It will keep its gold look for months or years, depending on the thickness of the jewelry and the materials used to make it, is able to keep its gold look. Make the jewelry. In this guide, we will discuss the lifespan of gold-plated jewelry, why it loses its shine, how to extend the life of your jewelry, and how it differs from other types of gold jewelry.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is a kind of jewelry made by plating gold over a base metal. The base metal may include sterling silver, brass, copper, stainless steel, and any other metals.
The thicker the layer, the more durable it becomes.
The thinner the coating, the quicker it will wear off, especially if it’s something that gets rubbed a lot. This is why two items of merchandise marked gold-plated jewelry can have dramatically different lives. If you want to understand how gold plating compares with another popular gold finish, read Gold Vermeil vs. Gold-Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?.
How long can my gold-plated jewelry last?
Not everything has an expiry date. My gold-plated jewelry will wear off in six months to two years of constant use. However, with proper care of the jewelry, you should be assured of having it for quite some years. Many factors determine their true lifespan, such as:
- Thickness of gold plating
- Electroplating process quality
- Basic base metal
- How frequently you use it
- Exposure to water and moisture
- Exposure to perfume and makeup
- Body oils and sweat
- Physical activity & friction
- How to store & clean
A gold-plated necklace that’s only worn every now and then, and is well cared for, will look beautiful for years to come. In contrast, a ring that you wear every day while washing your hands, bathing, working out and doing other domestic chores will lose the plating much faster. For additional guidance on protecting precious-metal jewelry, see How to Care for Gold & Gemstone Jewelry.
Why Does Gold Plated Jewelry Change Color?
Gold plating doesn’t usually wear off overnight. If you wear your gold-plated jewelry regularly, the layer of gold may gradually rub off.
Some of the most frequent reasons are:
1. Water and Moisture
Gold plated jewelry is not permanent, especially when it is exposed to water on a regular basis. It will affect the item as it will come in contact with water regularly due to activities like swimming, bathing, washing dishes and wearing jewelry in humid conditions. It doesn’t have to be water all the time but if it is then it will rot faster if it happens a lot. Take off any gold plated jewelry before you go swimming or take a shower.
2. Sweatpants
Sweat contains salts and other compounds that can be tough on jewelry over time. Sweat. Friction. Motion.Gold-plated jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet wears off more quickly when worn during exercise.If you wear them everyday then take your gold plated pieces off before working out or any activity that makes you sweat a lot.
3. Perfumes and Cosmetics
Chemicals in perfume, hairspray, lotions, sunscreen, make-up and other beauty products can damage gold plating.Don’t spray perfume directly on your jewelry. Spray perfume in the air, wait for it to dry, then put your jewelry on.
One simple rule:
- Jewelry first.
- Beauty products second.
For more beauty-related jewelry tips, you can also read 7 Backstage Beauty Secrets Makeup That All Women Should Know Behind the Scenes.
4. resistance
Gold plating wears mostly from friction.
Rings are particularly vulnerable as they are in constant contact with surfaces, objects and your hands. Bracelets are also constantly rubbed against clothes, desks, bags and other objects. Necklaces and earrings might last longer as they generally don’t get as much direct friction.
5. Cleaning Products & Chemicals
Household cleaning products often contain bleach, chlorine and other strong chemicals that can damage or accelerate the wear of gold-plated jewelry. Always remove your jewelry when swimming in chlorinated water, cleaning or working with strong chemicals.
Does gold plated jewelry tarnish?
Gold is a fairly resistant metal in and of itself, but gold-plated jewelry can sometimes develop discolored or tarnished spots over time as the plating wears off. If you’re interested in why another popular jewelry metal can change color, read Why Does Sterling Silver Turn Your Skin Green?.
Quality gold plated jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry pieces are not all alike. Durability is determined by many factors.
Heavy Gold Plating
If you are buying gold plated jewelry make sure the seller states the quality and specifications of the plating not just uses the words “gold plated.”
Base Metal Quality
The stuff beneath the gold is important, too. Sterling silver or quality stainless steel is often the base for jewelry. Brass and copper are also common, used in fashion jewelry
Professional Plating
The quality of the plating process can affect how uniform and firm the adherence of the gold layer to the base metal is. Cheap jewelry is usually plated less consistently than that made by reputable fine-jewelry makers.
Gold Plated Jewelry Last Longer Tips
If you take good care of your gold-plated items, you can extend their life considerably.
Don’t Get Jewelry Wet
Please take off gold plated jewelry before:
- Shower
- Swimming
- Bathing.
- curtsied to dishes
- Working Out
- Long exposure to humidity
- Use Products Before Wearing Jewelry
Apply your lotions, perfume, sunscreen and other beauty products before your jewelry. Let these products dry completely before you wear your necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings.
.
Wash Softly
Jewelry gold plated should be cleaned gently.After wearing, lightly wipe oils and dirt with a soft lint-free cloth. For deeper cleaning refer to care instructions from the manufacturer. Do not use abrasive cleaners, rough polishing cloths or harsh chemicals as these can strip or damage the thin layer of gold. For another jewelry-cleaning reference, see How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry: The Complete Guide.
End Jewelry
Good rule of thumb: dress completely before adding jewelry. This minimizes your exposure to perfume, hairspray, lotion, makeup and other products.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you shower with gold plated jewelry?
Better to remove gold-plated jewelry before showering. Water, soap, shampoo, and other things wear out faster.
Can you replace gold-plated jewelry?
Yep. When the first plating wears off, a gold-plated jewelry item can be professionally replated. Replating can be possible or impossible depending on the construction and value of the piece.
Conclusion
No definite life span, every piece is different. Gold plating will last a couple months to couple year