Foxgirl
Foxgirl

Jewelry care guide

Plated jewelry rewards a routine. Here is the whole routine.

The one rule that matters

On last, off first. Jewelry goes on after lotion, sunscreen, perfume and hairspray have dried, and comes off before washing hands seriously, showering, swimming and sleeping. Cosmetics and chlorine are what actually eat plating; skin alone barely touches it.

Cleaning

A soft dry cloth after wear is enough. For a deeper clean, lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, a quick dip, rinse, and dry completely before it goes back in the box. No ultrasonic cleaners, no silver dip solutions, no toothpaste; all three strip plating.

Storage

The gift box each piece arrives in is the right storage: dry, dark, and one piece per box so finishes never rub against each other. Chains stored clasped tangle far less. A bathroom shelf is the worst home for plated jewelry; humidity works on it around the clock.

The waterproof exceptions

The Cuban link anklet sets and the layered waist chain are rated waterproof and can stay on at the beach and in the pool. Rinse them in fresh water after salt water and dry them; waterproof does not mean maintenance free.

When a piece finally wears

Plating is a consumable. A daily-worn favorite will eventually show wear at the clasp and the high points, usually after a long run of use. At this price, retiring a worn piece and replacing it is the intended life cycle, not a defect.