Will Gold Plated Sterling Silver Necklaces Change Colour? | Care Guide

Understanding Gold Plated Sterling Silver: The Basics

Gold plated sterling silver jewellery consists of a solid sterling silver base (92.5% pure silver, 7.5% other metals) covered with a thin layer of gold. This layer is bonded to the silver through an electroplating process, where gold particles are deposited onto the silver using an electric current.

The result is beautiful jewellery with the luxurious look of gold at a more accessible price point. The thickness of this gold layer typically ranges from 0.5 to 3 microns (a micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre). This thin layer gives your necklaces and other pieces their warm, golden glow.

Will Gold Plated Sterling Silver Change Colour?

The honest answer is that yes, over time, gold plated sterling silver can experience some colour changes. This isn't a flaw in the jewellery but rather the natural result of regular wear and exposure to various elements.

With proper care, these changes can be significantly delayed, allowing you to enjoy your gold plated pieces for much longer. The gold layer may gradually thin in areas that experience the most friction, potentially revealing the silver underneath. This process is called "wear-through" and happens very gradually with normal use.

It's important to understand that this isn't the same as tarnishing. Pure gold doesn't tarnish, but the underlying silver might if exposed. The good news is that with the right care routine, you can maintain that beautiful golden finish on your favourite earrings and other pieces for years.

Factors That Affect Your Gold Plated Jewellery's Appearance

Several factors influence how long your gold plated sterling silver jewellery maintains its original appearance:

• Plating Thickness: Higher quality gold plated jewellery, like those from Ella & Eve, has a thicker layer of gold that lasts longer.
• Wear Frequency: Items worn daily will naturally experience more friction and exposure than occasional pieces.
• Body Chemistry: Everyone's skin chemistry is unique. Some people's natural oils and pH levels may cause the plating to wear differently.
• Environmental Exposure: Chemicals in swimming pools, hot tubs, perfumes, lotions, and even household cleaners can accelerate wear.
• Climate Factors: High humidity and salty air (coastal areas) can affect the durability of the plating.
• Care Routine: How you clean, store, and maintain your jewellery plays a significant role in its longevity.

Daily Care Tips for Gold Plated Sterling Silver

Following these simple habits will help preserve the beauty of your gold plated anklets, bracelets, and other jewellery:

• Last On, First Off Rule: Make your Ella & Eve jewellery the last thing you put on when getting ready and the first thing you take off when returning home. This minimises exposure to cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays.
• Avoid Water Contact: Remove your gold plated pieces before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Chlorine, salt water, and even regular tap water can accelerate wear.
• Limit Chemical Exposure: Keep your jewellery away from household cleaners, hand sanitisers, and beauty products containing alcohol or harsh chemicals.
• Prevent Perspiration Contact: Take off your gold plated jewellery during workouts or activities that cause heavy sweating, as perspiration can be acidic.
• Gentle Handling: Put on and remove your jewellery carefully to avoid scratching or bending, which can damage the gold layer.
• Wipe After Wearing: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your pieces after each wear to remove oils, moisture, and residues.

Safe Cleaning Methods for Gold Plated Jewellery

Gentle Cleaning Routine

When your gold plated sterling silver needs 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 jewellery in the solution for 10-15 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean, room-temperature water.
5. Pat completely dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
6. Allow to air dry fully before storing.

Polishing Gold Plated Jewellery

For light cleaning and shine restoration, a microfibre jewellery cloth works wonders. Gently buff your gold plated pieces with very light pressure. Avoid excessive rubbing, as this can wear down the gold layer over time.

What to Avoid

• Ultrasonic cleaners (too harsh for plated jewellery)
• Jewellery dips or solutions containing ammonia or alcohol
• Abrasive materials like toothpaste, baking soda, or salt scrubs
• Polishing cloths designed for solid gold or silver (may be too abrasive)
• Steam cleaning methods
• Soaking for extended periods

Proper Storage for Gold Plated Sterling Silver

How you store your gold plated jewellery when not wearing it significantly impacts its longevity:

• Individual Storage: Store pieces separately to prevent them from scratching against each other. Your Ella & Eve gift boxes are perfect for this purpose.
• Anti-Tarnish Environment: Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Humidity accelerates tarnishing of the underlying silver if exposed.
• Sealed Containers: Use airtight containers or anti-tarnish pouches to minimise exposure to air and moisture.
• Silica Gel Packets: Adding these moisture absorbers to your jewellery box helps maintain a dry environment.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Some plastics emit gases that can affect the plating. Use the soft cloth pouches or boxes that came with your Ella & Eve jewellery.
• Secure Clasps: Fasten clasps and hooks on necklaces and bracelets to prevent tangling and scratching.

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 System: Avoid wearing the same pieces every day. Rotating your jewellery collection reduces wear on any single item and gives each piece time to "rest."
• Consider Activity Level: Save your more delicate gold plated pieces for special occasions and opt for sturdier jewellery for everyday wear.
• Apply Products First: Wait for lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics to fully dry before putting on your jewellery.
• Avoid Sleeping in Jewellery: This prevents unnecessary friction against bedding and reduces exposure to night-time perspiration.
• Professional Maintenance: Consider having your favourite pieces professionally cleaned once a year.
• Re-plating Option: If a treasured piece has lost its gold finish, professional re-plating is an option to restore its appearance.

With proper care, your gold plated sterling silver jewellery from Ella & Eve can maintain its beautiful appearance for years. Remember that some gradual change is natural, but following these guidelines will significantly slow the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Plated Jewellery

How long does gold plating typically last?

With proper care, gold plating can last from several months to several years. The exact timeframe depends on the plating thickness, wear frequency, care routine, and environmental factors. Some well-maintained pieces can look beautiful for many years.

Can I shower with my gold plated jewellery?

It's best to remove gold plated jewellery before showering. Soaps, shampoos, and hot water can accelerate wear on the gold layer. The chemicals in bath products may also affect the plating's appearance over time.

Is gold plated jewellery suitable for everyday wear?

Gold plated jewellery can be worn daily with proper care. However, for pieces you plan to wear constantly, consider rotating between several items and being mindful of activities that might cause extra wear.

Can gold plated jewellery cause skin discolouration?

High-quality gold plated jewellery like Ella & Eve's shouldn't cause skin discolouration when the plating is intact. If the gold layer wears through, the sterling silver underneath may occasionally leave slight marks on some people's skin, depending on their body chemistry.

Discover Ella & Eve's Gold Plated Collection

Now that you understand how to care for gold plated sterling silver, you can confidently enjoy these beautiful pieces. Our collection offers the perfect balance of luxury, quality, and value, with each item carefully crafted to provide lasting beauty.

Browse our stunning range of gold plated sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets – each piece designed to add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Every Ella & Eve purchase comes with our complimentary gift box and gift bag, perfect for storage or presenting as a thoughtful gift.