Making artificial jewellery last

Artificial jewellery is a thin layer of good metal over a cheaper one. Everything about making it last is about protecting that layer.

Perfume is the main culprit

Alcohol strips plating faster than anything else you own. Perfume, hairspray and deodorant all do it. The rule is simple: jewellery goes on last, after you are dressed and scented, and comes off first.

Then sweat, then water

Skin is slightly acidic and more so in summer. Wipe pieces with a dry cloth when you take them off — that one habit does more than anything else on this list. Never wear plated jewellery in the shower, the pool or while washing dishes.

Store them apart

Stones scratch plating. A set thrown into one box comes out dulled where the pieces rubbed. Keep each piece in its own pouch, which is why we send them with one.

What a plating guarantee actually means

Ours covers the plating failing on its own — lifting, flaking or discolouring in normal wear within six months. It does not cover a piece worn swimming or sprayed with perfume, because we can see the difference and so can you.

Base metal matters more than people think

Brass takes plating well and holds it. Soft alloys do not: the plating sits on a surface that flexes, and it cracks. If a set is suspiciously light for its size, that is usually why.