Quick answer

Clean your Warhammer pendant necklace with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear. Use mild soap and water for stainless steel and gold-plated pendants, and a dedicated silver polishing cloth for sterling silver pieces. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners for plated items.

Why material matters

Different pendant metals require different care. Stainless steel is durable and resists tarnish, but can still show smudges. Gold-plated pendants need gentler handling because the thin layer can wear off over time. Sterling silver is prone to tarnish and needs regular polishing to maintain its shine.

Common mistakes to avoid

Never use abrasive cloths or paper towels—they can scratch the surface. Avoid soaking your pendant in water for long periods, especially if it has a gold-plated finish. Ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for plated jewelry and may loosen the plating.

Step-by-step care routine

  1. Check the material: Look at your pendant's product description or stamp to confirm whether it's stainless steel, gold-plated, or sterling silver. This determines the cleaning method. If unsure, treat it as gold-plated (gentlest method) to avoid damage.
  2. Wipe after each wear: Use a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber works well) to remove oils and dust. For gold-plated pendants, use only a dry cloth. For stainless steel, a slightly damp cloth is fine. This simple habit prevents buildup that leads to dullness.
  3. Deep-clean stainless steel or gold-plated pendants: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the pendant. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe again to remove soap residue. Pat dry immediately. Do not soak the pendant. Water can seep into settings or under the plating.
  4. Polish sterling silver pendants: Use a silver polishing cloth (not a regular cloth) to gently buff the pendant in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid circular rubbing, which can create swirl marks. Wash your hands after handling the cloth, as the polishing chemicals can transfer. Silver cloths contain anti-tarnish agents—do not wash them or use them on other metals.
  5. Store properly: Keep your pendant in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with separate compartments. Avoid tossing it into a drawer with other items that can scratch it. For sterling silver, add an anti-tarnish strip to the storage container. Humidity accelerates tarnish on silver. Store in a dry place away from bathrooms.
  6. Handle pre-order pendants with extra care: If your pendant is a pre-order item (like the Adepta Sororitas or Necrons pendant), it may arrive with a protective film or packaging. Remove it gently and follow the cleaning steps above from the start. Pre-order items are new—no need to clean them immediately, but start the care routine from day one.

Product care notes