Why Gold Plated Jewellery Needs Special Care
Gold plated jewellery is beautiful, affordable, and on-trend — but it does require a little extra care compared to solid gold. The good news? With just a few simple habits, you can keep your gold plated zircon jewellery looking brand new for years.
Here are 10 expert tips to help you get the most out of your jewellery collection.
Tip 1: Put Jewellery On Last
Always wear your jewellery as the final step in your getting-ready routine. Perfume, hairspray, lotion, and makeup contain chemicals that can dull the gold plating over time. Let all products dry completely before putting on your jewellery.
Tip 2: Remove Before Water Activities
Take off your jewellery before swimming, bathing, washing dishes, or exercising. Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater are particularly damaging to gold plating. The only exception is jewellery specifically labelled as waterproof (like titanium steel or stainless steel pieces).
Tip 3: Wipe After Every Wear
After wearing your jewellery, gently wipe each piece with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. This removes sweat, oils, and dust that accumulate during the day and can cause the plating to wear off faster.
Tip 4: Store Pieces Separately
Never throw all your jewellery together in one box. Pieces rubbing against each other cause scratches and accelerate wear. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or a jewellery box with individual compartments.
Tip 5: Keep Away from Humidity
Humidity is the enemy of gold plating. Avoid storing jewellery in the bathroom. Instead, keep it in a cool, dry place — ideally in a drawer or jewellery box away from direct sunlight.
Tip 6: Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Remove jewellery before cleaning the house, using hand sanitiser, or applying sunscreen. These chemicals can strip the gold layer quickly. Even some skincare ingredients like AHAs and retinol can damage plating.
Tip 7: Clean Gently When Needed
If your jewellery needs cleaning, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with plain water. Gently wipe the surface and dry immediately. Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners — these scratch the plating.
Tip 8: Don't Sleep in Your Jewellery
Sleeping in jewellery causes unnecessary friction and bending, especially for delicate chains and thin bracelets. Make it a habit to remove all jewellery before bed.
Tip 9: Rotate Your Collection
Wearing the same piece every single day accelerates wear. Rotate between different pieces to give each one a rest. This also means you get to enjoy more of your collection!
Tip 10: Choose Quality from the Start
The quality of the base metal and plating thickness matters enormously. Look for:
- 18K gold plating — thicker and more durable than lower karat plating
- Copper or stainless steel base — better adhesion for gold plating
- PVD coating — the most durable finish available for fashion jewellery
- Titanium steel — genuinely waterproof and non-fading
How Long Does Gold Plated Jewellery Last?
With proper care, high-quality gold plated jewellery can last 1–3 years or even longer. Pieces with thicker plating (like 18K) and a quality base metal will always outlast cheaper alternatives.
Shop Long-Lasting Gold Plated Jewellery at Zivnora
At Zivnora, every piece is crafted with quality materials — 18K gold plating, copper and stainless steel bases, and genuine zircon stones. Our waterproof titanium steel pieces are perfect for everyday wear without worry.
Browse our collection starting from just ₹254 and invest in jewellery that lasts.
