The Complete Jewelry Care Guide: How to Care for Sterling Silver, Gold Vermeil, Gold Plated & Silver Plated Jewelry

Looking after your jewelry doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you wear your favorite necklace every day or save your statement earrings for special occasions, knowing how to care for jewelry will help it stay beautiful for years.

At Rebe77e, we carefully select the materials used in every collection. We work with sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold plated, and silver plated jewelry, and our Silver Clay Workshops allow you to create your own piece from 99.9% pure silver.

This jewelry care guide explains the benefits of each material, how to clean your jewelry, and the best ways to store it to prevent tarnishing and everyday wear.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy, creating a durable precious metal that is perfect for everyday jewelry. It offers the beauty of silver while being strong enough for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings worn regularly.

One thing to remember is that sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time. This is a normal reaction when silver is exposed to air, moisture, and everyday chemicals. Tarnish does not mean your jewelry is damaged and can usually be removed with proper cleaning.

Benefits of Sterling Silver

• Genuine precious metal that can last a lifetime.

• Durable enough for everyday wear.

• Can be professionally polished or cleaned many times.

• More affordable than solid gold while maintaining lasting value.

How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

To keep your sterling silver jewelry looking its best:

• Store it in a dry jewelry box or pouch.

• Remove it before swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs.

• Avoid direct contact with perfume, lotions, hairspray, sunscreen, and household cleaners.

• Wipe it with a soft polishing cloth after wearing it.

• Clean tarnish using a polishing cloth or cleaner specifically made for sterling silver.

Can sterling silver get wet?

Occasional contact with water is generally fine, but frequent exposure to moisture, chlorine, salt water, or chemicals may speed up tarnishing. Dry your jewelry thoroughly if it becomes wet.

Gold Vermeil Jewelry Care

Gold vermeil combines a thick layer of gold with a sterling silver base, making it a higher-quality alternative to standard gold plated jewelry. Because the base is sterling silver rather than a base metal, gold vermeil offers the look and feel of fine jewelry at a more accessible price.

Benefits of Gold Vermeil

• Sterling silver base.

• Thicker gold layer than traditional gold plated jewelry.

• Rich gold finish with excellent durability.

• A beautiful alternative to solid gold.

How to Care for Gold Vermeil Jewelry

To help your gold vermeil jewelry last longer:

• Apply perfume, makeup, and skincare before putting on your jewelry.

• Remove it before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.

• Store pieces separately to prevent scratches.

• Clean gently using only a soft, dry cloth.

• Avoid harsh jewelry cleaners or abrasive polishing cloths.

Does gold vermeil tarnish?

Gold vermeil can develop signs of wear over time, especially if exposed to water, chemicals, or friction every day. Proper care will help preserve its beautiful gold finish for years.

Gold Plated Jewelry Care

Gold plated jewelry features a layer of gold over a base metal. It allows us to create stylish, affordable jewelry with the appearance of solid gold while keeping pieces lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Benefits of Gold Plated Jewelry

• Affordable gold finish.

• Lightweight and comfortable.

• Perfect for fashion-forward styles.

• Makes beautiful everyday accessories more accessible.

How to Care for Gold Plated Jewelry

To extend the life of your gold plated jewelry:

• Keep it away from water whenever possible.

• Avoid lotions, perfumes, sunscreen, and household chemicals.

• Remove jewelry before exercising.

• Store pieces individually to prevent scratches.

• Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth after wearing.

How long does gold plated jewelry last?

The lifespan depends on how often it's worn and how well it's cared for. With gentle handling and proper storage, gold plated jewelry can maintain its finish much longer.

Silver Plated Jewelry Care

Silver plated jewelry features a layer of silver over a base metal. At Rebe77e, many of our silver plated designs are intentionally bold, sculptural, and highly detailed.

If these same pieces were made from solid sterling silver, they would be significantly heavier, less comfortable to wear, and considerably more expensive. Using silver plating allows us to create larger statement jewelry while keeping each piece lightweight and accessible without compromising on design.

Benefits of Silver Plated Jewelry

• Lightweight, even for larger statement pieces.

• Comfortable enough for everyday wear.

• Allows for more detailed and creative designs.

• More affordable than solid sterling silver.

• Perfect for bold jewelry that would otherwise be too heavy.

How to Care for Silver Plated Jewelry

• Keep jewelry dry whenever possible.

• Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising.

• Store pieces in a jewelry pouch or box.

• Clean only with a soft cloth.

• Avoid silver dips or abrasive cleaners, which may damage the plated finish.

Fine Silver Jewelry from Our Workshops

At Rebe77e, we offer two jewelry-making experiences: our Silver Clay Workshop and our Wax Carving Workshop. While the creative process is different, both workshops result in a beautiful piece made from 99.9% fine silver.

In our Silver Clay Workshop, you'll sculpt your design using silver clay. Once fired in a kiln, the organic binder burns away, leaving behind solid fine silver.

In our Wax Carving Workshop, you'll carve your design from jeweler's wax. After the workshop, your piece is professionally cast using the lost wax casting process and finished as 99.9% fine silver. Once it's ready, you'll return to the studio to polish and complete your jewelry.

Benefits of Fine Silver

• Made from 99.9% pure silver.

• More resistant to tarnishing than sterling silver.

• A genuine precious metal that can last a lifetime.

• Every piece is handmade and completely unique.

• A meaningful keepsake created by you from start to finish.

How to Care for Fine Silver Jewelry

• Wear your jewelry regularly - the natural oils from your skin can help maintain its shine.

• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth when needed.

• Store your jewelry in a dry place when not being worn.

• Polish occasionally with a soft jewelry polishing cloth to restore its shine.

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Because fine silver is softer than sterling silver, avoid dropping or bending your jewelry to help prevent scratches or dents.

Not Sure Which Jewelry Material Is Right for You?

Now that you know how to care for different types of jewelry, you might be wondering which material best suits your lifestyle. Whether you're choosing between sterling silver, gold vermeil, gold plated, or silver plated jewelry, each option offers its own benefits depending on how you wear and care for your pieces.

Read our Guide to Choosing the Right Jewelry Material to learn about the differences between each material, their durability, maintenance, and which one is the best fit for you before making your next purchase.