While gold-filled beads are not identical to gold-plated beads, the general care requirements are similar. If you already have an extensive collection of plated metals at home, you won’t have trouble maintaining gold-filled beads.
Proper care of gold-filled jewelry or jewelry-making supplies will prolong the beauty and luster of the beads, and they’re going to last (literally) for generations.
Clean Properly
How frequently should 14k gold-filled beads for jewelry making be cleaned? Generally, the more you wear something, the more frequently it should be cleaned. However, bear in mind that plating wears differently on various types of jewelry. For example, a ring or bracelet will meet a variety of surfaces, whereas a necklace or earrings will come into contact with much less.
Simply wearing your jewelry exposes it to the damaging effects of moisture, cleaning products, oil, perfume, nail polish, hairspray, sweat, and oxidation from the air we breathe.
Use a small section of a slightly damp cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, or other contaminants gently and then pat dry with a clean towel. Other plated metals in your collection can be cleaned with special agents. As with any cleaning method, test it on a small section of plated jewelry, preferably one that is not ordinarily visible.
Always Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Agents for Gold Filled Spacer Beads
Due to the thin layer of surface gold on gold-filled beads and findings, the layer can eventually be rubbed away by cleaning products that are just too harsh, such as the wrong jewelry cleaners and tarnish removers that may contain corrosive chemicals. In addition, polishing cloths soaked in rouge should not be used to clean any type of plated jewelry; the plating will quickly wear away.
All metals can be cleaned regularly by soaking them for 10-15 minutes in a solution of soap and lukewarm water. Gently wipe the pieces. Be sure to use a soft cloth. Pat dry and then lay out your jewelry to completely dry before wearing or storing it.
Are they in need of more thorough cleaning, or have they developed a patina? We adore liquid jewelry cleaners because they are both instantaneously practical and straightforward! Pick one that is appropriate for your metal. For example, some cleaners will not harm gold-filled beads and sterling silver.
Follow the First On/Last Off Rule
Always mind the basic rule of last on/first off. Jewelry should be applied last, after makeup, cosmetics, and other accessories, and removed first when you are done for the day. Also, it would be best to avoid wearing jewelry while you’re exercising, swimming, or while taking a shower. Chemicals are also a bad idea – even the alcohol found in cosmetics can cause problems with gold-filled jewelry.
Store Everything Properly
Gold-filled beads and findings should be stored in an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag. Utilize an anti-tarnish product to help neutralize sulfides that freely circulate in the air. Sulfides are known to cause tarnish. You can greatly slow down tarnishing by reducing the oxidation process. If you’re displaying your jewelry in a display case, consider lining it with an anti-tarnish jewelry case liner.
Gold-Filled Beads Care Sheet
- Regularly clean gold-filled beads and findings and finished jewelry. Cleaning gold-filled jewelry weekly is an excellent way to keep them looking their best.
- Keep finished jewelry and components free of perfume residue, body oils, tarnish cosmetics, and other personal care products. Doing so will prolong the piece’s life and protect the materials—particularly soft stones like turquoise and amber—from chemical damage.
- It’s not a bad idea to shine and clean other items in your collection! Fashion jewelry, costume jewelry, and gemmed jewelry all required the same love and attention. To be safe, always use organic-based jewelry cleaners.
- There are polishing cloths explicitly designed for maintaining jewelry and jewelry-making supplies; you can protect your jewelry and give it a long-lasting shine.
- After cleaning, always dry your jewelry-making components with either a linen cloth or a soft cotton cloth. Air-drying might sound good in theory, but they can develop unsightly surface spots. Surface spots are most common when jewelry is cleaned with hard water.
- Have sentimental or expensive pieces of jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler every few years. A jewelry professional can tell you if something is deteriorating, coming loose, or just flat-out broken.
- Frequently wear your metal jewelry. Wearing jewelry helps prevent tarnish buildup, as contact with the skin rubs away tarnish as it forms.
- Anti-tarnish strips should be used to store jewelry to minimize the amount of re-polishing required to maintain sterling silver.
Gold-Filled Beads Storage Guide
Avoid Extreme Fluctuations of Humidity and Temperature
Keep your jewelry away from drafty, cold closets and hot, stuffy attics. Keep jewelry at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Choose a location with low humidity that will help prevent premature tarnishing and discoloration. Certain types of jewelry are more susceptible to temperature and humidity-related damage than others.
Choose a Soft-Lined Jewelry Box for Jewelry with Gold-Filled Beads
There are numerous hard plastic and wooden jewelry organizers available online. For anything with gold-filled beads and fine jewelry, look for something with soft fabric lining. If you quickly deposit your jewelry at the end of the day, you avoid damaging your gold-filled jewelry. Ensure that you have enough compartments to store all your jewelry without clumping it together. Sorting through clumps of jewelry is a nightmare.
Always Pick a Clean Place to Deposit Your Jewelry
This tip applies to all jewelry but is particularly applicable to costume, silver, and gold-filled jewelry. You can’t store corroded jewelry nextto fine jewelry. Not only could this musty, corrosion spread to your other jewelry, but it could also cause your other jewelry to tarnish more quickly.
Even if your jewelry is clean, if stored in a dirty, dusty metal box, it will likely absorb the odors and dinginess of its surroundings. So vacuum out your jewelry box and make specific the surrounding area is clean, dry, and odor-free.
Necklaces Can Be Suspended Using Hooks
On both sides of most jewelry armoires, there are hooks that are suitable for hanging necklaces. It is critical to hang your necklaces vertically to avoid kinking and knotting. Consider a do-it-yourself solution if you don’t have an armoire at home. Add a corkboard to an old frame. Make “hooks” out of pushpins to hang your necklaces and tennis bracelets. If you choose to use a jewelry stand, ensure that the stand is sufficiently tall to prevent your chains from touching the floor.