Gold plated jewellery can bring the warmth and elegance of gold to your everyday style without the price tag of solid gold. From delicate necklaces and statement earrings to bracelets you reach for again and again, the right pieces can quickly become part of your signature look.
Like all jewellery, however, gold plated pieces deserve a little care.
Over time, exposure to moisture, perfume, skincare products, chemicals and everyday wear can affect the appearance of gold plating. The good news is that a few simple habits can help your jewellery stay beautiful for longer.
In this guide, weāll explain how to care for gold plated jewellery, how to clean it safely, what to avoid, how to store it and what to do if your favourite piece begins to lose some of its original shine.
What Is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery is made by applying a layer of real gold over another base material.
This gives the piece the beautiful colour and appearance associated with gold while allowing it to be considerably more accessible than jewellery made entirely from solid gold.
Not all gold plated jewellery is made in exactly the same way. The base material, thickness of the plating, plating technique and how the jewellery is worn can all influence how it performs over time.
For example, some jewellery uses PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) gold plating, a process used to apply a thin coating to the underlying material.
Regardless of the type of gold plating, itās important to remember one thing:
Gold plating is a surface finish.
Unlike solid gold, the outer gold layer can gradually wear with use. Looking after that surface is therefore one of the best ways to help preserve its appearance.
Does Gold Plated Jewellery Tarnish?
Gold itself is highly resistant to tarnishing, but gold plated jewellery is more complicated because the piece isnāt made entirely from gold.
With enough wear, the plated surface can become dull, fade or wear away in certain areas. The underlying material and the environment the jewellery is exposed to can also influence changes in appearance.
This doesnāt necessarily mean youāve done anything wrong.
Jewellery naturally experiences friction against your skin, clothes and other jewellery. Add moisture, cosmetics, perfume and everyday handling, and itās easy to understand why a plated finish may gradually change.
How quickly this happens depends on several factors, including:
- How frequently you wear the piece
- The quality and method of plating
- The underlying material
- Exposure to water and sweat
- Perfume and cosmetic exposure
- Cleaning products and other chemicals
- Friction against clothing or other jewellery
- How the jewellery is stored
The best approach is therefore not to expect gold plated jewellery to behave exactly like solid gold, but to care for the plated surface appropriately.
How to Care for Gold Plated Jewellery: 8 Simple Rules
1. Put Your Jewellery On Last
One of the easiest habits to adopt is also one of the most effective:
Jewellery should be the finishing touch to your routine.
Apply your moisturiser, makeup, perfume, hairspray and other beauty products before putting on your jewellery.
Give those products a little time to dry or absorb before adding your necklace, earrings or bracelet.
Perfumes, lotions, oils and cosmetics can leave residue on the surface of jewellery. Repeated exposure can make a beautifully polished piece appear dull and may contribute to wear of the plated finish.
A useful routine is:
Skincare ā makeup ā perfume ā hair products ā get dressed ā jewellery
When getting ready for bed, reverse the process and take your jewellery off before removing makeup or applying evening skincare.
2. Avoid Spraying Perfume Directly Onto Your Jewellery
That beautiful gold necklace may sit exactly where you normally spray perfume.
Try to avoid spraying fragrance directly onto it.
Instead, apply your perfume first and allow it to dry before putting your necklace on.
The same applies to body sprays and hairspray.
This tiny change requires almost no effort and reduces unnecessary chemical exposure to the jewelleryās surface.
3. Be Sensible Around Water
One of the most common questions about gold plated jewellery is:
Can gold plated jewellery get wet?
The safest general approach is to minimise unnecessary exposure to water, particularly when you donāt know exactly how a particular piece has been manufactured.
Even jewellery designed to be more water resistant can benefit from being treated carefully.
Consider removing your jewellery before:
- Swimming
- Using a hot tub
- Spending long periods in the shower or bath
- Cleaning
- Using household chemicals
Swimming pools are particularly worth thinking about because pool water may contain chlorine and other chemicals.
Likewise, the sea combines saltwater, sand and physical activity ā not necessarily the environment youād choose for a delicate piece of jewellery.
If your jewellery accidentally gets wet, donāt panic. Gently dry it with a soft, clean cloth rather than aggressively rubbing the surface.
4. Take Jewellery Off Before Exercising
Your favourite necklace might look gorgeous with your gym outfit, but your workout isnāt necessarily the best environment for it.
Exercise means increased perspiration, moisture, body oils, movement and friction.
Bracelets may repeatedly rub against equipment, necklaces move against the skin and rings can experience considerable physical contact.
Before exercising, put your jewellery somewhere secure and put it back on once youāve showered and dried.
5. Avoid Household Chemicals
Take gold plated jewellery off before cleaning.
Bleach, strong detergents, disinfectants and other household cleaning products arenāt designed with delicate jewellery finishes in mind.
This is particularly relevant to rings and bracelets because your hands come into contact with cleaning products frequently.
Wearing gloves can help, but removing your jewellery completely is usually the simplest option.
6. Wipe Your Jewellery After Wearing It
You donāt need to perform a full cleaning routine every evening.
A simple gentle wipe can help remove some of the oils, moisture and residue accumulated during the day.
- Take the piece off carefully.
- Use a clean, soft, dry cloth.
- Gently wipe the surfaces that have been against your skin.
- Put the jewellery away somewhere dry.
Avoid aggressive polishing. Remember, youāre cleaning a plated surface rather than trying to polish a block of solid metal. Gentle care is the goal.
7. Store Gold Plated Jewellery Separately
How you store jewellery matters almost as much as how you wear it.
Throwing several necklaces, earrings and bracelets into one container can cause them to rub against each other.
This can lead to scratches, tangled chains, damaged pendants, worn plating and bent components.
Ideally, keep individual pieces separated.
A soft jewellery pouch, lined jewellery box or individual compartment can work well.
For necklaces, lay them flat or store them in a way that prevents the chains becoming tangled. For earrings, keep pairs together.
8. Donāt Over-Clean Your Jewellery
More cleaning isnāt necessarily better cleaning.
Gold plated jewellery generally doesnāt need aggressive scrubbing or frequent deep cleaning.
Avoid reaching automatically for:
- Abrasive polishing compounds
- Rough cloths
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Bleach
- Strong household cleaners
- Hard-bristled brushes
Some DIY jewellery-cleaning tips found online may be appropriate for certain metals but too abrasive for a plated surface.
When in doubt, choose the gentlest method possible and follow any specific care instructions supplied with your jewellery.
How to Clean Gold Plated Jewellery at Home
If your jewellery simply needs refreshing, start gently.
For Everyday Cleaning
Youāll need:
- A clean, soft cloth
- A dry surface
- Good lighting so you can inspect the piece
First, check the jewellery for loose stones, damaged clasps or other problems.
Then gently wipe the piece with the soft cloth, paying particular attention to areas that frequently touch the skin.
Donāt scrub aggressively. For many pieces, this is all thatās necessary after normal wear.
What If a Soft Cloth Isnāt Enough?
Before using liquids or cleaning products, check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer.
Different plated jewellery can have different base metals, gemstones, adhesives and finishes, so there isnāt one aggressive DIY cleaning mixture thatās appropriate for every piece.
If youāre uncertain, contact the retailer or a professional jeweller before experimenting with stronger cleaning methods.
Can You Shower With Gold Plated Jewellery?
This depends on the specific construction of the jewellery.
Some modern plated pieces are designed to tolerate greater exposure to water than traditional plating. However, water resistance doesnāt mean every substance encountered in a shower is harmless to jewellery.
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, exfoliants and other products may all come into contact with the piece.
If your priority is maximising the life of the finish, removing your jewellery before showering is the cautious option unless the brand specifically provides different care guidance for that piece.
Can You Swim With Gold Plated Jewellery?
Itās generally sensible to remove gold plated jewellery before swimming.
Swimming pools can expose jewellery to chlorine and other chemicals, while the sea introduces saltwater, sand and increased friction.
Thereās also a much simpler reason: losing your favourite necklace or ring in the sea is considerably more upsetting than leaving it safely at home.
Can You Sleep in Gold Plated Jewellery?
You can physically sleep while wearing many pieces of jewellery, but removing them before bed can help reduce unnecessary wear.
During several hours of sleep, necklaces can twist and rub against skin and bedding. Fine chains may become tangled, while earrings can catch against fabric.
Taking jewellery off before bed also gives you an opportunity to wipe it down and store it correctly.
Why Is My Gold Plated Jewellery Changing Colour?
A change in colour doesnāt always have one single cause.
Natural Wear
The plated layer can gradually become thinner in areas exposed to repeated friction.
Product Residue
Skincare, makeup, soap and other products can accumulate on the surface and make jewellery look less bright.
Moisture and Perspiration
Frequent exposure can affect the appearance of certain materials and finishes.
Chemical Exposure
Cleaning products, chlorine and cosmetics can interact with jewellery.
The Underlying Material Becoming More Visible
If plating wears significantly, the colour of the base material may begin to show through.
How Long Does Gold Plated Jewellery Last?
Thereās no honest universal answer.
A piece worn occasionally and stored carefully may age very differently from the same piece worn every day through showers, workouts, perfume and swimming.
The longevity of gold plated jewellery can depend on:
- Plating method
- Plating thickness
- Base material
- Frequency of wear
- Friction
- Skin contact
- Exposure to chemicals
- Storage
- Cleaning habits
Rather than focusing on a promised number of months or years, look at the construction of the jewellery and follow the brandās specific care guidance.
Gold Plated Jewellery vs Solid Gold Care
One of the most important differences is that solid gold doesnāt have a plated gold surface that can gradually wear away.
With gold plated jewellery, preserving the outer finish is therefore particularly important.
That doesnāt make plated jewellery a poor choice.
For many people, it offers the opportunity to experiment with different styles, build a larger jewellery collection and enjoy the look of gold at a more accessible price.
A Simple Gold Plated Jewellery Care Routine
If all of this sounds like a lot to remember, it doesnāt need to be.
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Put it on last. Apply perfume, skincare and cosmetics first.
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Take it off when necessary. Especially for swimming, cleaning and intense exercise.
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Keep it clean. Gently wipe away moisture and residue after wear.
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Keep it separate. Store individual pieces so they donāt constantly rub against each other.
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Be gentle. Avoid aggressive polishing and harsh DIY cleaning methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Plated Jewellery
Does gold plated jewellery tarnish?
Gold plated jewellery can become dull, change colour or show signs of wear over time. How quickly this happens depends on the plating, underlying material, frequency of wear and exposure to moisture, chemicals and friction.
How do you clean gold plated jewellery?
For routine care, gently wipe the jewellery with a clean, soft, dry cloth after wearing it. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and abrasive cleaners. For deeper cleaning, follow the specific care instructions supplied with the piece.
Can gold plated jewellery get wet?
Occasional contact with water doesnāt necessarily mean a piece is ruined, but reducing unnecessary water exposure can help protect many plated finishes.
Can I shower with gold plated jewellery?
Removing gold plated jewellery before showering is the cautious option because the piece may be exposed not only to water but also shampoo, soap and other products.
Can I wear gold plated jewellery every day?
Many people do. However, daily wear naturally means more friction, moisture and product exposure than occasional wear, so frequently worn pieces may show signs of wear sooner.
Can I wear gold plated jewellery in the sea?
Itās generally sensible to remove it before swimming. Saltwater, sand and physical activity can expose jewellery to additional wear, and thereās always the risk of losing the piece.
Does perfume damage gold plated jewellery?
Repeated direct exposure to perfume and other cosmetics isnāt ideal for plated jewellery. Apply perfume first, allow it to dry and then put on your jewellery.
Should I take gold plated jewellery off before bed?
Removing jewellery before sleeping can reduce unnecessary friction, tangling and pulling, particularly with delicate necklaces and chains.
How should I store gold plated necklaces?
Keep necklaces somewhere clean and dry, ideally separated from other jewellery. A soft pouch, jewellery box or individual compartment can help prevent tangling and reduce pieces rubbing against each other.
Can I use toothpaste to clean gold plated jewellery?
Itās better to avoid abrasive DIY cleaning methods such as toothpaste. A plated surface should be cleaned gently.
Why has my gold plated jewellery gone dull?
Surface residue, oils, cosmetics and everyday wear can all make jewellery appear less bright. Start with a gentle wipe using a soft cloth. If the colour itself has changed significantly, the plating may have experienced wear.
Can faded gold plated jewellery be restored?
Depending on the construction and condition of the piece, professional replating may be possible. If a sentimental or valuable piece has experienced significant plating wear, ask a professional jeweller whether replating is suitable.
Keep Your Favourite Pieces Feeling Special
Jewellery is often about much more than an accessory.
It can remind you of a person, a celebration, a particular chapter of your life ā or simply give you that little boost of confidence when you catch your reflection.
Thatās why caring for your jewellery is worth the extra few seconds.
Put it on after your perfume. Take it off before swimming. Give it a gentle wipe. Store it somewhere safe.
Small habits can make a meaningful difference to how your favourite pieces look over time.
Treat your jewellery like something precious ā because the moments you wear it for often are. āØ
