How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewelry and Silk Scarves: Maintenance Guide

Quick answer: gold-plated jewelry lasts for years if kept away from water, perfume and sweat, stored in closed pouches and cleaned with a soft dry cloth. Silk scarves should be dry-cleaned (or hand-washed in cold water with neutral soap, never wrung) and ironed inside out at low temperature.

Caring for gold and rhodium-plated jewelry

• Last on, first off: put jewelry on after perfume, cream and hairspray — never before. Cosmetics are plating's worst enemy.
• No water: remove rings and bracelets before washing your hands, showering or exercising.
• Storage: keep each piece separately in its pouch or box, away from light and humidity, so pieces don't scratch each other.
• Cleaning: dry microfibre cloth. For stubborn dirt, a cloth barely dampened with water and neutral soap, dried immediately. Never chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners or toothpaste.

Caring for natural stones (agate, quartz, amethyst)

Natural stones dislike knocks and thermal shocks. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight (some stones can fade) and clean only with a soft cloth. Hand-knotted necklaces should be hung or laid flat, never rolled tightly.

Caring for silk scarves

• Washing: dry cleaning is the safest choice. Alternatively: by hand, cold water, neutral soap or gentle shampoo, a few minutes, without rubbing or wringing.
• Drying: blot with a towel and lay flat in the shade. Never tumble-dry, never direct sun, never on a radiator.
• Ironing: inside out, low temperature (silk setting), ideally while the fabric is still slightly damp.
• Storage: folded in a drawer or hung on a soft hanger; for long periods, wrapped in tissue paper, away from heat sources and direct contact with mothballs.
• Stains: act immediately by blotting (never rubbing) and take the piece to a dry cleaner, mentioning the nature of the stain.

Caring for leather and suede bags

Nourish leather once or twice a year with a neutral cream, protect suede with a waterproofing spray, and store bags stuffed with tissue paper inside their dustbag.

Frequently asked questions

How often should costume jewelry be cleaned? A quick wipe after each wear extends the life of the plating more than any deep clean.

Can silk be machine-washed? Not recommended, even on delicate cycles: printed silk twill can lose body and sheen.

Is a creased scarf ruined? No: silk regains its shape with gentle ironing on the reverse.

All L'OFFICIEL creations are made in Italy with artisanal craftsmanship since 1969 — with the right care, they last a lifetime.