How Long Will Gold Plating Last on Earrings? | Durability Guide

What Exactly Is Gold Plating?

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is bonded to a base metal using an electrical current. This technique creates the beautiful gold finish we love at a more accessible price point than solid gold.

At Ella & Eve, our gold-plated earrings and other jewellery pieces typically feature a quality base metal coated with a layer of real gold. The thickness of this gold layer is one of the key factors determining how long your plating will last – thicker plating generally means greater durability and longevity.

Factors Affecting Gold Plating Lifespan

The durability of gold plating on your earrings can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Plating Thickness: Higher quality gold-plated jewellery has a thicker layer of gold, which naturally lasts longer. Premium pieces may have up to 2.5 microns of gold, while budget options might have as little as 0.5 microns.
• Wear Frequency: Daily wear exposes your jewellery to more friction, moisture, and chemicals than occasional use. Your favourite everyday gold earrings will naturally show wear sooner than special occasion pieces.
• Body Chemistry: Everyone's skin has a unique pH level and produces different amounts of oils and sweat. Some people's body chemistry can accelerate the wearing of gold plating more than others.
• Environmental Exposure: Contact with chemicals in perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, chlorine, salt water, and even air pollution can all affect gold plating durability.
• Care Routine: How you clean, store, and maintain your gold-plated jewellery plays a significant role in its lifespan.

With proper care, gold-plated earrings can maintain their lustre for anywhere from six months to two years or more. Some customers report even longer lifespans for pieces they've cared for meticulously.

Daily Care for Gold-Plated Jewellery

The way you treat your gold-plated jewellery day-to-day has the biggest impact on how long the plating will last. Follow these simple habits to preserve that golden glow:

• Last On, First Off: Make your Ella & Eve gold earrings or other gold-plated pieces the final touch to your outfit after applying cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays. Remove them before showering, swimming, or exercising.
• Avoid Chemical Contact: Keep your gold-plated jewellery away from household cleaners, chlorine, salt water, and even some beauty products that contain harsh chemicals.
• Minimise Moisture Exposure: Remove your gold-plated bracelets and other pieces before washing hands, doing dishes, or any activity involving water. Moisture can accelerate tarnishing and wearing of the gold layer.
• Gentle Handling: Put on and remove your jewellery carefully to avoid scratching. For earrings, be especially gentle when inserting and removing them from your ears.
• Wipe After Wear: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your gold-plated jewellery after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and residues that could affect the plating over time.

Safe Cleaning Methods for Gold-Plated Jewellery

Gentle Cleaning Routine

When your gold-plated pieces need a deeper clean:

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot).
2. Add a tiny drop of mild, phosphate-free dish soap (avoid anything harsh or antibacterial).
3. Gently swish the solution to create light suds.
4. Soak your gold-plated jewellery for no more than 1-2 minutes.
5. If needed, use an extra-soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) to very gently clean crevices.
6. Rinse thoroughly with room temperature water.
7. Pat completely dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
8. Allow to air dry fully before storing.

What to Avoid

These cleaning methods can damage gold plating and should always be avoided:

• Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners
• Abrasive materials like toothpaste or baking soda
• Commercial jewellery cleaners (unless specifically formulated for gold-plated items)
• Polishing cloths designed for solid gold (they're too abrasive for plating)
• Rubbing alcohol, acetone, or bleach

Proper Storage to Preserve Gold Plating

How you store your gold-plated earrings, necklaces, and other pieces when not wearing them is crucial for maintaining their finish:

• Individual Storage: Store each piece separately to prevent scratching and tangling. For necklaces, fasten the clasp to prevent tangling.
• Use Your Ella & Eve Packaging: Every piece of our jewellery comes with a complimentary gift box and gift bag. The lined box provides excellent protection from air exposure and scratches.
• Anti-Tarnish Environment: Consider adding a silica gel packet to your storage container to absorb moisture. Some jewellery boxes come with anti-tarnish lining that can help protect gold plating.
• Avoid Humidity: Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bathroom storage where shower steam can create humidity.
• Sealed Plastic Bags: For longer-term storage, consider placing pieces in individual zip-seal plastic bags with the air squeezed out before sealing.

Extending the Life of Your Gold-Plated Jewellery

Beyond basic care and cleaning, these strategies can help maximise the lifespan of your gold plating:

• Rotation Is Key: Avoid wearing the same gold-plated pieces every day. Rotating your jewellery collection gives each piece a break from exposure to elements that can wear down plating. Our gold earrings collection offers plenty of options to create a rotation.
• Apply Products First: Always put on lotions, perfumes, makeup, and hairspray before your jewellery, and allow these products to fully dry on your skin before adding your gold-plated pieces.
• Remove During Activities: Take off your gold-plated bracelets, anklets, and other jewellery during exercise, swimming, cleaning, and gardening.
• Consider Professional Re-plating: When the gold plating eventually wears, some pieces can be professionally re-plated by a jeweller, extending their life considerably.
• Layer Strategically: If layering jewellery, be mindful that pieces rubbing against each other can wear down plating faster. Consider using spacers or choosing complementary pieces that won't constantly rub.

The Ella & Eve Touch: Gifting, Value & Style

We believe in beauty and value. That's why every single Ella & Eve gold-plated jewellery order includes our elegant free gift box and branded gift bag. Perfect for presenting a thoughtful gift, and equally perfect for protecting your own cherished pieces.

Ready to treat yourself or someone special? Explore our exquisite collection of gold bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Plus, take advantage of our current promotion: Buy 1 piece of jewellery, get a second piece 50% OFF! It's the perfect opportunity to build your collection or find complementary styles.

Your Gold Plating Questions Answered

How can I tell if my gold plating is wearing off?

The first signs typically include the base metal beginning to show through at points of friction (like the back of earrings or inside of rings), a duller appearance, or slight discoloration. Regular inspection of your pieces can help catch early signs of wear.

Is gold-plated jewellery suitable for sensitive ears?

Many people with mild metal sensitivities can wear gold-plated earrings comfortably, as the gold layer creates a barrier between skin and the base metal. However, as plating wears, sensitivity reactions may occur. For very sensitive ears, consider gold vermeil (thicker gold over sterling silver) or solid gold options.

Can I shower or swim with gold-plated jewellery?

We strongly recommend against it. Water exposure, especially chlorinated pool water or salt water, can significantly accelerate the deterioration of gold plating. Soaps and shower gels can also contain chemicals that may damage the finish.

Is it worth getting gold-plated jewellery re-plated?

For pieces you love or that have sentimental value, re-plating can be worthwhile. The cost typically ranges from £20-£50 depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Many jewellers offer this service, though it's best to check if your specific piece is suitable for re-plating.

Enjoy Your Gold-Plated Treasures with Ella & Eve

Gold-plated jewellery offers the perfect blend of beauty and value, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious look of gold at a more accessible price point. While the plating won't last forever, with the right care and attention, your Ella & Eve pieces can remain stunning for much longer than you might expect.

Remember that some wear is natural over time – it's part of the journey with gold-plated jewellery. By following our care tips and treating your pieces with love, you'll maximise their lifespan and enjoyment.

Explore our curated collection of gold-plated bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and anklets – designed with quality and timeless style in mind.