How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold jewelry doesn’t have to cost thousands to look and feel like a statement.  At GLD, we offer real gold in several forms: from everyday gold-plated styles to high-end solid gold and VS diamond pieces. It’s all about giving you options that balance quality, price, and style.

Gold-plated jewelry is the most popular category because it delivers durable, polished looks that hold up to daily wear. The difference between a piece that lasts for life and one that fades comes down to multiple factors. Most importantly: The use and thickness of real gold, the process used to plate the gold onto the product, and the quality of the base metal. On plated products, GLD typically uses a surgical grade steel base metal, thick layers of 18k gold and rhodium, applied using a proprietary plating process that has been rigorously tested and improved over the years. This is significantly different from typical gold plated pieces on the market, and allows GLD product to last for life. But like any investment, care matters. Proper maintenance keeps your piece looking sharp and extends its life well beyond what most people expect from plated jewelry.

This guide covers how to protect your gold-plated piece, what makes it an investment, and when to consider an vermeil or solid gold.

What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?

It is real gold. The real 18k gold is plated over a base metal such as surgical grade steel.

Here’s how we do it at GLD: Our gold-plated jewelry uses a surgical-grade stainless steel core plated with real 18K gold. Unlike brands that cut corners, GLD developed a proprietary plating process built for long-term wear. We use a higher concentration of real 18k gold and rhodium for maximum durability and finish. Our pieces consistently outperform competitors in longevity and wear-resistance. Whether it’s a chain, ring, or pendant, each piece is hand-finished and backed by our lifetime warranty covering craftsmanship defects.

Is Gold-Plated Jewelry a Good Choice?

There’s a misconception that plated jewelry is low-quality. But that depends on how it's made and how it's worn.

Here’s what sets GLD’s gold-plated pieces apart:

• We always use genuine 18k gold in a higher concentration than other brands (Many brands do not use any real gold).
• Every piece is designed and finished with the same attention to detail as our vermeil and solid gold collections.
• GLD ensures the tone and shine of gold-plated pieces match perfectly with solid 14k gold pieces. So they can be worn side by side.  
• Our proprietary plating process maximizes longevity and shine.

It’s a practical option for buyers who want the look of luxury without overspending. And if you're just starting to build your jewelry collection, it's a great place to begin.

Want more intrinsic value? GLD offers solid gold options across most categories ready to ship, and offers all products and custom products through a VIP made to order program.

Gold-Plated Jewelry: Care Tips to Make It Last

Like all fine jewelry, plated pieces perform best with a little care. Here’s how to keep yours looking sharp:

1. Clean It the Right Way

Skip harsh cleaners or abrasive cloths. Instead, use:

• • A soft microfiber cloth
  • A tiny amount of warm water and gentle soap (if needed)
  • Always pat it dry, do not rub vigorously
    
    

Wipe it down after wearing to remove oils and buildup. Don’t soak it. Don’t scrub it. Apply gentle pressure while cleaning, and don’t over-polish for a great look.

2. Keep it Safe

Whenever you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a safe spot. GLD’s branded packaging works great! If you do wear it to swim, rinse in fresh water and pat dry afterwards with a soft jewelry cloth.

3. Register for the Lifetime Warranty

GLD backs most jewelry with a lifetime warranty that covers craftsmanship and manufacturing defects. Just register your item with your order number. It takes two minutes and gives you long-term peace of mind. 

GLD Warranty
GLD Warranty Returns

When Should You Opt for Solid Gold?

If you have some extra budget to work with, look to Vermeil or Solid Gold pieces.

Consider upgrading if:

• You prefer precious metal cores like .925 sterling silver or solid gold.
• You're investing in heirloom pieces with diamonds or moissanite.
• You have a higher budget and are ok with spending more upfront for an investment piece.
  
  

What Are the Upgrade Options?

Vermeil:

• • .925 sterling silver base
  • Plated with a thick layer (2.5+ microns) of 18K gold
  • Often paired with our moissanite collection or lab-created stones (pass most hand held diamond testers)
    
    

Solid Gold:

• • Available in 10k-18k gold
    Includes options with Si-VVS clarity diamonds (often VS at GLD) or lab diamonds
    
    

Each product page clearly labels these options, with links to the metal types available. See it for yourself: our top-selling rope chain has a perfect example.

GLD’s Affordable Luxury Philosophy

Not everyone wants to drop thousands on jewelry. At GLD, you don’t have to. Our product tiers give you premium options at every budget:

• Gold-Plated→ Durable, stylish, affordable, and bold with a lifetime guarantee
  

• Vermeil→ Luxe feel with more intrinsic value
  

• Solid Gold→ Top-tier, long-term investment
  
  

It’s about meeting you where you are without compromising the look or the quality.

That’s why our pieces are worn by everyone from first-time buyers to pro athletes. And why we offer everything from statement pendants to subtle chains, all covered by the same lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

Final Word: Treat It Right and It Lasts

Gold-plated jewelry gives you the luxury aesthetic without the luxury markup. Treat it right, and it performs like a piece worth thousands. 

Shop GLD and build your collection with confidence.