Jewellery Care 101: Keep Your Gold-Plated Pieces Shining

Beautiful jewellery deserves to last. Gold-plated, Kundan and Meenakari pieces are handcrafted with delicate stones, enamel and fine metal layers — all of which respond to how you store and care for them. The habits below are simple, take seconds, and can add years of shine to every piece you own.

The single most important habit is timing. Put your jewellery on last — after your makeup, perfume, hairspray and lotion have fully dried — and take it off first when you get home. Cosmetics, fragrances and natural skin oils are the biggest enemies of gold plating; their chemicals slowly dull the finish and can loosen set stones over time. Letting them dry before you accessorise makes a real difference.

Water and humidity are the fastest way to tarnish plated jewellery. Always remove your pieces before washing your hands, showering, swimming or working out. Sweat is mildly acidic and, like water, accelerates dulling. If your jewellery does get wet, gently pat it completely dry with a soft cloth before storing it away.

Skip ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemical dips and abrasive cloths — they are designed for solid gold and will strip plating and damage enamel. Instead, wipe each piece with a soft, dry microfibre or cotton cloth after every wear to remove oils and restore shine. For a deeper clean, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking Kundan and Meenakari pieces, as moisture can seep behind the stones and lift the enamel.

Jewellery scratches jewellery. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined box compartment so harder stones don't scuff softer metal and chains don't tangle. Adding a small silica gel sachet to your jewellery box keeps moisture at bay. Keep everything out of direct sunlight and away from heat, both of which can fade Meenakari enamel over time.

Treat your jewellery the way you'd treat a fine silk saree: with gentle, consistent care rather than occasional heavy cleaning. A quick wipe after wearing, careful storage and keeping pieces away from water and chemicals will keep your gold-plated and Kundan jewellery looking as radiant as the day it arrived — ready for every occasion, year after year.