Plated and gold-filled jewelry offer a beautiful and affordable way to enjoy the luxurious look of gold. However, to keep them shining, it's essential to understand how they are made and how to care for them properly. This guide will walk you through the key differences and provide expert tips to ensure the longevity of your cherished pieces.
What's the Difference Plated vs Gold-Filled
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of real gold bonded onto a base metal, such as brass or copper. This process makes the piece very affordable, but it also means the gold layer is delicate and can wear away over time with friction, moisture, and contact with chemicals. Our plated jewelry is always nickel, lead, and cadmium-free.
Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled jewelry is the next best thing to solid gold. It's created by pressure-bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal core. This layer is typically 100 times thicker than that of plated jewelry, making it much more durable, tarnish-resistant, and safe for people with metal allergies. With proper care, gold-filled pieces can last for many years.
Caring for Your Plated Jewelry
The key to making plated jewelry last is gentle handling and protecting it from abrasion and chemicals. Think of the gold layer as a delicate coating that needs to be preserved.
The "Last On, First Off" Rule
Always put your plated jewelry on *after* you have applied all lotions, makeup, and perfumes. When you get home, it should be the first thing you take off. This simple habit drastically reduces contact with potentially damaging chemicals.
Protect from Moisture and Sweat
Moisture is the biggest enemy of plated jewelry. To protect it:
- Remove all pieces before washing your hands, showering, bathing, or swimming.
- Take off your jewelry before exercising or any activity that may cause excessive sweating.
Gentle Cleaning Only
Never use chemical jewelry cleaners, and avoid soaking the jewelry in water. If you notice a buildup of residue, you can very gently dab the piece with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Do not rub the surface, as this can wear away the plating.
Caring for Your Gold-Filled Jewelry
Thanks to its thick layer of solid gold, gold-filled jewelry is much more durable and easier to care for. It can handle more wear and tear, but a good care routine will keep it shining for years.
Regular Cleaning
You can safely clean your gold-filled pieces without fear of the gold rubbing off.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
- Submerge the jewelry for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub with a very soft toothbrush to remove any buildup, especially around settings.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoiding Abrasives
While durable, gold-filled jewelry can still be scratched by harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Avoid contact with bleach and harsh cleaners, and polish only with a soft cloth.
Proper Storage for All Jewelry
Whether plated or gold-filled, proper storage is essential to prevent scratches and slow down any potential tarnishing.
- Store pieces separately. Keep your jewelry in individual soft pouches or in a jewelry box with compartments to prevent items from rubbing against each other.
- Keep it in a dry location. Store your jewelry away from the humidity of a bathroom to protect it from moisture.
Disclaimer: These are standard industry care recommendations. Please consider the specific needs of your jewelry, as you are ultimately responsible for its care and maintenance.
