Care Guide · 2 min read
How to Care for Imitation Jewellery: A Complete Guide
Simple habits that keep gold-plated and kundan jewellery looking new for years — what to avoid, how to store it, and how to clean it safely.
The golden rule: jewellery goes on last, comes off first
Most damage to imitation jewellery happens before you even leave the house. Perfume, hairspray, deodorant and lotion all contain chemicals that react with plating over time, causing it to dull or discolour faster than normal wear would. The simple fix: get dressed, apply your perfume and makeup, and put your jewellery on last. When you get home, take it off first, before you wash your face or apply night cream.
Storage matters more than people think
Humidity is the biggest long-term threat to gold-plated jewellery — it accelerates tarnishing. Store pieces in a dry place, ideally in the original pouch or box rather than loose in a drawer, where pieces can scratch each other. If you live somewhere humid, a few silica gel packets in your jewellery box will noticeably extend how long the plating stays bright.
Keep kundan and stone-set pieces separate from plain chains and bangles — the prongs and settings on kundan work can snag and loosen delicate chain links if they're tangled together.
Cleaning without damaging the plating
After each wear, wipe pieces down with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove oils and residue — this alone prevents most dulling. For a deeper clean, avoid soaking jewellery in water or using ultrasonic cleaners, both of which can strip plating or loosen kundan settings over time. Instead, lightly dampen a cloth, wipe gently, and dry immediately. Never use silver polish, toothpaste, or harsh jewellery cleaners on gold-plated pieces — they're formulated for solid metals and can strip plating in seconds.
When to retire a piece
Even well-cared-for imitation jewellery has a natural lifespan, typically a few years of regular wear before plating shows visible thinning. That's normal, not a defect. Pieces reserved for occasional wear — bridal sets, statement pieces for festivals — will last considerably longer since they see far less handling than daily-wear pieces like stud earrings or a everyday chain.