7 Gold-Tone Jewellery Care Mistakes That Dull Its Shine
By Aurine · 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
PVD gold-tone stainless steel jewellery is built for everyday life and doesn't tarnish the way silver does. Even so, some habits speed up wear on the finish and eventually dull even the toughest pieces. Here are the seven most common mistakes, and the simple fixes for each one.
Mistake 1: putting on perfume after your jewellery
Perfume, hairspray and body lotion contain alcohol, oils and other ingredients that leave a dull film on metal. Over time, that film attacks the surface of the finish.
The fix: apply perfume, moisturiser and make-up, wait a few minutes, then put on your jewellery. It should be the very last step before you head out.
Mistake 2: overdoing the hand sanitiser while wearing rings
Hand sanitiser has become second nature, but it dries out metal and builds up in the grooves of twisted or beaded rings.
The fix: if you use it a lot, rub it mainly into your palms and rinse your rings in clean water at the end of the day. For a set of stacking rings worn daily, that quick rinse makes a real difference.
Mistake 3: skipping the rinse after the sea or the pool
316L steel handles water perfectly well, but salt and chlorine left to dry on a piece will eventually mark the surface.
The fix: rinse in fresh water as soon as you get out, then dry quickly with a towel. That's all it takes.
Mistake 4: cleaning with harsh products
Bicarbonate of soda, toothpaste, household cleaners or abrasive cloths: these hacks get shared a lot online, but they scratch the finish and wear it thinner each time.
The fix: for a deeper clean, all you need is:
- a bowl of lukewarm water;
- a drop of mild soap or washing-up liquid;
- a soft-bristled toothbrush for the chains;
- a rinse in clean water and a careful dry with a microfibre cloth.
Once a month is plenty for jewellery you wear every day.
Mistake 5: throwing all your jewellery in together
In a shared box, chains knot together and pieces scratch one another, especially bangles and rings.
The fix: store each piece separately, in its pouch, in a compartment box or, for necklaces, hanging up. Bangles should be stored flat to keep their shape.
Mistake 6: wearing your jewellery for heavy-duty tasks
Cleaning with bleach-based products, DIY, gardening, lifting weights: these activities expose jewellery to knocks, friction and chemicals.
The fix: take off rings and bracelets for these jobs. For necklaces and earrings, a quick shower is rarely a problem, as long as you dry them properly afterwards.
Mistake 7: leaving wet jewellery in the bathroom
The bathroom is the dampest room in the house. Leaving wet jewellery on the edge of the sink day after day encourages limescale marks and a dull finish.
The fix: dry your jewellery after showering and keep it in another room, or at the very least in a closed box.
A special note on pearls
Freshwater pearls are natural materials and more delicate than steel. They dislike water, perfume and cosmetics. Take off your pearl necklace before showering or swimming, and wipe the pearl with a soft, dry cloth after each wear.
The quick routine to remember
- Jewellery goes on last, after perfume and lotion.
- Rinse in clean water after the sea, the pool or hand sanitiser.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth.
- Store pieces separately, somewhere dry.
With these habits, your gold-tone jewellery will keep its shine for much longer. And if you're looking for an easy-care piece, our gold-tone open cuff bangle slips onto your wrist without a clasp and needs almost no upkeep.
