Practical Luxury Starts with Proper Care
At Kiss Me Kate Jewelry, we believe beautiful jewelry shouldn't require a complicated maintenance routine. Our pieces are crafted with 18kt gold plating over stainless steel — designed to be water and tarnish resistant for everyday wear. But like anything worth having, a little care goes a long way.
Here's everything you need to know to keep your gold-plated pieces looking their best for years to come.
1. Keep It Dry (When You Can)
While our jewelry is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to water — especially chlorinated pools, hot tubs, or saltwater — can gradually wear down the plating. Make it a habit to remove your jewelry before swimming or soaking in the bath.
2. Apply Perfume and Lotions First
Chemicals in perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions can dull the finish of gold-plated jewelry over time. The golden rule? Get dressed first, jewelry last. Spray your fragrance, let it dry, then put on your pieces.
3. Clean Gently After Wearing
After a long day, give your jewelry a quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove any oils, sweat, or residue. For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild dish soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cloths or harsh chemical cleaners — they can scratch the surface and strip the plating.
4. Store It Right
Store your pieces individually in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratching. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and humidity will also help preserve the finish. A cool, dry drawer works perfectly.
5. Take It Off During Heavy Activity
Gardening, working out, cleaning with household chemicals — these are all times to set your jewelry aside. Physical abrasion and harsh chemicals are the biggest enemies of gold plating.
6. Layer Thoughtfully
If you love stacking and layering (and we do!), be mindful that pieces rubbing against each other can cause wear. Our Gold Toggle Clasp Necklace and Gold Vermeil Pavé Linked Paperclip Necklace are both beautiful on their own or layered together — just store them separately to keep them pristine.
The Bottom Line
Gold-plated jewelry is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the look of fine jewelry every single day. With just a few simple habits, your Kiss Me Kate pieces will stay as radiant as ever — because practical luxury should last.
Ready to add to your collection? Shop our full jewelry collection and find your next everyday essential.