Is Gold Plated Jewellery Real Gold?

The answer is yes. Gold plating is real gold. The purity of the gold used in the electroplating process ranges just like solid gold, with the lowest purity beginning from 10K all the way to 24K. 

Depending on the purity of the gold used, a thin layer of gold (between 0.5 microns to 2.5 microns) is applied over a base metal such as brass, nickel or Sterling Silver. 

2.5 microns is pretty thick, and is known as heavy gold plated. Generally, the thicker the plating, the longer the plating lasts. Then, there is also gold filled which I use regularly in my pieces. (You can read it here). 

How Long Can Gold Plating Last?

Gold plating is meant to be permanent, but it can lose its initial luster over time or expose its base metal underneath under rough usage circumstances or environment. However, with proper care, you can extend the life of your gold plated jewellery and keep them looking bright and beautiful, and long enough to last your fancy. 

Gold plated jewellery has earned its enduring popularity with fashionistas because it’s available in so many designs and it complements any OOTD and individual style. To keep your gold plated jewellery looking fine, extra care should be taken to care for your beloved pieces in order to maximise their lifespan. Here are some tips! But first, my Golden Rule when dressing up:

“The golden rule - Put on your jewellery LAST and take them off FIRST.”

1. Avoid spraying on perfume/ hair sprays or any other aerosols when wearing your gold plated jewellery. Spray on first, let the mist settle, then wear your jewellery so as to ensure that the chemicals do not interact with the metal in your jewellery pieces.

2. The same rule applies if you are wearing any body lotion or cream or essential oils. Wait till your lotion, cream or essential oils have been fully absorbed by your skin before you layer on your jewellery. On the same note, I know some of us love essential oils and sometimes dab our favourite scents behind our ears. Just be mindful that your earrings are not touching the part of your ears that have oils applied. 

3. Don’t forget to remove your jewellery if you are engaging in exercise or activities that will cause you to sweat. This includes swimming.

4. As a general rule of thumb for both gold filled and sterling silver pieces, use a clean, soft and dry cloth to gently wipe them down after every wear. 

5. Stay away from treated polishing cloths (especially on gold filled components) as some of them are not suitable for use on gold filled components. Simply use a soft, clean and dry jewellery cloth and wipe gently and lightly.

6. With gold plated jewellery, I highly recommend storing them in ziplock bags. I always include one with my box for you to store your jewellery. Just before you put your jewellery away, gently press out excess air after you have packed your jewellery piece in the ziplock bag. Store each individual piece or pair in separate ziplock bags to avoid any scratches.

At J. Lawrence, I use 14K gold filled (here are some great options if you have sensitive skin) or 16K and 18K gold plated components. 

Now that you know how to care for your gold-plated jewellery, feel free to browse around.

Happy Shopping!