To care for gold-plated jewelry, keep it away from water, sweat, perfume and lotion, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after each wear, and store it on its own so it does not get scratched. Plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal, so the goal is to slow down wear on that layer.
What is the difference between gold-plated and solid gold?
Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through. A 14K piece is 58.3% pure gold from the surface to the center, so scratches and polishing just reveal more of the same gold. Gold-plated jewelry has a base metal, often brass or sterling silver, with a very thin coat of gold on the outside. When that coat wears through, the base metal shows.
|
Solid gold |
Gold-plated |
| Gold content |
10K 41.7%, 14K 58.3%, 18K 75%, all the way through |
Thin surface layer only |
| Water and sweat |
Fine for most daily wear |
Speeds up wear and tarnish |
| Polishing |
Can be polished to look new |
Polishing removes the plating |
| Repairs |
Can be soldered and sized |
Heat can damage the plating |
At Golden Palace, every product listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated, so you always know what you are buying.
What wears down gold plating?
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Friction. Rings rubbing on surfaces, bracelets on desks, chains on collars.
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Moisture and sweat. Showers, pools, workouts and humid days.
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Chemicals. Perfume, hairspray, lotion, sunscreen, chlorine and cleaning sprays.
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Abrasive cleaning. Polishing cloths with compound, toothpaste and baking soda.
How do you clean gold-plated jewelry?
- Start with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Most of the time, that is all it needs.
- For more buildup, dip a cloth in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Wipe gently. Do not soak plated pieces and do not scrub.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water.
- Dry right away and let it air-dry fully before storing.
Skip ultrasonic cleaners, jewelry dips and polishing cloths treated with compound. The soak-and-brush method in our guide to cleaning gold jewelry at home is for solid gold, not plated pieces.
What daily habits make plating last longer?
-
Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after lotion, perfume and hairspray have dried, and take it off first.
-
Take it off for water and workouts. Our guide on when to take off your jewelry covers the gym, pool, shower and sleep.
-
Rotate. Pieces worn every day wear faster. Switching them up spreads out the wear.
-
Store separately in a soft pouch or a lined compartment, away from solid gold and diamonds that can scratch the surface. See how to store jewelry so chains don't tangle.
-
Keep it dry. A closed box with a silica packet, not the bathroom counter.
Can worn gold plating be fixed?
Sometimes a piece can be re-plated, depending on the base metal and the design. It is worth asking, especially for a piece with sentimental value. If you want something you can wear every day without worrying, solid gold is the longer-lasting choice, and many people with sensitive ears or skin do well with solid gold. Ask us which option fits you.
Visit or text us
Not sure if a piece is plated or solid? Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. We are open 7 days. Thinking about upgrading? Browse solid gold pieces under $500 and our bracelets.
How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewelry
To care for gold-plated jewelry, keep it away from water, sweat, perfume and lotion, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after each wear, and store it on its own so it does not get scratched. Plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal, so the goal is to slow down wear on that layer.
What is the difference between gold-plated and solid gold?
Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through. A 14K piece is 58.3% pure gold from the surface to the center, so scratches and polishing just reveal more of the same gold. Gold-plated jewelry has a base metal, often brass or sterling silver, with a very thin coat of gold on the outside. When that coat wears through, the base metal shows.
At Golden Palace, every product listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated, so you always know what you are buying.
What wears down gold plating?
How do you clean gold-plated jewelry?
Skip ultrasonic cleaners, jewelry dips and polishing cloths treated with compound. The soak-and-brush method in our guide to cleaning gold jewelry at home is for solid gold, not plated pieces.
What daily habits make plating last longer?
Can worn gold plating be fixed?
Sometimes a piece can be re-plated, depending on the base metal and the design. It is worth asking, especially for a piece with sentimental value. If you want something you can wear every day without worrying, solid gold is the longer-lasting choice, and many people with sensitive ears or skin do well with solid gold. Ask us which option fits you.
Visit or text us
Not sure if a piece is plated or solid? Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. We are open 7 days. Thinking about upgrading? Browse solid gold pieces under $500 and our bracelets.