Caring for plated gold

What you have bought

A stainless steel core with a layer of 18k gold electroplated onto it, then sealed under a clear protective coating. It is not solid gold, and we would rather say so here than let you find out later. Solid gold at this size would cost many times the price and would be far too soft to survive a collar.

The stainless base is why the tag does not bend, and the clear seal is why it copes with Singapore’s humidity, sweat and the constant micro- scratching of rubbing against a buckle.

How long the plating lasts

Plating is a surface finish. On a tag worn daily against a metal collar ring, expect it to stay bright for a year or two and then gradually soften in colour at the high-contact points. On a necklace or bangle worn by a person, considerably longer. This is normal for all plated jewellery, not a fault.

The engraving is not affected. It is cut into the steel underneath, not into the plating, so it stays legible whatever the finish does.

Everyday care

• Wipe with a soft dry cloth. That is almost always enough.
• If it needs more, a barely damp cloth, then dry it properly.
• Keep it away from perfume, hairspray, sunscreen and chlorinated or salt water — these are what actually degrade plating, far more than wear.
• No silver polish, no jewellery dip, no abrasive cloths. They strip plating rather than clean it.

For the human pieces

Take the necklace or bangle off before swimming, showering or the gym. Store it dry, ideally in the pouch it came in rather than loose in a drawer where it can rub against other jewellery.

Sensitive skin

The base is stainless steel, which most people with metal sensitivities tolerate well. If you have a known nickel allergy, email us before ordering and we will tell you exactly what our current supplier certifies rather than guess on your behalf.