Gilding: secrets of brilliance

Why does gilded silver darken?

Special attention should be paid to the care of gilded products, since the coating has a thickness of no more than 5 microns. Over time, the gilding layer may fade, so the beauty and brilliance of these jewelry depends on how carefully you treat your favorite jewelry.

• exposure to moisture (water, sweat, etc.)
• contact with cosmetics, perfumes, detergents and other chemicals
• contact with other jewelry (often from non-noble metals), for example, when a gilded product is stored in the same jewelry box
• mechanical damage

To keep the integrity of the gilding, but at the same time to return the shine to your jewelry, do not forget about the following simple rules:

• regularly wipe the gilded product with a cotton pad, a dry cloth or the soft side of a sponge, having previously treated jewelry with a special care product developed specifically for precious metals. To date, the range of such products is very diverse. Special napkins and liquids can be purchased at jewelry stores.
• do not wear gold-plated jewelry at home, especially when doing household chores: washing dishes, cleaning, cooking, etc.
• avoid contact of gilding with seawater, if possible. Do not swim in the sea, as the jewelry would quickly fade in salt water.
• try not to let your favorite perfume and hand cream come into contact with gilded jewelry.
• store such items separately in a darkened dry jewelry box or a pouch. It is also believed that gilding does not coexist well with gold, since harder gold products can scratch the gilding.