Plated jewelry does not tarnish because it is cheap. It tarnishes because something in your routine is stripping the top layer. Once you know what does it, a plated piece can look new for a year or more.
What strips a plated finish
- Perfume and lotion — alcohol and oils break down the plating. Put jewelry on last, after these have dried.
- Chlorine — pools and hot tubs dull plating fast. Take pieces off before you swim.
- Abrasion — storing pieces loose in a bag scratches the surface. A small pouch per piece solves it.
- Body chemistry — some people simply wear through plating faster. There is no fix for this beyond choosing a different base metal.
The routine that works
Wipe each piece with a dry soft cloth after wearing. Once a month, wash with a drop of mild soap and warm water, rinse, and dry completely before storing. Do not use silver polish on gold-plated pieces — it is abrasive enough to take the plating off.
When it is already dull
If the finish has gone chalky there is no polish that brings it back; the plating is gone. If it has only dulled, a soft cloth and warm soapy water usually restores most of the shine.
Storing it
Keep pieces dry and separated. Airtight is better than open, and a silica packet in the box helps if you live somewhere humid.