Paradise Gems jewelry is finished in 14K gold plating over solid 925 sterling silver — the way we get that warm, bright gold look without the price of solid gold. Gold plating is a beautiful finish, but it isn't the same as solid gold, and it responds differently to water, chemicals, and everyday wear. Here's how to keep your gold plated moissanite studs, tennis chains, custom pendants, and rings looking as good as the day they arrived.

What "14K gold plated" actually means

Gold plating is a thin layer of real 14K gold bonded over a base metal — in our case, solid 925 sterling silver. You get the warmth and shine of gold at a fraction of the cost and weight of solid gold jewelry. The trade-off is that the gold layer sits on the surface rather than running all the way through, so it can wear thinner over time with friction, moisture, and chemical exposure — especially on pieces worn daily, like earrings, rings, and chains.

Daily habits that protect the gold finish

• Last on, first off. Put your jewelry on after lotion, perfume, and hairspray — these are some of the biggest causes of early fading.
• Take it off before water. Remove gold plated pieces before showering, swimming, or getting in a hot tub. Chlorine and saltwater are especially hard on plating.
• Watch the friction. Workouts, dishwashing, and cleaning wear plating down faster than almost anything else.
• Wipe after wear. A quick pass with a soft, dry cloth after each wear removes the oils and residue that cause dulling.

How to clean gold plated jewelry at home

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water, dip a soft cloth or very soft-bristled brush, and gently wipe the piece — paying extra attention to settings and crevices. Rinse quickly under lukewarm (not hot) water, then pat completely dry with a soft cloth before putting it away.

What to avoid: ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, polishing cloths or dips made for solid gold, baking soda, toothpaste, and any abrasive or chemical cleaner. All of these can strip plating far faster than gentle hand cleaning.

Storing it right

Keep each piece separate — in its own pouch or a lined jewelry box compartment — so pieces don't rub against each other and scratch the plating. Store jewelry somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and humidity (a bathroom cabinet is one of the worst spots, because of the moisture).

Signs the plating is wearing — and what to do

You'll usually notice fading at the edges or high-contact points first — the inside of a ring band, the back of an earring post, the clasp of a chain — sometimes with a slightly brighter tone showing through. That's a normal part of how plated jewelry ages, not a defect. At that point, many plated pieces can be professionally replated to refresh the finish, or it may be the right time to size up to a heavier, longer-wear piece for everyday use.

FAQ

Can gold plated jewelry get wet?

Brief contact with water, like washing your hands, won't ruin it, but prolonged exposure — showers, swimming, dishwashing — will wear the plating down faster over time. When in doubt, take it off.

How long does gold plating last?

It depends on the plating thickness, how often the piece is worn, and how well it's cared for — anywhere from several months to a few years of regular wear is typical for quality gold plating. Following the habits above will get you the longest life out of the finish.

Is gold plated jewelry hypoallergenic?

Our pieces are plated over 925 sterling silver, which is a good option for most sensitive skin, but no plated finish is guaranteed hypoallergenic for everyone — if you have a known metal allergy, patch test a small area first.

Shop the collection

Ready to add a new piece? Explore our moissanite earrings, engagement rings, tennis chains, custom pendants, and bracelets — all finished in 14K gold plating over 925 sterling silver, or available in solid silver.