Preserving the Shine: A Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Your Gold-Plated Coin Necklace

At Mintique of Cambridge, we take pride in creating unique pieces of jewellery that are not just accessories, but also a piece of history. Our handmade 18k gold-plated coin necklaces, crafted from genuine, circulated coins, are a testament to this ethos. Each necklace is a unique piece of art, carrying the weight of history and the shine of gold. However, like all precious items, these necklaces require care to maintain their lustre and value. This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to care for your gold-plated coin necklace.

The Uniqueness of Your Necklace

Each of our necklaces is made from genuine pre-circulated coins, some of which are cupronickel and others sterling silver, and some are then plated with 18k gold. This means that each piece is unique, carrying its own history and charm. When you wear a Mintique of Cambridge necklace, you're not just wearing a piece of jewellery; you're wearing a piece of history, now adorned with the timeless elegance of gold.

Understanding Gold Plating

Gold plating involves electroplating another type of metal with a thin layer of pure gold. This gives the item the appearance of gold but at a lower cost than solid gold. However, just like all gold plated items, the gold layer can wear away over time, especially with frequent use. Therefore, it's essential to care for your gold-plated jewellery properly to maintain its beautiful golden appearance just as you would need to care for any other precious metal.

Innovative Update: Enhanced Durability with Epoxy Resin

In our ongoing commitment to excellence and in response to your valuable feedback, we are excited to announce an innovative update to our 18k gold-plated coin necklaces. Understanding the importance of preserving the necklace's pristine condition, we have introduced a clear, jewelry-grade epoxy resin layer on one side of each necklace.

Why Resin? The addition of this epoxy resin serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it acts as a barrier between the gold plating and your skin or clothing. This protective layer is particularly effective in minimizing wear and tear, ensuring that the gold plating remains intact and lustrous over time. Secondly, it helps to maintain the overall integrity of the necklace, safeguarding it against common elements that can affect gold plating, such as moisture, chemicals, and physical abrasion.

How to Wear: Please note that this resin layer is designed to face inwards, resting against your skin or clothing. This placement is intentional to maximize the protective benefits while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your necklace.

Caring for the Resin-Coated Side: While our care instructions remain largely the same, we recommend being mindful of the resin-coated side. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean this side. A gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth is sufficient to keep it looking its best.

With this enhancement, we assure you that your Mintique of Cambridge gold-plated necklace will not only continue to be a symbol of elegance and history but will also stand the test of time with its new, resilient design.

Caring for Your Gold-Plated Necklace

Just as you would care for a precious silk garment or a pair of high-quality leather shoes, your gold-plated necklace requires attention to maintain its lustre. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Avoid Moisture and Chemicals: Keep your necklace away from water and chemicals. Remove it before showering, swimming, or exercising. Also, avoid contact with makeup, perfume, and hair products as they can tarnish the gold plating.

Wear with Care: Gold plating can wear away with frequent use. Therefore, take extra care if you plan to wear your necklace daily instead of just for special occasions.

Keep out of the Sun: Sun can cause gold to fade and the jewellery piece to be come brittle.

Clean it Regularly: Dirt can easily build up on jewellery so you necklace will need cleaning regularly - ideally once a week or even after every wear. Dirt is damaging to gold and the base metal so cleaning is essential.

Save for Special Occasions: The more a gold plated piece is worn, the quicker the gold layer will wear down.

Store Properly: When not in use, store your necklace in a cool, dark, dry place away from other jewellery. A jewellery box lined with a soft fabric is ideal. This will protect it from moisture and scratches. Your necklace will arrive in a Mintique of Cambridge branded jewellery box. An alternative is an airtight container - the gold standard of storage. There is the option to purchase an additional pouch and cloth (as illustrated in the image below) so that you can store your necklace somewhere safe when out and about. 

Cleaning Your Gold-Plated Necklace

Despite your best efforts, your necklace may need cleaning from time to time. Here's how to do it:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
2. Dampen a soft cloth in the soapy water.
3. Gently wipe the necklace with the cloth until it is clean.
4. Rinse the necklace under warm running water.
5. Important: Dry the necklace thoroughly with a soft towel or cloth.

Remember, it's important to clean your necklace gently to avoid scratching the gold plating.

Conclusion

Your Mintique of Cambridge gold-plated necklace is more than just a piece of jewellery, it is adorned with the timeless elegance of gold. With the right care, you can preserve its beauty and lustre for years to come. So, treat your necklace with the care it deserves, and it will continue to shine with the brilliance of gold.

Check out the coin necklace collection here.