Gold filled jewellery is built to last — but like anything you wear every day, it benefits from a little care. The good news: cleaning it at home is genuinely easy and takes about five minutes. Here's exactly how to do it, and what to avoid.
Why Gold Filled Needs Different Care Than Gold Plated
Gold filled jewellery has a thick, bonded layer of real 14K gold — not a surface coating. This means it's far more durable and tarnish-resistant than gold plated pieces, but it still accumulates everyday grime: skin oils, lotion residue, soap, sweat, and general buildup over time. Regular gentle cleaning keeps it looking its best and extends its life significantly.
The Gentle Soap Method (Best for Regular Cleaning)
This works for almost all OAK + EVE gold filled pieces — bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and earrings.
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo
- Place your jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for 5–10 minutes
- Gently scrub with a very soft toothbrush or cloth, paying attention to any settings or bead holes
- Rinse thoroughly under clean warm water
- Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth — don't rub
- Leave flat to air dry completely before storing
For Pieces with Freshwater Pearls
Pearls are organic and more delicate than metal. For pearl pieces like our Lana Bracelet, Malia Bracelet, or Irina Necklace:
- Wipe with a damp, soft cloth after each wear — this is usually enough
- Never soak pearls — prolonged water exposure can weaken the thread and dull the lustre
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners entirely
- Store flat, not hanging, so the thread doesn't stretch
What to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, acetone, and alcohol can damage the gold fill bonding over time
- Abrasive cloths or scrubbers: These scratch the surface of the gold
- Ultrasonic cleaners: Too aggressive for gold filled and will damage pearls
- Toothpaste: Despite being a popular DIY tip, it's mildly abrasive and can scratch gold
- Hot water: Warm is fine; hot water can affect the stretch cord on beaded bracelets
How to Store Gold Filled Jewellery
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep pieces separated — bracelets and necklaces can scratch each other
- Small zip-lock bags or soft pouches work well for travel
- Remove before sleeping if possible — friction against pillows adds unnecessary wear
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewellery?
For pieces you wear daily, a quick wipe after each wear and a full gentle clean once or twice a month is plenty. If you wear a lot of lotion, sunscreen, or perfume, clean a little more frequently as these accelerate buildup.
If a piece looks dull even after cleaning, reach out at info@oakandeve.com — sometimes a professional polish is the answer, and we're always happy to advise.