Jewelry Care Guide
At Lotus Aurea, every piece of jewelry is 18K gold-plated and handcrafted by artisan hands in Jaipur. Gold plating has a fine layer of gold applied over a base metal — which gives it its luminous, luxurious appearance at an accessible price point. With the right care, your pieces will stay beautiful for years. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is Gold Plating?
Unlike solid karat gold, gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold bonded onto the surface of another metal. This makes it more delicate than solid gold and more susceptible to wear from chemicals, moisture, and abrasion. The good news is that with simple, consistent care, you can significantly extend the life and brilliance of your pieces.
Chemicals That Affect Your Jewelry
Substances that are not pH-neutral will react with the gold plating and cause it to tarnish, discolour, or wear away faster. Be mindful of the following:
Makeup & Beauty Products
Keep your gold-plated jewelry away from nail polish, perfume, body oil, and lotion. These substances contain chemicals that react with the plating and cause it to tarnish over time.
- Always spray perfume before putting on your jewelry — never after
- Allow body lotion or cream to dry completely before wearing your pieces
- Apply all makeup and skincare first, then put your jewelry on last
Fruits & Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables are acidic or alkaline in nature and can react with gold plating on contact. When working in the kitchen — especially when chopping citrus fruits, tomatoes, or other acidic produce — remove all rings and bracelets before you begin.
Swimming Pools & The Sea
Never wear your gold-plated jewelry while swimming. Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that will discolour and strip the plating quickly. Saltwater from the sea has a similar effect. Always remove rings, bracelets, and chains before entering any body of water.
Sweat & Physical Activity
Sweat — particularly chemically-laden or acidic sweat, which is increasingly common — can affect gold plating significantly. Remove all jewelry before going to the gym, exercising, or any activity that causes perspiration. This is especially important for rings and bracelets that sit close to the skin.
Cleaning Your Jewelry
Regular, gentle cleaning keeps your pieces looking their best and removes the buildup of sweat, dust, and daily residue that accumulates with wear.
- After each use, wipe your jewelry gently with a soft cloth or cotton ball to remove dust and residue
- For deeper cleaning, use mildly soapy warm water and a soft brush — apply gently and rinse thoroughly
- Do not rub hard — aggressive rubbing will wear away the plating and cause discolouration
- Avoid strong antibacterial soaps and detergents — they are too harsh for gold-plated surfaces
- Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners — they are formulated for solid gold or silver and will damage the plating
- Pat dry with a soft cloth after cleaning — never leave jewelry to air-dry while wet
Storing Your Jewelry
How you store your pieces matters as much as how you wear them. Scratches from contact with other jewelry are one of the most common causes of damage to gold-plated surfaces.
- Store each piece separately — in its own soft pouch, box, or cloth wrap — to prevent scratching
- Keep jewelry in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct sunlight
- Wash your hands before putting on or removing your jewelry each time
- Do not pile pieces together in a drawer or jewelry box without separation
Quick Reference — When to Remove Your Jewelry
- Before applying perfume, lotion, or makeup
- Before swimming, bathing, or showering
- Before going to the gym or exercising
- Before cooking or working with acidic ingredients
- Before sleeping
- Before any task involving harsh chemicals or cleaning products
Each Lotus Aurea jewelry piece is handcrafted and finished with care by artisan jewellers in Jaipur. Treat it with the same attention it was made with, and it will reward you with years of beauty.