Jewelry Care

How to Care for Your 18K Gold Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry

At THE ARCIVE, we design jewelry built for real life — pieces you can wear every day without worrying. Our 18K gold plated stainless steel is tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and significantly more durable than standard gold plated jewelry. With a little care, your pieces will stay beautiful for years.

 

The Golden Rules

1. Take It Off Before Water

While our stainless steel base is waterproof, the gold plating is best kept dry. Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, bathing, or doing the dishes. Prolonged water exposure — especially chlorinated or saltwater — can gradually wear down the gold layer.

 

2. Apply Products First, Jewelry Last

Perfume, body lotion, sunscreen, and hairspray contain chemicals that dull gold plating. The rule is simple: spray and moisturise first, let it dry, then put your jewelry on last.

 

3. Remove During Exercise

Sweat is surprisingly harsh on metal finishes. Remove your pieces before workouts and wipe them gently with a soft cloth afterwards if they came into contact with sweat.

 

4. Clean Gently and Regularly

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe each piece after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft cloth — never hot water. Pat dry immediately and let air dry completely before storing. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, abrasive cloths, bleach, or alcohol — these strip the gold plating.

 

5. Store Properly

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box to avoid scratching. Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and humidity — a cool, dry drawer is ideal. Leaving pieces loose together causes tangling and surface scratches over time.

 

Caring for Specific Pieces

Rings

Rings take the most daily wear. Remove them when washing hands, applying hand cream, or working with your hands. Store flat or upright in a ring holder.

 

Necklaces & Chains

Fasten clasps before storing to prevent tangling. Store hanging or flat — never knotted. Clean chain links gently with a soft cloth after each wear.

 

Earrings

Clean posts and backs regularly. Store in pairs in a small pouch or earring holder to void osing backs or scratching the fronts.

 

Bracelets & Bangles

Remove before any physical activity or washing. Store flat or on a bracelet stand to intain shape.

 

What to Expect Over Time

Our 18K gold plating is applied with a thick, high-quality layer for lasting colour and shine. With proper care, you can expect your pieces to maintain their finish for 2–5 years r longer with regular everyday wear. Pieces worn less frequently will last even longer. If you ever notice your piece losing its lustre, a gentle polish with a gold jewelry cloth can often revive the shine beautifully.

 

Still Have Questions?

Have a question about caring for a specific piece? We are always happy to help. Reach out via our Contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.