How to Care for 18K Gold-Plated Jewellery — The Complete Guide
Compartir
18K gold-plated jewellery offers the warmth and beauty of gold at an accessible price point — but only if you know how to care for it. At iBrilliance shop, all our gold-tone pieces are crafted on a brass or copper alloy base with thick, multi-layer 18K gold electroplating using a high colour-retention process. With the right care, your pieces will maintain their lustre for years.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what gold plating actually is, why it fades, and exactly how to keep your pieces looking their best.
What Is 18K Gold Plating?
Gold plating is a process in which a thin layer of gold is deposited onto a base metal — in our case, brass or copper alloy — using electroplating. The “18K” refers to the purity of the gold used in the plating layer: 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75% pure gold. This gives the plating its characteristic warm, rich yellow tone.
The thickness of the plating matters enormously. Standard gold-plated jewellery may have a plating as thin as 0.5 microns, which wears away quickly. iBrilliance shop uses a thick, multi-layer plating process that deposits significantly more gold, resulting in a finish that is far more durable and resistant to tarnishing than standard plated pieces.
However, no gold plating lasts forever without care. The gold layer will eventually wear through to the base metal — but with the right habits, you can dramatically extend its life.
Why Does Gold Plating Fade or Tarnish?
Gold itself does not tarnish — it is one of the most chemically stable metals on earth. What tarnishes is the base metal beneath the plating when the gold layer wears thin. The most common causes of premature wear are:
- Water and moisture: Prolonged exposure to water — especially chlorinated or salt water — accelerates the breakdown of the plating bond.
- Perfumes and hairsprays: The alcohol and chemical compounds in fragrances are highly corrosive to gold plating.
- Sweat and skin oils: The acids in perspiration gradually erode the plating, particularly in warm weather or during exercise.
- Lotions and sunscreen: Chemical compounds in skincare products react with the plating and accelerate wear.
- Abrasion: Rubbing against hard surfaces, other jewellery, or rough fabrics physically removes the gold layer over time.
- Cleaning with harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners will strip gold plating rapidly.
The Golden Rules of Gold-Plated Jewellery Care
1. Put jewellery on last, take it off first
Make this your non-negotiable rule. Apply all perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, and makeup before putting on your jewellery. Remove your jewellery before washing your hands, showering, swimming, or exercising. This single habit will extend the life of your plating more than anything else.
2. Keep it dry
Water is the enemy of gold plating — especially chlorinated pool water and salt water, which are particularly corrosive. Remove all gold-plated jewellery before:
- Showering or bathing
- Swimming (pool, sea, or hot tub)
- Washing dishes or cleaning
- Exercising or any activity that causes sweating
3. Clean gently after each wear
After wearing, gently wipe your pieces with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth — a microfibre cloth is ideal. This removes skin oils, sweat, and any residue before they have a chance to react with the plating. Do not use paper towels or rough fabrics, which can cause micro-scratches.
For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp soft cloth (plain water only — no soap), wipe gently, then immediately dry thoroughly with a dry cloth. Never soak gold-plated jewellery in water.
4. Store correctly
How you store your jewellery matters as much as how you wear it. Follow these storage principles:
- Store each piece in a separate soft pouch or compartment to prevent pieces from scratching each other.
- Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid bathrooms, which are humid environments.
- Use an airtight jewellery box or zip-lock pouch to minimise exposure to air, which can cause oxidation of the base metal if the plating is thin.
- Do not store gold-plated pieces alongside silver jewellery, which can cause tarnishing through contact.
5. Avoid abrasive surfaces and materials
Gold plating is a surface finish — physical abrasion removes it. Avoid:
- Stacking bracelets or rings that rub against each other constantly
- Wearing necklaces under rough-textured clothing
- Cleaning with abrasive cloths, brushes, or polishing compounds
- Ultrasonic cleaners (the vibrations can damage both the plating and any natural stones)
Special Care for Pieces with Natural Stones
Many iBrilliance shop pieces combine 18K gold plating with natural gemstones — turquoise, baroque pearls, raw stone, and others. Each stone has its own care requirements that must be considered alongside the gold plating:
- Turquoise: Porous and sensitive to oils, lotions, and water. Keep completely dry and away from chemicals. Never use ultrasonic cleaners.
- Baroque pearls: Organic and soft. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately. Avoid perfumes and acids. Store flat.
- Raw stone beads: Avoid prolonged water exposure. Wipe dry after wearing.
The general rule: treat the most delicate element of the piece as the standard for the whole piece.
What to Do If Your Gold Plating Fades
Even with perfect care, gold plating will eventually wear through — particularly on high-friction areas like the inside of bangles, the backs of earring posts, and the clasp areas of necklaces. This is normal and expected.
If your piece shows significant wear, you have a few options:
- Professional re-plating: A local jeweller can re-plate the piece with a fresh layer of gold. This is cost-effective for pieces you love.
- Clear nail varnish: A thin coat of clear nail varnish on high-friction areas (not on stones) can slow further wear — a useful temporary measure.
- Embrace the patina: Some wearers love the aged, antique look that develops as plating wears. It is a mark of a well-loved piece.
Quick Reference: Do’s and Don’ts
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Wipe with a soft dry cloth after each wear | Wear in the shower, pool, or sea |
| Store in a separate soft pouch | Apply perfume or hairspray while wearing |
| Put jewellery on last when getting ready | Use ultrasonic cleaners |
| Keep in a cool, dry place | Store in a humid bathroom |
| Remove before exercise or housework | Clean with harsh chemicals or abrasives |
Shop Our 18K Gold-Plated Collections
Have a question about caring for a specific piece? Visit our FAQ or contact us — we’re always happy to help.