Why does Gold/ Rose Gold Plating Deteriorate on Silver Jewelry?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from My Mō is related to the gold or rose gold plating on silver jewelry. "Why does the gold plating tend to fade and the jewelry return to silver?" our customers often ask. In this article, we will explain why this happens and how to best care for your gold or rose gold plated jewelry.

Why Do Plated Jewelry Return Argento?"

The phenomenon that causes a gold or rose gold plated jewel to "return" to its original silver color is due to the natural deterioration of the plating. Here are the main causes:

Thin Layer of Gold: Gold or rose gold plating is a thin layer of gold applied over a base of 925 silver. With use and time, this layer may begin to wear away due to normal rubbing against the skin or other surfaces. When this happens, the underlying silver becomes visible.
Daily Wear: The daily use of jewelry accelerates the deterioration process of the plating. For example, wearing the jewelry while engaging in physical or household activities, such as cooking or cleaning, can cause the coating to wear off more quickly.
Chemical Products: Contact with chemical substances such as perfumes, creams, detergents, or even pool water can damage the plating. These substances can react with the gold coating, accelerating its deterioration and revealing the underlying silver.
Exposure to Air and Humidity: Continuous exposure to air and humidity can also contribute to the degradation of the plating, especially in more humid areas or near the sea. This process is inevitable over time, but it can be slowed down with proper care.

Why does the Jewelry Return Argento?"

"It is important to remember that at its core, your plated jewelry is made of 925 silver, a precious metal that remains of the highest quality. When the layer of gold or rose gold begins to fade, what you see underneath is indeed silver. The deterioration of the plating does not compromise the value or overall quality of the jewelry, but simply reflects the fact that the gold coating has worn away."

At My Mō, we use high-quality 925 silver to ensure that the jewelry always maintains an elegant appearance, even when the gold plating begins to fade. If you wish to keep your jewelry with the gold or rose gold finish, you can opt for a replating restoration at a professional jeweler.

How to Prevent Plating Deterioration

While it is normal for plating to wear off over time, there are some precautions you can take to slow down this process and extend the life of your plated jewelry:

Avoid contact with chemical products: Always remove jewelry before applying perfumes, lotions, oils, or any other chemical products that could damage the plating.
Do not wear jewelry during physical activity: Sweat and friction during sports or other physical activities can accelerate the deterioration of the plating.
Proper storage: Store your jewelry in velvet pouches or airtight boxes, away from moisture, to prevent silver oxidation and protect the gold layer.
Gentle cleaning: Clean plated jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove sweat and oil residues. Avoid using abrasive products or hard brushes, which could scratch the surface and accelerate the wear of the plating.

Restore the Plating

If your jewelry starts to show signs of wear and you want to restore the shine of the gold or rose gold plating, you can turn to My Mō or a trusted jeweler for a plating restoration service. This process will give your jewelry back the golden appearance you love, while keeping the 925 silver as a precious and durable base.

Remember, the fact that a gold or rose gold plated jewelry returns to its silver color is not a defect, but a normal wear process. With the right care and maintenance, your jewelry My Mō will continue to shine over time.

Why does Gold/ Rose Gold Plating Deteriorate on Silver Jewelry?