How to properly care for steel and gold-plated steel jewellery
Antonela Tomić
Jewellery made of steel and gold-plated steel is more than a beautiful accessory. It becomes part of our everyday moments – it follows us to work, on nights out, on trips and on special occasions. Over time it takes in traces of our days, smiles, hugs and the memories we carry with us.
That is why the jewellery we love deserves a little care. Not because it is delicate or fragile, but because we want it to keep its shine and beauty for as long as possible.
How to care for jewellery every day?
After wearing it, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. This removes traces of skin, creams, perfume and dust that can settle on the surface during the day. A few seconds of care are enough to bring back freshness and shine.
At home, always store it in a dry place, ideally in a small box or pouch. This protects it from scratches, tangles and unnecessary moisture.
Perfume and cosmetics come first
Perfumes, hairsprays, creams and other cosmetics can affect how jewellery looks, especially gold-plated pieces. So it is best to put jewellery on only after perfume, cream and other care and beauty products.
The simple rule is: jewellery comes last.
This reduces contact with chemical ingredients and helps it stay beautiful and bright for longer.
When is it best to take jewellery off?
Although steel is a durable material, jewellery does not need to be exposed to everything we face during the day.
Before showering, bathing, going to the sauna, the pool or the sea, we recommend taking jewellery off. Chlorine, salt, moisture and high temperatures can affect how it looks, and with gold-plated pieces they can over time speed up wear of the gold layer.
If you want your favourite piece to last longer, give it a short break when it does not need to be with you.
How to clean steel jewellery?
Regular cleaning does not need to be complicated. All you need is:
- lukewarm water
- a drop of mild, neutral soap
- a soft cloth
Clean the jewellery gently, rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive pastes, rough sponges and cleaners that could scratch the surface.
With gold-plated steel, be especially gentle. Light wiping and polishing with a soft cloth are enough to keep its shine. Hard rubbing can over time speed up wear of the plated layer.
What if jewellery loses its shine?
If your favourite piece loses its first shine after some time, do not assume it is permanently damaged. Often it is enough to wipe it gently with a dry, soft cloth and give it a little attention.
At Unikat 1997 many pieces come with a cleaning cloth – use it as a small care ritual after wearing.
Jewellery does not have to be saved only for special occasions. Quite the opposite – wear it, style it and create everyday stories with it. Just give it a few moments of care at the end of the day.
Let your jewellery last with you
Jewellery is much more than an ornament. We choose it for what we love, wear it with clothes that make us feel good, and often tie special moments to it.
So wear it. Enjoy it. Let it be part of your days, your smiles and your memories.
And when the day ends, return it to its little home, wipe it gently and put it away for a new day.
Because the pieces we wear close to us deserve to be kept with the same care with which we choose the ones that mean something to us.