A lot of people tend to stick with silver jewellery because, let’s face it, the price of solid gold can be pretty steep! If you’re like me, you probably love the warm glow of gold, but it might feel like a stretch for your budget. That’s where gold-plated jewellery comes in—it’s got that luxurious look but without the solid gold price tag.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: Isn’t gold-plated jewellery that stuff that goes green and itchy after a few wears? Yes, that reputation is out there. But the good news is that gold plating has come a long way over the last decade, and if you know what to look for, gold-plated pieces can be a high-quality, affordable option that doesn’t just look great—it lasts.
Let me explain why!
Why Gold-Plated Jewellery Gets a Bad Rap
You’ve probably heard (or experienced) some gold-plated horror stories: earrings that turn your earlobes green, necklaces that go patchy, or pieces that irritate sensitive skin.
This usually happens when low-quality gold plating is involved—think super thin layers of 'gold' (or even just a spray of 'gold colour') over a base of cheaper metals like brass. When these metals react with your skin (especially with moisture or sweat), they can cause the dreaded green stain and irritation.
But the world of gold plating has evolved a lot over the last ten years! Higher-quality gold plating uses a sturdy, quality metal - like sterling silver or stainless steel - as a 'core', with a thicker layer of real 14k or 18k gold bonded to it. This means you get all the beauty of gold without the price tag of solid gold—and, if done right, these pieces can look fantastic and feel comfortable for years.
Not All Gold-Plated Jewellery is the Same
The quality of gold-plated jewellery can vary a lot. Some pieces have a whisper-thin layer of gold that’s basically just painted on, which leads to fading, tarnishing, and those unfortunate skin reactions. But knowing how to spot a high-quality gold-plated piece can help unlock a whole new range of beautiful, affordable jewellery options!
At Muted Luxe, our gold-plated pieces are chosen with quality and longevity in mind.
All of our pieces are plated with a robust layer of genuine 14k or 18k gold, over a quality metal core (usually sterling silver or stainless steel - never brass!!). This gives you a piece that’s not just beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.
When you invest in quality gold plating, you’re getting that golden glow with peace of mind that it’ll stay lovely for years to come.
How to Spot Quality Gold-Plated Jewellery
If you’re looking to add a few gold-plated pieces to your collection, here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the best of the best:
Read the Label or Product Description: Look out for phrases like '14k gold-plated' or '18k gold-plated.' If you just see 'gold plated', or worse - 'gold coloured', it’s almost certainly not real gold — it could just be paint or a super-thin low-quality coating.
You might also see pieces listed as 'gold filled'. This uses a similar process to gold plated - with a layer of real gold bonded to a core metal - but can help give extra peace of mind, as 'gold filled' has a guaranteed plating-to-core ratio.
Check the Colour: High-quality gold plating has a soft, warm glow, with almost a hint of rosiness. If the colour of the jewellery is bright, orangey, or too yellow, it could be a sign that the plating isn’t great quality.
Buy from a Specialist: It’s always worth going with a brand that focuses on jewellery, or a small business. These suppliers will have a higher focus on quality, customer satisfaction and repeat custom, rather than big High Street stores who are churning out mass-produced items with a focus on profit margins. Smaller retailers tend to focus on quality rather than cutting corners, and will usually be happy to answer any questions you have... and finally -
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask! A good jewellery retailer will happily tell you about their pieces, including the metals used and the quality checks they've done (after all, their reputation is at stake!)
Keeping Your Jewellery Looking Its Best
To keep your jewellery looking gorgeous and to prevent tarnishing (which even solid gold pieces are prone to), a little care goes a long way!
First, avoid exposing your pieces to moisture — take them off before showering, swimming, or exercising, and avoid exposure to any harsh chemicals like cleaning products. Exposure to air and humidity can also speed up tarnishing, so store your jewellery in a dry, airtight container or jewellery box when you’re not wearing it. It’s also a good idea to apply lotions, perfumes, and sprays before putting on your jewellery to avoid direct contact with chemicals, and finally, give your pieces a quick polish with a soft cloth regularly to keep them gleaming!
A New Era in Jewellery
With all the advancements in plating, gold-plated jewellery has become a solid option for those of us who want that warm golden look without the full golden price! So next time you’re looking for a touch of affordable luxury, don’t write off gold-plated — you just might find your next favourite piece!
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