CARING FOR GOLD PLATED AND GOLD FILLED ITEMS

In this section we will discuss how to take care of your gold plated items.

Before we start; if you wish to further extend the lifetime of your items you can purchase a recommended sealant here. Please read the instructions carefully here before applying. Our items would be considered “NEW OR METAL WITH PATINA,” and you would follow the directions in the ”Spraying” section on page 2 of the document. Coating lasts for 6-9 months. 

Continuously reapply to your jewelry for a long lasting result!

*For further assistance on how to use and reapply call 956-852-0200.

What is gold plating?

Gold plating is when a layer of gold is placed on to coat the surface of another metal. This is done by a process called electroplating. Gold plated jewelry is not 100% solid gold, so extra care should be taken to maximize its duration. 

What constitutes gold filled jewelry?

Despite its name, gold filled jewelry (also referred to as "rolled gold") is not actually filled with gold. Rather it consists of a cheaper base metal, such as brass or copper, that is covered in sheets of gold. These gold sheets are bonded to the base metal using a mechanical process involving heat. Once this process has taken place you are left with jewelry covered in a thick layer of gold that usually constitutes 5% of its weight. When comparing gold filled vs gold plated, gold plated normally consists of less than 0.05% of its weight in gold.

How do I take care of my gold plated and gold filled items?

Anything plated or filled will eventually tarnish with time and wear. To decrease the chances of fading out, here are easy ways on keeping the luster of your gold plated or gold filled jewelry.

-Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray and any other chemicals on your jewelry.

-If you have applied lotion; wait until it is fully dry to avoid any reactions with your jewelry that may tarnish color over time.

-Oil, nail polish, nail polish remover, chlorine, and perfume may react with metal and the fill or plating on your jewelry; causing it to tarnish.

-This pertains to sweat as well, so make sure you remove your gold plated or gold filled jewelry when you exercise or do any heavy lifting. Especially if you are going for a swim or doing any water related activities.

Please note: We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin’s natural pH levels.

How do I clean my gold plated or gold filled jewelry?

-Clean your plated or filled jewelry regularly with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove dust or dirt. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth, helps restore shine. Avoid using a polishing cloth. This will strip away the plating or affect the shine of the filling.

-If you need to clean your jewelry a bit more, soak it for a few minutes in soapy water, and  clean it with a soft cloth. Avoid jewelry cleaners and antibacterial soaps that may have ingredients that will make your gold plated or gold filled jewelry tarnish more quickly.

-To avoid scratching, wrap your jewelry in a soft cloth once you have finished cleaning, and keep it in a jewelry box separate from other types of jewelry you have. A small zip-lock bag works great.

-Store similar pieces together. Do not store gold plating or gold filled items with silver or silver  plating together. The different metals will cause each other to tarnish, fade and/or turn colors. Have different storage places for different colors of metals like gold and rose gold. Store in a dry area.