All that glitters isn't gold — well, not entirely gold. Gold-plated jewelry, for example, consists of a thin layer of gold wrapped around a base metal such as brass or copper. Gold-plated jewelry can tarnish when its coating begins to fade, thus exposing the metal underneath. This discoloration can be frustrating, but it's not inevitable. Below, we've rounded up four easy tips and tricks from the pros. Follow this solid-gold advice from jewelry designers and experts, and keep tarnish at bay for longer.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
As mentioned, gold-plated jewelry refers to jewelry that comprises a base metal, such as copper or brass, and a thin layer of gold. Through a process called electroplating, the metal is wrapped in the gold.
According to Fortune & Frame founder Gretel Going, not all gold-plated jewelry is created equal. “There are a couple of approaches to plating, and the coating can range from the equivalent of a first coat of spray paint to extremely thick, and, therefore, less likely to tarnish or fade over time.” The more microns (read: one millionth of a meter) of gold used, the better, as it's less likely a piece of gold-plated jewelry will tarnish.
Why Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Tarnish?
Before we discuss tips to prevent tarnishing, let's tackle why it occurs in the first place. Tarnishing is largely due to the fact that gold plating is a thin layer above a base metal, which makes pieces stronger and less likely to bend. Unfortunately, over time, the base metal will eventually come to the surface, causing the metal and the gold to discolor. This process breaks the gold down and requires proper polishing and maintenance to restore its shine. Luckily, there are tips to prevent gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing so it keeps its luxurious look.
Clean Jewelry Regularly
Jewelry can be cleaned with a “soft, non-abrasive, and lint-free cloth or chamois to keep the shine,” says Marisa Hordern, founder of the jewelry brand Missoma. The brand recommends cleaning pieces at least once a year, and every three to six months for most-loved pieces.
Start by gently rubbing the surface of the gold-plated jewelry and clean or spot treat as needed. Amber Glassman, CEO and co-founder of Bryan Anthonys, echoes this lint-free cloth tip: “Do not use a polishing cloth, as this will strip away the plating,” she says.
“Regularly cleaning and wiping down your jewelry after wear can help keep your pieces shiny and scratch-free for longer,” Rellery founder Sally Rong adds. However, if it’s gold-plated sterling silver, Misho founder and creative director Suhani Parekh suggests that regular wear can actually be part of your maintenance process. “The oils in our skin help prevent tarnish build-up on silver," she shares.
If you need a deep clean, Sophie Monet Okulick, founder of her eponymous brand Sophie Monet, suggests “mixing warm water and dish soap together in a small bowl, and soaking pieces for a few minutes before rinsing and wiping them clean.” It’s important not to use an antibacterial soap, as the chemical might tarnish gold-plating. If this still doesn’t do the trick, you can always take the piece in for professional cleaning or re-plating.
Avoid Contact With Water
To keep your pieces from premature damage, be sure to take off gold-plated jewelry when showering or swimming. “Chlorine, salt water, and fresh water can damage precious metals by dulling or eroding them,” Hordern tells Byrdie. “Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.” And because of the chemicals present in perfume, hairspray, makeup, deodorants, and other beauty products, Missoma's golden rule is to make gold-plated jewelry the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Be Mindful with Perfume
Going encourages gold-plated jewelry owners to avoid spraying plated pieces—or even solid gold pieces—directly with perfume. “Depending on the perfume, the chemicals can create a reaction similar to oxidation,” the Fortune & Frame designer says, “which basically means it can turn your gold black. It’s reversible, but can be a little shocking if you’re not expecting it.”
Store Gold-Plated Jewelry Strategically
Understanding how best to store your go-to necklaces or earrings is just as important as knowing how to clean your gold-plated jewelry. All our experts recommended storing jewelry in a pouch, case, or jewelry box to prevent tarnishing and fading. “If you want to take the ultimate care of your jewelry, store in a dark, cool, and dry place to avoid humidity and heat, which can cause tarnishing,” Hordern tells Byrdie.
In addition, storing jewelry in a pouch or dark area will prevent the opportunity to be exposed to daily humidity that could also alter the initial plating, according to Acosta. Make sure your pieces are somewhat separated to avoid contact with objects that can scratch or chip the finish, Glassman says.
Case in point: when gold-plated jewelry is exposed to external elements or chemicals, certain base metals may cause discoloration. “Brass, for instance, is a very reactive metal and when it’s exposed to high levels of humidity or salt water, the brass can begin reacting and breaking through the plating,” Going tells Byrdie.
Byrdie Tip
Make gold-plated jewelry the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off. This will prevent the jewelry from too much exposure to soaps, lotions, and perfumes, which can all cause tarnish.
How Long Should Gold-Plated Jewelry Last?
According to Rong, you should be able to maintain high-quality gold-plated jewelry for up to five years with proper care. “It’s really a matter of keeping it away from the elements—salt, water, sweat, and high humidity—and chemicals from cleaners or perfumes,” Going agrees. And if it starts to fade, you can restore your beloved pieces by learning how to fix tarnishing or making it like new again through re-plating.
