Are you hesitant about getting gold-plated jewelry? While they aren't "for life" like real gold pieces, they are a great choice if you want to indulge in more pieces and switch them up according to your mood or outfit. This is because they cost a fraction of the price. However, one must bear in mind that gold-plated jewelry won't withstand the same treatment as solid gold and will eventually lose its luster. With proper care, however, they can bring you joy for decades – my jewelry box is proof of that.
At Du Coeur, we use 14K gold-plated brass or gold-plated silver (AG 925/1000) to make our jewelry. The brass is plated using a technique called gold-filled. This involves covering it with a thick layer – in the case of our jewelry, 14-karat gold. This makes such jewelry more durable (it can even withstand some showering) and, with proper care, can retain its golden appearance for decades. Silver is gold-plated using the gold-plated method, where it is dipped into a liquid bath. The gold layer is thinner and therefore more prone to "wearing off." For these pieces, we must be really diligent and follow recommendations to make them last as long as possible. With normal wear and proper care, they will adorn us for up to two years.
What damages gold plating the most
Since I wear our jewelry myself every day, I know well what doesn't suit it. Most often, it's
water,
chlorine,
perfume,
SPF and other cosmetics,
sweat,
and excessive mechanical friction.
That's why I always take them off before showering, going to the pool, or any activity where I might sweat. But I'm not afraid to take them to the sea. Barocca necklace or Camille earrings practically scream for a stroll along the promenade. However, I never take them to the beach. Of course, I don't skip SPF, but I let it soak in for at least 20 minutes before putting on my jewelry.
How to store gold-plated jewelry correctly
I leave the jewelry I wear daily simply lying in the bedroom (never in the bathroom due to humidity). The pieces I don't wear as often, I store in airtight bags or in jewelry boxes – gold-plated jewelry doesn't like humidity or prolonged exposure to sunlight. I never put them back into the paper boxes they came in, because paper absorbs moisture and the jewelry can easily oxidize in them.
How to clean gold-plated jewelry
Since gold-plated jewelry doesn't like humidity, it's necessary to clean jewelry dry, with a soft cloth. We should also wipe them after each use to remove cosmetics, sweat, and dust. Of course, one doesn't always feel like it, but from my own experience, I know what a big difference such a small thing makes.
What do you ask us most often?
How long does gold-plated jewelry last?
It largely depends on how often you wear the jewelry and how you care for it. With gentle handling, it can stay beautiful for many years. If you regularly expose it to water, sweat, and cosmetic products, it might only last a few months.
Can I wear gold-plated jewelry in water?
Water, especially if it's chlorinated or salty, significantly shortens the lifespan of gold plating. If you accidentally shower with it, you don't need to panic right away. :)
How to clean gold-plated jewelry?
A soft, dry cloth is enough. We recommend gently wiping the jewelry with it after each wear.
Can gold plating be restored?
Yes, it can. Selected jewelers can restore your jewelry to its original shine.
Kristýna Černá, founder
I am behind all the designs of our jewelry. Each piece of jewelry passes through my hands several times before it takes its final form. There's not a day when you wouldn't find me in one (or rather, several) Du Coeur pieces, and so I know very well what harms them most and how to care for them to keep them beautiful for as long as possible.