✨ How to Maintain Gold Plated Sterling Silver Jewelry: The Do’s & Don’ts

Gold plated sterling silver jewelry gives you the luxury of gold at a more accessible price point — but it requires proper care to keep its shine and prevent fading. At Infinite Jewelers, we only sell precious metals like sterling silver and solid gold, never cheap base metals like brass or nickel. That means your jewelry is not only beautiful but also skin-safe and longer lasting.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • ✅ What gold plated sterling silver is
  • 🚫 What not to do
  • 🔄 How to clean it properly
  • ⏳ How long it lasts before re-plating
  • 👀 What you should know about non-precious metals

 

💎 What Is Gold Plated Sterling Silver?

Gold plated sterling silver (sometimes called vermeil) is made by applying a thin layer of gold over solid 925 sterling silver. This gives you the aesthetic of real gold without the high price of solid gold.

Unlike gold-plated base metals like brass or nickel, sterling silver is a precious metal, which means:

  • It’s hypoallergenic and safe for most skin types
  • It won’t cause green skin or irritation
  • It has more long-term value

 

✅ The Do’s: How to Maintain It Like a Pro

  • Do remove before showering, swimming, or exercising
    Moisture and sweat can wear down the gold layer faster.
  • Do store in an anti-tarnish pouch or clean dry jewelry box
    Keeping it away from humidity helps prevent tarnish on the silver underneath.
  • Do clean it gently
    Use a soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, a very mild soap and warm water is okay — just be quick to dry it completely.
  • Do wear it after applying perfume or lotions
    Let your skin dry fully before putting on your jewelry to avoid chemical contact.


🚫 The Don’ts: What to Avoid at All Costs

  • Don’t use harsh chemicals or jewelry cleaners meant for solid gold
    These are too abrasive for plated surfaces.
  • Don’t scrub with a toothbrush or abrasive cloth
    This can strip the thin gold layer and expose the silver underneath.
  • Don’t wear it 24/7
    The more contact it has with sweat, water, or chemicals, the faster it fades.


🧼 How to Clean Gold Plated Sterling Silver (Safely)

What You Need:

  • Mild dish soap (no fragrance or dyes)
  • Lukewarm water
  • Soft cotton cloth or microfiber
  • Dry towel

Steps:

  1. Mix a few drops of soap with lukewarm water.
  2. Dip the cloth in the solution and gently wipe your jewelry.
  3. Rinse under lukewarm water briefly.
  4. Pat dry with a towel — don’t rub.
  5. Let air dry completely before storing.

🛑 Avoid silver polishing cloths or dips — they may strip off the gold plating.

 

🕒 How Long Does Gold Plated Sterling Silver Last?

With proper care, the gold plating on sterling silver can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years before showing visible signs of fading — and even longer for pieces worn occasionally.

Lifespan depends on:

  • How often you wear it
  • How well you care for and clean it
  • Whether it’s exposed to water, sweat, or chemicals

Once the gold layer begins to wear thin, the sterling silver underneath may start to show. The good news? You can have it professionally re-plated to restore its gold finish — and since it’s plated over real silver (a precious metal), it’s worth the maintenance investment.

💡 Infinite Jewelers Tip: If you wear your gold plated sterling silver jewelry every day, consider having it re-plated every 1–2 years to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

 

🛑 Why We Avoid Base Metals at Infinite Jewelers

Many “gold plated” jewelry pieces on the market use base metals like:

  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Nickel
  • Zinc alloys

These metals are not skin-safe, tarnish fast, and often cause allergic reactions or green skin.

At Infinite Jewelers, we only use precious metals — meaning:

  • Gold plated over 925 sterling silver
  • Solid 10k or 14k gold
  • No nickel, no brass, no cheap fillers

That’s how we ensure durability, shine, and comfort — even for sensitive skin.

 

🧠 Final Thoughts

Gold plated sterling silver is a beautiful, affordable luxury — but only if you treat it right. With regular care, smart storage, and re-plating when needed, your jewelry will stay stunning for years.

💼 Infinite Jewelers Tip: If you want something ultra-durable and water-safe for everyday wear, consider investing in solid gold options from our collection.

Back to blog