Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Gold plating is a process of applying a thin layer of gold to the surface of another metal. It’s used for many purposes, including decorative purposes and increasing corrosion resistance. Gold plating can last anywhere from one year to several years depending on how it is cared for and what type of metal it has been applied to.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss more about how long gold-plated jewelry lasts so you know when you should have your items re-plated or taken off altogether!
What Does Gold Plating Actually Mean?
Gold plating is a process where a jewelry item or any other decorative item made with metals like Copper, Bronze, Silver or any other non-gold metal is plated with a thin layer of original gold. This is very common in artificial jewelry however it is more expensive than the normal artificial jewelry however less expensive than actual gold jewelry.
How Can You Make Gold Plated Jewelry Last Longer?
The answer to this question is very simple: By proper maintenance. Like all other things in life, if you don’t maintain your gold plated jewelry the gold later will start to fade away and you will be left with the original metal beneath the gold layer. With proper maintenance you can lengthen the life of your gold plated jewelry.
Making sure to only wear your gold-plated jewelry when you’re going to attend some special event is a great way of making sure that the metals under the layer don’t get damaged or scratched. You should always store all these items in a zip lock bags and use cotton cloths for cleaning.
Gold plating will last longer if it is kept dry. Humidity and sweat can cause the gold to corrode and wear away. If you are going to be wearing your jewelry in water, make sure it is gold-plated over a waterproof metal like stainless steel. You should also avoid using jewelry cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach, as these can also corrode the gold. Instead, use a mild soap and water to clean your jewelry.
When Should You Have Gold Plated Jewelry Re-Plated?
Gold plating will usually last one to two years, but it may need to be re-plated sooner if it is exposed to a lot of moisture or chemicals. If the gold begins to wear away and the metal underneath is showing, it’s time for a re-plating. You can take your jewelry to a jeweler for this service, or you can do it yourself with a gold plating kit.
How Can You Tell if Gold Plated Jewelry Is Real?
Gold plated jewelry is not as durable as real gold jewelry. It will usually wear away and corrode over time, especially if it is not taken care of properly. You can tell if gold plated jewelry is real by checking to see if the gold layer is even and has no scratches. The metal underneath should also be a different color than the gold. If you are not sure whether your jewelry is gold plated or not, you can take it to a jeweler for inspection.
Does Gold Plated Jewelry Fade Away?
Gold plated jewelry will usually fade away over time. The gold layer will wear away and the metal underneath will show. If the gold plating is not taken care of properly, it may corrode and completely wear away.
Is Gold Plated Jewelry Worth It?
It is definitely worth it. Many jewelry brands all over the world have started their own line of gold plated jewelry for people who could not afford real gold jewelry but wanted to have a sense of association to the high end jewelry brands. The best part about gold plated jewelry is that you can get any personalized jewelry items and apply gold plating on it.
Is Gold Plating Only Done On Non Precious Metals?
Gold plating can be done on any metal, but it is most commonly used on copper, bronze, and silver. These metals are less expensive than gold, so it is a more affordable way to get the look of real gold jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry over a waterproof metal like stainless steel is also a good choice for water activities. Silver is a precious metal and holds good value as well (not as much as gold but it is still valuable).Even though it is a precious metal it is very commonly plated with gold.
