How to care for your jewellery

One of the most common questions we receive at Palenque Jewellery is how to clean and care for your pieces, from sterling silver to gold-plated jewellery, pearls, and delicate chains. This guide explains the best ways to protect your jewellery from tarnishing, damage, and everyday wear, so you can treasure your pieces for years to come. 

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery 

Sterling silver is a timeless and durable precious metal, but it naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air, moisture, and chemicals.

To keep sterling silver jewellery shining:

• Use a soft polishing cloth designed for silver - pick up yours in one of our stores. 
• Gently rub the surface to remove tarnish and restore shine
• For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with mild soap and dry thoroughly afterwards
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough materials, as they can scratch the surface. 
• Always remove your jewellery before showering, washing up, exercising or sleeping and keep in airtight containers when not in use. 

Special care is needed with our silver chains, including snake chains, and our Tonda and Quadra ranges.

Snake chains like these are made from tightly connected metal plates. While elegant, they can kink permanently if bent incorrectly. 

• Always store snake chains flat
• Do not bend, twist, or fold them tightly
• Avoid pulling or knotting the chain
• Fasten clasps before storing to help prevent tangling
• Ensure sure you wear larger pendants on heavier chains that can support their weight

Interestingly, wearing sterling silver regularly can actually help slow tarnishing, as frequent gentle contact helps keep the surface clean. 

Caring for Gold-Plated Jewellery

Our gold-plated pieces feature 18-carat gold plating on sterling silver. Because the gold layer is delicate, extra care is needed to preserve its colour and shine. 

How to Clean Gold-Plated Jewellery 

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after wearing
• Avoid polishing cloths intended for silver, as these may wear down the gold plating
• Never soak gold-plated jewellery in jewellery cleaner or harsh chemicals

To extend the life of your gold-plated pieces:

• Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising
• Avoid direct contact with perfume, oils, lotions, and hand sanitiser
• Store separately to prevent rubbing against harder jewellery

Gold-plating naturally fades over time depending on wear frequency, but careful handling significantly slows this process. Pop in-store or email us to ask about our replating service if your pieces need a colour boost. 

Caring for Micropearl and Crystal Jewellery

Our Allegra range features hand-set Micropearls and crystals that require gentler care than metal jewellery.

Micropearls can lose their lustre if exposed to chemicals or excessive moisture.

To care for pearl jewellery:

• Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing
• Avoid perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics
• Do not soak pearls in water
• Store separately to avoid scratching

To keep the crystals in your Allegra pieces sparkling:

• Clean gently with a dry, lint-free cloth
• Avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic cleaning
• Store away from harder jewellery pieces

Follow these tips and your Palenque pieces will remain sparkling and vibrant for years to come!