the finish gets scratched by whatever it is lying against.
Cleaning
Warm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft cloth. Wipe gently, rinse, and dry completely before putting it away. That is the entire routine.
Do not use jewellery dips, ultrasonic cleaners, baking soda, toothpaste or anything abrasive. These are designed for solid metal and will strip a plated finish.
Cubic zirconia stones
Stones dull from skin oils and hand cream long before they lose their cut. A soft toothbrush, warm soapy water and thirty seconds under the tap will bring the sparkle straight back.
Chains and clasps
Undo the clasp to take a necklace off rather than pulling it over your head — it is the single biggest cause of stretched links. If a chain kinks, lay it flat and work the knot loose with a pin rather than pulling.
What to expect over time
Worn daily and cared for as above, a gold finish holds its colour for years. Worn in a pool every week, it will not. If your piece ever looks wrong to you sooner than it should, get in touch and we will look at it.