How Long Will Gold Plating Last on Jewellery? | Care Guide

Understanding Gold Plating: What It Is and How It Works

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is bonded to a base metal using an electrical current. This technique allows for the beauty of gold at a more affordable price than solid gold pieces. At Ella & Eve, our gold-plated jewellery combines quality craftsmanship with accessible luxury.

The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns (one micron equals one-thousandth of a millimetre). Most gold-plated jewellery ranges from 0.5 to 3 microns in thickness. The thicker the gold layer, the longer it will typically last before showing signs of wear.

The base metal underneath also matters. Common base metals include brass, copper, and sterling silver. Each has different properties that can affect how the gold plating adheres and wears over time. Quality gold-plated pieces often use nickel or other barrier layers between the base metal and gold to prevent migration of the base metal through the gold layer.

What Affects the Lifespan of Your Gold-Plated Necklace?

Several key factors determine how long the gold plating on your necklace or other jewellery will last:

• Plating Thickness: The thicker the gold layer, the longer it will last. Higher quality pieces typically have thicker plating.
• Wear Frequency: Daily wear creates more friction and exposure to elements that can wear down plating faster than occasional wear.
• Body Chemistry: Everyone's skin has a unique pH level and produces different amounts of oils and sweat. Some people's body chemistry can cause gold plating to wear more quickly.
• Environmental Exposure: Chemicals in perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, chlorine, and salt water can all accelerate the breakdown of gold plating.
• Care Routine: How you clean, store, and maintain your jewellery significantly impacts its lifespan.
• Activity Level: High-activity wear (during exercise, housework, etc.) creates more friction and sweat exposure, potentially shortening plating life.

Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about when to wear your gold-plated pieces and how to care for them properly.

Realistic Expectations: How Long Gold Plating Typically Lasts

With proper care, gold-plated jewellery can maintain its lustre for varying timeframes:

• Light, Occasional Wear: Gold-plated pieces worn for special occasions and properly stored between wears can maintain their finish for several years.
• Regular Wear with Care: With good maintenance, pieces worn weekly might keep their gold appearance for 1-2 years before showing signs of wear.
• Daily Wear: Items worn daily, like a favourite gold necklace or bracelet, typically begin showing wear within 6 months to a year, particularly in high-friction areas.

Remember that gradual wear is normal and expected with gold-plated jewellery. It's part of the natural lifecycle of these beautiful pieces. The good news is that with the right care routine, you can significantly extend the life of your gold plating.

Many customers find that the affordability of gold-plated jewellery allows them to build a varied collection, rotating pieces to reduce wear on any single item. With our Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece! offer, expanding your collection is even more accessible.

Daily Care Tips to Extend Your Gold Plating's Life

These simple habits can dramatically extend the life of your gold-plated necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets:

• Last On, First Off Rule: Make your gold-plated jewellery the last thing you put on when getting ready (after perfume, hairspray, makeup, and lotions) and the first thing you take off when your day ends.
• Avoid Water Exposure: Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, washing dishes, or any activity involving water. Chlorine and salt water are particularly damaging to gold plating.
• Skip the Sweat: Take off your gold-plated pieces before exercising or activities that cause heavy perspiration. Sweat contains salts that can accelerate wear.
• Chemical Caution: Keep your jewellery away from household cleaners, hand sanitisers, perfumes, and beauty products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals.
• Gentle Handling: Put on and remove your jewellery carefully, avoiding pulling or dragging that creates unnecessary friction.
• 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 before storing.

These simple habits take just moments but can add months or even years to your gold plating's lifespan.

Proper Cleaning Methods for Gold-Plated Jewellery

Gentle Cleaning Routine

When your gold-plated pieces need cleaning:

1. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot).
2. Add a few drops of mild, phosphate-free washing-up liquid.
3. Gently swish the solution to create light suds.
4. Soak your gold-plated jewellery for 1-2 minutes only.
5. If needed, use a very soft brush (like a baby's toothbrush) to gently clean crevices.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean, room-temperature water.
7. Pat completely dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
8. Allow to air dry fully before storing.

What to Avoid

• Harsh Cleaners: Never use jewellery dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or solutions containing ammonia, bleach, or alcohol on gold-plated pieces.
• Abrasives: Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, salt scrubs, or any abrasive cleaners that can scratch the delicate gold layer.
• Excessive Rubbing: Vigorous polishing can wear away the gold plating faster. Always use gentle motions.
• Prolonged Soaking: Extended exposure to water can damage both the plating and any adhesives used in the jewellery construction.

Remember: Less is more when cleaning gold-plated jewellery. Gentle, infrequent cleaning is better than aggressive or frequent cleaning sessions.

Proper Storage: Protecting Your Gold-Plated Treasures

How you store your gold-plated jewellery when not wearing it is just as important as how you care for it during wear:

• Individual Storage: Store each piece separately to prevent scratching and tangling. Your Ella & Eve complimentary gift box is perfect for this purpose.
• Anti-Tarnish Environment: Keep pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Bathroom storage is not recommended due to moisture.
• Sealed Protection: Consider small ziplock bags or anti-tarnish pouches for additional protection, especially for pieces worn less frequently.
• Silica Gel Packets: These moisture absorbers can be placed in your jewellery box to help maintain a dry environment.
• Secure Closures: Fasten clasps and hooks before storage to prevent tangling and reduce stress on delicate components.
• Soft Lining: Ensure your storage container has a soft, non-abrasive lining that won't scratch the gold plating.

Every Ella & Eve purchase comes with our elegant free gift box and branded gift bag, which are not just beautiful for presentation but also ideal for proper storage of your gold-plated treasures.

When Gold Plating Wears: Your Options

Even with the best care, gold plating will eventually show signs of wear. When this happens, you have several options:

• Professional Replating: Many jewellers offer replating services that can restore your piece to its original golden glory. This is most worthwhile for higher-quality base metal pieces with sentimental value.
• Embrace the Patina: Some people appreciate the unique character that develops as gold plating gently wears, revealing subtle variations in tone that tell the story of a well-loved piece.
• Rotation System: Developing a collection of gold-plated pieces allows you to rotate your wear, giving each piece a "rest" and extending the overall life of your collection. Our Buy 1, get 50% OFF a second piece! offer makes building a varied collection more affordable.
• Refresh Your Collection: Gold-plated jewellery's accessible price point means you can periodically update your collection with new pieces, always keeping your look fresh and on-trend.

Remember that gold-plated jewellery offers the luxury look of gold at a fraction of solid gold's price, making it a smart fashion investment even with its natural lifespan.

Your Gold Plating Questions Answered

Is gold-plated jewellery worth buying?

Absolutely! Gold-plated jewellery offers the luxurious look of gold at an accessible price point. With proper care, it can provide years of enjoyment. It's perfect for trying trendy styles or building a varied collection without the investment of solid gold.

Can I shower with my gold-plated necklace?

We don't recommend it. Water exposure, especially with soaps and shampoos, can accelerate the wear of gold plating. For maximum longevity, remove your gold-plated jewellery before showering, swimming, or any water activities.

Why does gold plating wear off faster for me than my friend?

Individual body chemistry plays a significant role. Factors like skin pH, how much you perspire, and the natural oils your skin produces can all affect how quickly gold plating wears. Lifestyle differences, such as exposure to chemicals or activity levels, also impact plating durability.

What's the difference between gold-plated and gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is gold plating over sterling silver, with a thicker gold layer (at least 2.5 microns) than standard gold plating. The sterling silver base makes vermeil typically more valuable and longer-lasting than gold plating over brass or other base metals.

Discover Ella & Eve's Gold-Plated Collection

Gold-plated jewellery offers the perfect balance of luxury appearance and accessible pricing. With the care tips shared in this guide, you can enjoy your Ella & Eve pieces for longer while making the most of their beautiful golden glow.

Our collection features stunning gold necklaces, elegant bracelets, eye-catching earrings, and delicate anklets – all designed with quality and style in mind. Each piece comes with our signature free gift box and branded gift bag, perfect for both gifting and proper storage.