How to Care for Your Brass and Plated Jewelry

What is plated jewelry?

Plated jewelry is made by coating a base metal (usually brass) with a thin layer of precious or colored metal - making it an affordable option for every fine jewelry lover. Our premier jewelry is either 14k gold, rhodium, or sterling silver plated. Our gold tone and silver tone jewelry is brass, plated with a gold or silver tone. 

How to care for plated jewelry

Plated jewelry looks identical to a piece made entirely of a precious metal but does require more care to keep the plating intact for as long as possible. 

• Store your plated jewelry in its box or pouch.
• Make sure your jewelry is completely dry, especially before storing it.
• Do not apply perfume, hairspray, or deodorant before wearing your jewelry as certain chemicals may damage the finish.
• Always remove your jewelry before swimming, bathing, doing household chores, or using abrasive cleaners.
• Use a soft dry cloth to gently polish your plated jewelry.

Important Care Note: Polishing your gold or silver plated jewelry will remove the plating from the piece. Only use a polishing cloth for your pieces that are 100% brass and are not plated.

 What is brass jewelry?

Brass Jewelry is an alloy that includes two metals - copper and zinc. It has a warm, and beautiful golden tone that looks almost identical to gold. Brass is the perfect affordable option for jewelry lovers - as long as it’s cared for and kept polished, brass jewelry will last forever.

How to care for brass jewelry

• Store your brass jewelry in its box or pouch.
• Always make sure your pieces are completely dry, especially before storing them.
• Do not wear brass jewelry in hot springs as the sulfur will cause tarnishing.
• Avoid getting perfume or lotion on your jewelry. 
• Avoid wearing while exercising.

• You can clean brass jewelry by washing it with mild soapy water. If you wear it in the shower, remember to dry well using a soft cloth.
• For tarnishing and spots, use a microfiber cloth. We recommend Sunshine brand yellow polishing cloths.
• For heavier tarnishing, here are a few options:

Interested in the PURPOSE jewelry guarantee? 

Click here to read our guarantee to you.