What is gold-plated jewellery?
At Essential our gold-plated jewellery is made from 925 sterling silver with a layer of real gold bonded over the surface.
The 925 sterling silver forms the base of the piece, while the gold plating gives the jewellery it's gold finish. The gold is real, it’s simply applied as a layer over the sterling silver rather than making up the entire piece.
Because the gold is a surface layer, it can naturally wear over time with regular use, which is why gold-plated jewellery needs a little extra care regardless of the base metal underneath.
How to look after your gold plated sterling silver jewellery:
Gold-plated jewellery needs a little extra care to help keep its golden finish looking its best. Unlike solid gold, the gold is applied as a layer over the sterling silver, so regular contact with water, chemicals and friction can cause the plating to wear over time.
Keep it away from water
Take your jewellery off before showering, bathing, swimming or doing the dishes. Chlorine and salt water can be particularly harsh on jewellery and may affect the gold plating.
Put your jewellery on last
Perfume, moisturiser, hairspray and other beauty products can affect the finish of your jewellery. Apply your products first and allow them to dry before putting your jewellery on.
Give it a gentle wipe
After wearing, use a soft, dry, lint free cloth to gently wipe away oils and product residue. Avoid scrubbing or using anything abrasive, as this can wear away the gold layer.
Skip the silver polish
Although silver polishing products can be useful for cleaning plain sterling silver, they aren't suitable for gold-plated jewellery. Abrasive polishes, silver dips and harsh cleaning methods can remove the gold plating.
Store it somewhere dry
When you're not wearing your jewellery, keep it somewhere cool and dry, ideally in a jewellery box or the resealable bag you receive your jewellery in. Storing pieces separately also helps prevent them from rubbing against each other.
Be mindful of everyday wear
Rings and bracelets naturally experience more friction because they come into contact with your skin, clothes and other surfaces throughout the day. Over time, this can cause the gold plating to wear, particularly on areas that receive the most contact.
Taking your jewellery off before bed is a good habit. Overnight, your jewellery is exposed to sweat, oils and friction against your skin and bedding. While wearing it to bed is unlikely to cause immediate damage, removing it gives you the perfect opportunity to give it a quick wipe and store it somewhere safe, helping to reduce unnecessary wear over time.
How to clean gold plated sterling silver jewellery:
If your jewellery needs more than a quick wipe, you can give it a gentle clean at home.
Use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap, gently cleaning the surface with a soft cloth. Rinse carefully and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Avoid soaking your jewellery for long periods and don't use abrasive cleaners, silver dips or polishing products, as these can damage the gold-plated surface.
Jewellery is made to be worn
Your jewellery doesn't need to stay tucked away in its box. With a little extra care, you can help keep your favourite pieces looking their best.
Keep them dry, put them on last, give them a gentle wipe after wearing and store them somewhere safe when you're not wearing them.
Because the pieces you wear on repeat deserve a little extra care.
Shop our gold plated collection.
