Gold-Plated Jewellery: Care & Longevity

How long does gold plating last?
Gold-plated jewellery is designed to be enjoyed and worn, but like all plated pieces, it will naturally wear over time.

With very regular wear, gold plating can begin to soften or fade within 12 months, while pieces worn occasionally and cared for well can maintain their finish for 1–2 years or longer.

Why does gold plating fade?
Gold plating is a delicate layer of gold applied over a base metal. Over time, this layer gradually wears away.

This can happen more quickly due to:

• Friction (especially with rings, which come into constant contact with surfaces)

• Water and moisture (including handwashing and showering)

• Everyday products such as perfumes, lotions, and soaps

• Natural skin oils and pH levels

Rings tend to fade faster than other pieces as they experience the most daily wear.

Can I wear gold-plated jewellery every day?
Yes — however, with daily wear, fading will happen more quickly.

To preserve the finish for longer, we recommend removing jewellery when washing hands, showering, exercising, or applying skincare and fragrance.

How can I make my jewellery last longer?
A little care goes a long way. To extend the life of your jewellery:

• Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising

• Apply perfumes and lotions before putting jewellery on

• Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or jewellery box

• Gently wipe after wearing to remove oils and residue

We recommend storing your jewellery in the complimentary pouch and box provided, which are designed to be tarnish-resistant and help protect your pieces when not in use.

Avoiding moisture and friction is key to maintaining the finish.

Can gold-plated jewellery be re-plated?
Yes — and this is completely normal.

Re-plating restores the original colour and finish, allowing you to continue enjoying your piece for years to come.

We offer a re-plating service at a small cost, and are always happy to assist customers of Caroline Stokesberry Lee Jewellery in refreshing their pieces when needed.  You can book your re-plating here Gold Re-Plating Service – Caroline Stokesberry-Lee Jewellery Design

Is fading considered a fault?
Gold plating fading over time is a natural characteristic of the material rather than a fault.

Because the gold layer is intentionally delicate, gradual wear is expected — especially on frequently worn pieces such as rings.