Does Gold Plated Jewellery Tarnish? Everything You Need to Know

Wondering if gold plated jewellery tarnishes? Learn what causes tarnishing, how long gold plating lasts, and how to keep your jewellery looking beautiful for longer.

Does gold plated jewellery tarnish? It's one of the most common questions we hear — and the honest answer is: it depends.

Gold plated jewellery can tarnish over time, but with the right care and the right base metal, it can stay beautiful for years. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is Gold Plated Jewellery?

Gold plated jewellery is made from a base metal — such as stainless steel, brass, or silver — coated with a thin layer of real gold. The thickness of that gold layer and the quality of the base metal are what determine how long the plating lasts.

Why Does Gold Plating Tarnish?

Tarnishing happens when the gold layer wears away and the base metal underneath reacts with oxygen, moisture, or chemicals. This is why:

• Cheap gold plated jewellery (often made with brass or copper bases) tarnishes quickly
• Perfume, sweat, and chlorine speed up the process
• Thin gold layers fade faster with daily wear

How Long Does Gold Plating Last?

On average, gold plated jewellery lasts 1–3 years with regular wear. However, this varies greatly depending on:

• The base metal — stainless steel bases last significantly longer than brass or copper
• The thickness of the gold layer — 18K plating is thicker and more durable than 14K
• How you care for it — storing properly and avoiding chemicals makes a huge difference

Why Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Makes a Difference

At Medora Jewellery, all our pieces are made from surgical grade stainless steel with 18K gold plating. Unlike brass or copper bases, stainless steel is hypoallergenic, resistant to rust, and provides a much stronger foundation for the gold layer. This means our jewellery keeps its shine significantly longer than most gold plated pieces on the market.

Tips to Prevent Tarnishing

• Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising
• Apply perfume and lotions before putting on jewellery
• Store pieces in a dry, cool place — ideally in a jewellery box or pouch
• Clean gently with a soft cloth after wearing

The Bottom Line

Yes, gold plated jewellery can tarnish — but with a quality base metal like stainless steel and proper care, it can look stunning for years. The key is choosing pieces made to last.

Explore our collection of 18K gold plated stainless steel jewellery at medorajewellery.co.uk — designed to keep its beautiful shine for years to come