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In This Article

The allure of gold-plated jewelry is difficult to resist.

It offers statement,fashion-forward pieceswith heirloom-quality looks on a costume-jewelry budget.

A woman wears gold-plated jewelry

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The inevitable discoloration that gives away our true cost of entry.

Gold-plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold wrapped around a base metal such as brass or copper.

This discoloration, however, doesn’t have to be inevitable.

Meet the Experts

What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?

According toFortune & Framefounder Gretel Going, not all gold-plated jewelry is created equal.

Why Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Tarnish?

Before we discuss tips to prevent tarnishing, let’s tackle why it occurs in the first place.

This process breaks the gold down and requires proper polishing and maintenance to restore its shine.

Luckily, there are tips to prevent gold-platedjewelryfrom tarnishing so it keeps its luxurious look.

The oils in our skin help prevent tarnish build-up on silver," she shares.

Soapy water when bathing and showering can also leave a thin film, which makes the metal seem dull.

Its reversible, but can be a little shocking if youre not expecting it.

How Long Should Gold-Plated Jewelry Last?

Luckily, discoloration doesn’t have to be the ultimate destiny.

Your favorite gold-plated piece can last for years with proper maintenance and care.