How to Care for Your Silver and Gold-Plated Jewellery in Summer
5 steps to follow and everything you need to know – practical guide
Summer is one of the toughest seasons for your jewellery. Exposure to sweat, seawater salt, pool chlorine, sand, and even products such as sunscreen and perfume can accelerate metal wear—especially on silver pieces or items with a gold-plated finish.
Tarnishing, loss of shine, or thinning of the plating are some of the most common issues. Luckily, there are simple solutions you can apply at home without specialised products or complicated routines. Below is a clear, effective guide to protecting your jewellery during the hottest months.
Why jewellery deteriorates faster in summer
Sweat: contains natural salts and acids that oxidise silver.
Seawater and chlorine: affect colour and shine, and can corrode gold plating.
Creams and perfumes: leave residues that alter the surface of the piece.
Constant humidity: speeds up wear, especially on delicate platings.
Sun and sand: intense light triggers chemical reactions, and sand can scratch the surface. 
18-k gold plating: quality that still needs care
At Victoria Cruz, the gold-plated pieces feature a 2-micron layer of 18-karat gold, free of nickel and other toxic metals. This “toxic-free” finish is kinder to skin, but it also demands mindful care: the plating can fade progressively if not properly protected, especially in humid environments.
Storing jewellery in airtight bags and avoiding direct contact with water or steam are the two fundamental keys to preserving the plating for longer.
How to protect your jewellery step by step:
1. Remove it before showering, bathing or exercising
Avoiding contact with hot water, steam or heavy sweat is essential for keeping both the shine and the gold plating intact.
2. Store pieces in airtight bags
Use zip-lock bags like the ones that come with online clothing orders, or buy small packs on Amazon. Adding a silica-gel sachet (like the ones found in shoe boxes or handbags) helps keep the inside moisture-free.
3. Apply perfume and creams before putting on jewellery
Cosmetics can leave greasy residues that alter the surface of the piece. Let them absorb completely before wearing your jewellery.
4. Wipe your pieces after wearing them
After a day of heat, beach or pool, pass a soft microfibre cloth over them. If there has been contact with saltwater or chlorine, use a slightly damp cloth (plain water only) and dry completely before storing.
5. Do an occasional deep clean
If silver has lost its shine, you can use the aluminium-foil home method:
Line a container with aluminium foil.
Add hot water and one tablespoon of salt.
Immerse the jewellery for 10 minutes.
Rinse and dry carefully.
This method is safe for silver but should be used sparingly on gold-plated pieces. There is also a specialised silver cleaner available on our website—here’s how to use it.
Household tricks with items you already own
| Household item | Recommended use |
| Reusable zip bags | Store jewellery to avoid air exposure |
| Silica-gel packets | Absorb moisture inside bag or jewellery box |
| Empty contact-lens case | Ideal for transporting rings or earrings |
| Glasses cloth | Daily cleaning without scratching |
What to avoid to extend your jewellery’s life
Avoid:
Showering or bathing with it on
Applying cosmetic products while wearing jewellery
Long exposure to salt, chlorine or heavy sweat
Using abrasive cleaners or harsh methods
Prioritise:
Storing each piece separately
Using airtight bags in humid environments
Gentle cleaning with a specialised cloth after use
Be consistent and the shine will do the rest.
Caring for your silver or gold-plated jewellery in summer doesn’t require great effort—just consistency and small daily habits. An airtight bag, a soft cloth, and the habit of taking pieces off at key moments are enough to preserve their shine and prolong their lifespan.
If design matters, care does too. With the right routine, your jewellery will stay pristine year after year.
But if you’ve still lost plating or shine, don’t worry—we have a solution. Contact our Customer Service and fill out the form to arrange a home pick-up so we can re-plate or clean your piece. Pricing starts at €9.99 (exact fee depends on your postal address—ask our specialist).
