Jewellery Care Myths Busted – What NOT to Do With Your Gold-Filled Pieces

When you invest in beautiful gold-filled jewellery, you want it to last, and the good news is, with the right care, it absolutely will. Gold-filled pieces from Au Jewellers are known for their durability, shine, and long-lasting finish. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to jewellery care. From outdated advice to well-meaning myths, some habits might actually do more harm than good.

If you’ve ever Googled how to care for your jewellery and come away more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here to clear things up. In this post, we’re debunking the most common myths around gold-filled jewellery care, and showing you what to avoid if you want to keep your pieces looking their best.

Myth 1: Gold-Filled Jewellery Needs to Be Removed Before Showering

This one comes up a lot, and it’s partially true, but not always necessary. Unlike gold-plated pieces, which have a very thin layer of gold that can wear away with water exposure, gold-filled jewellery is made with a much thicker layer of real gold that’s bonded to the base metal. That means it’s far more durable and water-resistant.

In most cases, you can wear your gold-filled chain or ring in the shower without any immediate damage. However, we still recommend removing your jewellery if you’re using harsh soaps, body scrubs, or shampoos, as these can dull the shine over time. Clean water won’t harm it, but product build-up might.

Myth 2: You Need Expensive Cleaners to Keep It Looking New

You don’t need to invest in fancy jewellery cleaners or special solutions to care for your gold-filled pieces. In fact, using chemical-based cleaners can sometimes do more harm than good, especially if they’re not designed for gold-filled metals.

The best way to clean your jewellery is with a soft cloth, like the polishing cloth we often include with your order, and warm, soapy water if needed. Gently wiping down your pieces every now and then is enough to keep them looking shiny and fresh. Avoid abrasive materials like toothbrushes or rough fabrics, which can create micro-scratches over time.

Myth 3: It’s OK to Sleep in Your Rings and Chains

This one depends on the piece, and how much you toss and turn. While gold-filled jewellery is tough and made to last, wearing it to bed every night can increase wear and tear faster than you might think.

Sleeping in chains can lead to tangling, stretching, or kinks in the links. Sleeping in rings, especially larger, heavyweight styles, can put unnecessary pressure on the band or cause the surface to rub against sheets, which may lead to dulling. If you want your pieces to last years, it's best to take them off before you hit the pillow.

Myth 4: Gold-Filled Jewellery Can’t Tarnish at All

Gold-filled jewellery is very resistant to tarnishing, far more so than plated or lower-quality metals. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune. In rare cases, environmental factors like humidity, chemicals, or even your skin’s natural oils can cause mild discolouration over time.

This is especially true if your piece is exposed to things like chlorine, perfume, hairspray, or sweat from high-intensity workouts. The best way to avoid this is to remove your jewellery before swimming, exercising, or applying body products. Wipe it down regularly and store it in a dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or jewellery box.

Myth 5: All Gold-Filled Jewellery Is the Same

Not all gold-filled jewellery is created equal. Some pieces may technically meet the minimum legal gold content, but that doesn’t guarantee the same quality of finish or craftsmanship. At Au Jewellers, our gold-filled items are made with 6x the standard gold content, giving you better colour, longer wear, and a more premium look and feel.

So while general gold-filled care tips apply, it’s worth knowing where your pieces come from. Quality construction plays a huge role in how long your jewellery will hold up, no matter how well you care for it.

Myth 6: Storing Jewellery in the Bathroom Is Fine

Bathrooms are usually damp, warm, and filled with moisture, which creates the perfect environment for tarnish, even on higher-quality gold-filled pieces. Humidity can cause metals to oxidise more quickly, especially if they’re stored in open trays or dish organisers.

Instead, store your jewellery in a dry place away from steam and direct sunlight. A soft pouch or a lined jewellery box in your bedroom or closet is ideal. If you wear your favourite chain every day, just make sure to wipe it down before storing to remove any residue or oils.

Caring for your gold-filled jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be correct. By avoiding these common myths and adopting a few simple habits, you’ll keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come. At Au Jewellers, we design our jewellery to stand up to real life, and with a little care, it truly will.