Bohème Life Collection (BLC) pride ourselves on providing quality on-trend jewellery. All our items are tested to ensure you can wear your favourite pieces over a longer time period however all metals will naturally oxidise over time and do require maintenance.
If you take a close look at the earrings, necklaces or rings you wear often or which has perhaps been left unworn for some time, you'll quite likely notice it looking grimy, dull and far from its sparkling best.
Cleaning gold-plated jewellery is a simple yet essential task that can help extend the life and shine of your pieces. In this blog, we'll look at the best ways to clean your BLC jewellery and provide some practical advice for keeping it looking great.
A free microfibre polishing cloth and a care guide are included in the cotton pouch you receive with every item of BLC jewellery you purchase. When not wearing your jeweller and particularly for long periods of time, we always recommend storing it in the cotton pouch.
The mantra we love is ‘Last on - First Off’
Jewellery is the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Put on your jewellery last when getting ready as this will help minimise contact with perfumes, creams, hairspray, etc. Remove your jewellery at the end of each day and don’t wear it to bed. We also suggest removing your jewellery prior to showering, swimming or exercising. Wiping your jewellery with your BLC microfibre polishing cloth after wear will also remove any residue from oils, creams and perfumes.
I'm guilty of not removing my jewellery: if you have pierced ears it can be so easy to wear the same pair of stud earrings for weeks on end. Or maybe you almost never change them.
Understand the Basics:
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's important to understand what gold-plated jewellery is. Gold-plated pieces are made by layering a thin coat of gold over a base metal, such as brass, stainless steel or silver. Due to chemical exposure, perspiration, or friction, the gold layer may eventually become less durable. In order to protect the delicate gold layer, it is essential to clean them gently.
What you need:
- microfibre polishing cloth
- mild dish soap,
- lukewarm water
- a small bowl
- a soft toothbrush or cotton swab
- our jewellery polishing cloth
- your BLC jewellery.
Collect your items
Remove Dust and Debris:
Start by removing any dust or debris from your gold-plated jewelry. Gently wipe the pieces with a microfibre polishing cloth to eliminate surface particles. This step helps prevent scratching during the cleaning process.
Remove dust & debris
Create a Cleaning Solution:
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Swirl the mixture gently to create a soapy solution. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the gold plating on your BLC jewellery.
Add mild washing detergent
Soak and Clean:
Place your gold-plated jewellery into the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the soapy solution. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime stuck on the surface.
Add & soak your BLC jewellery
Next, take a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab and carefully scrub the jewellery, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas. Gently brush the surfaces in a circular motion to remove any stubborn dirt or residue. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure, as it may damage the gold layer.
Gently brush jewellery
Rinse and Dry:
Once you've thoroughly cleaned your jewellery, rinse them under lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Ensure that all traces of soap are eliminated, as they can leave behind a film that dulls the shine. Pat dry the pieces with a soft, clean cloth, being gentle to avoid rubbing off the gold plating.
Rinse and dry
Polish and Buff:
To restore the natural lustre of your gold-plated jewellery, use a jewellery polishing cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the surfaces, giving them a final polish. This step helps remove any remaining smudges and brings back the beautiful shine.
Polish and buff with BLC cleaning cloth
Storage and Maintenance:
After cleaning, store your gold-plated jewellery in your BLC cotton pouch, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and chemicals. Avoid storing them with other jewelry pieces that may scratch or damage the gold plating. Additionally, refrain from wearing gold-plated jewelry while swimming, exercising, or using perfumes or lotions, as these can accelerate the wear and tear process.
Store in BLC cotton pouch
With a little care and attention, your BLC jewellery will continue to dazzle for years to come. Regular cleaning using gentle methods and suitable tools can help maintain their shine and extend their lifespan. Remember to handle them with care, avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, and store them properly. By following these simple steps, you'll keep your BLC jewellery looking radiant and ready to complement your style on any occasion.
We strongly recommend you have a read of our BLC care guide, it covers all the bases and will help you make the best decisions about looking after your precious jewellery.