Gold-plated jewellery is a popular and affordable jewellery option, offering a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag. However, it's important to understand that gold-plated jewellery requires careful maintenance to preserve its beauty. Over time, the thin layer of gold can wear off, exposing the base metal and leading to tarnishing. While gold-plated jewellery typically doesn't have hallmarks like solid gold, proper care can significantly extend its lifespan.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know to keep your gold plated jewellery shining all year round.
Does gold plated jewellery tarnish?
Yes, gold-plated jewellery does tarnish. Over time the thin layer of gold can wear down, exposing the base metal underneath. This can cause the jewellery to lose its shine or even take on a discoloured appearance.
Gold plated jewellery is made by applying a layer of gold onto a base metal, usually silver, brass or stainless steel, through a process called electroplating. The gold layer gives the gold plated jewellery its allure, resembling solid gold jewellery.
The thickness of the gold layer can vary, but it is typically between 0.5 to 2.5 microns. As a general rule of thumb a high quality gold plated finish would be at least 1.0 micron. This layer of gold can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath and causing a tarnished look.
Gold plated jewellery is generally more affordable than solid gold jewellery, making it a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly jewellery option that still offers a gold-like look.
Does gold plated jewelry have any hallmarks or stamps?
Unlike solid gold jewellery, gold-plated jewellery typically won't have any hallmarks. Hallmarks are tiny markings like 375 for 9k gold and 925 for 925 sterling silver, stamped on precious metals to indicate their purity and authenticity. These markings are regulated by companies such as the assay office and ensure you're getting what you pay for.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Hallmarked Base Metal: If the base metal used under the gold plating is itself a precious metal, like sterling silver (Vermeil Jewelry), it might have a hallmark but only if the piece meets a certain weight requirement (usually over 7.78 grams for sterling silver).
- Manufacturer's Mark: Some brands and manufacturers might include their own stamp or logo, but this won't tell you anything about the gold content. It might indicate the plating process used (e.g., "GEP" for gold electroplate).
So, while hallmarks aren't a reliable way to identify gold-plated jewellery, the absence of a hallmark can be a clue. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult the seller or look for the piece's description which should mention if it's plated, sterling silver or solid gold.
Why gold plated jewellery tarnishes?
Gold-plated jewellery offers a beautiful and affordable way to add a touch of gold to your look. But as we've discussed, the plating can wear down over time. The good news is, with a little TLC, you can extend the lifetime of your pieces and keep your gold-plated jewellery shining!
Several factors can affect the durability of gold plated jewellery:
- Contact with chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or certain cleaning agents, can damage the gold plated layer on your jewellery.
- Moisture and humidity: Excessive moisture or exposure to humidity can cause the gold plated layer to tarnish faster which is why we always recommend removing your gold plated jewellery before showering.
- Physical impact: Gold plated jewellery can be susceptible to scratches or dents from physical impact. It is important to handle and store your jewellery carefully to prevent damage.
- Frequency of wear: Jewellery that is worn frequently is more likely to show signs of wear and tear, regardless of whether it is gold plated or solid gold. Proper maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of both types of jewellery.
Click Here to read Tyresse's top tips and tricks to care for your jewellery.
Gold Plated Jewellery vs Solid Gold Jewellery
| Metal | Gold Plated Jewellery | Vermeil Jewellery | Solid Gold Jewellery |
| Metal Type | Thin layer of gold applied to a base metal, like brass or sterling silver, using a process called electroplating | Jewellery made by coating a sterling silver base with a layer of gold. | Made entirely of gold or a gold alloy, and is the most durable and expensive type of gold jewellery. |
| Advantages | Gold-plated jewelry whilst offering a similar look to solid gold is cheaper than solid gold jewellery and other gold alternatives like silver jewellery. | Gold vermeil is less expensive than solid gold jewellery but more durable than other gold-plated options because it has a thicker layer of gold. The gold layer is typically at least 2.5 microns thick. | Solid gold is seen as a commodity that will retain its value and its more durable than gold-plated jewelry. Solid gold jewellery is also less likely to tarnish or discolor over time. |
How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewellery
If you want your gold-plated jewellery to stay beautiful for as long as possible, following some simple care tips makes a huge difference:
Top Care Tips
Avoid water & chemicals: Take jewellery off before showering, swimming, or cleaning.
Keep away from perfumes & lotions: Spray perfume before putting jewellery on.
Store properly: Keep pieces in a soft pouch or jewellery box to avoid scratches.
Clean gently: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing — avoid abrasive cleaners.
Rotate your pieces: Don’t wear the same item every single day; give it rest to reduce wear.
How Long Does Gold-Plated Jewellery Last?
The lifespan of gold-plated jewellery depends on:
Gold thickness (thicker plating lasts longer).
Base metal (sterling silver bases, e.g., vermeil, are more durable).
How to Wear & Store Gold-Plated Jewellery
With proper care, well-made gold-plated jewellery can last anywhere from 1–3 years or more before showing signs of wear. The key is to wear and store your pieces mindfully, protecting the delicate gold layer from unnecessary friction, moisture, or chemical exposure.
Tips for Wearing Gold-Plated Jewellery:
Avoid water & chemicals: Always remove gold-plated jewellery before showering, swimming, or exercising. Sweat, chlorine, and soaps can accelerate tarnishing.
Apply beauty products first: Put on lotions, perfumes, and hair products before wearing your jewellery. These products contain oils and chemicals that can dull the finish.
Last on, first off: Jewellery should be the last thing you put on when getting dressed and the first thing you take off at the end of the day.
Rotate your pieces: If you wear the same item daily, it will naturally wear faster. Rotating between different pieces helps extend their lifespan.
Tips for Storing Gold-Plated Jewellery:
Use a soft pouch or box:
Store pieces in individual soft-lined jewellery boxes or anti-tarnish pouches to prevent scratches.
Keep items separate: Never let gold-plated jewellery rub against harder metals or gemstones, as this can cause the gold layer to wear down.
Store in a cool, dry place: Humidity accelerates tarnishing. Avoid storing your jewellery in bathrooms.
Wipe after wear: Gently clean with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove oils, sweat, and dirt before storage.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly extend the life of your gold-plated jewellery, keeping it looking fresh and lustrous for years to come.
Should You Buy Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery is a fantastic choice if you:
Want the look of gold without the high cost.
Love keeping up with jewellery trends without a big investment.
Need stylish everyday pieces but don’t want to worry too much about damage.
However, if you’re after heirloom pieces or something you’ll wear daily for decades, investing in solid gold or silver jewellery may be a better option.
