Gold-plated jewelry is designed to have a layer of gold bonded to a base metal beneath. This gives the beauty and shine of solid gold at a fraction of the cost. Gold plating makes jewelry more affordable while still providing the luxurious look of gold.

But can you wear gold-plated jewelry in the shower? Should it get wet at all? Here is a complete guide on showering with gold plated jewelry.

Can You Shower With Gold Plating?

In general, it’s not recommended to shower with gold plated jewelry. Prolonged exposure to water, soap and shampoo will damage the gold layer over time. Hot water and steam are particularly problematic.

However, you can safely wear gold plated jewelry for quick rinses or light water contact. The key is minimizing exposure to anything that can erode the gold layer or base metal underneath.

Here are some tips for caring for gold plated jewelry in the shower:

Avoid Soaps, Shampoos and Chemicals

Soaps, shampoos, and other bath products contain surfactants, fragrances, and preservatives that can be harsh on the gold plating. The chemicals can eat away at the gold layer and cause pitting or discoloration in the base metal below. It’s best to remove gold plated jewelry before using soaps and shampoos.

Limit Time in Hot Water

Prolonged exposure to hot water can damage gold plating in several ways. First, the heat itself can soften the bonding agent that adheres the gold layer to the base. With a weakened bond, the gold can more easily flake or peel off.

Secondly, hot water opens pores in the base metal. This allows water intrusion under the gold layer, leading to bubbling or peeling plating.

Third, heat accelerates chemical reactions. In hot water, soap chemicals become more active and further accelerate gold fading.

Aim for quick, lukewarm showers when wearing gold plated pieces. Avoid submerging jewelry in hot baths or pools.

Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

If gold plated jewelry does get wet in the shower, rinse it thoroughly with clean water afterward. Make sure to remove any traces of soap, shampoo or other chemicals. Gently pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Air drying can lead to spotting.

Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater

Chlorinated pools and saltwater contain chemicals that can damage gold plating. Chlorine is highly corrosive to most metals. Saltwater contains sodium chloride which can pit and erode many jewelry metals. Avoid wearing gold plated jewelry while swimming in pools or ocean water.

Remove Before Swimming, Exercising, Cleaning

It’s best to take off gold plated jewelry before any activity where it can get excessively wet, soapy or abraded. Swimming, exercising, cleaning the house, doing yardwork all expose plated jewelry to high moisture, sweat, chemicals and abrasion.

Handle With Care

Be gentle with gold plated jewelry. Avoid rough handling that can scratch, ding or warp the soft plating. Remove jewelry before sleeping, sports, gardening and other activities that can damage the plating. Store properly in a fabric-lined box or pouch.

By following these precautions, your gold plated jewelry can maintain its beauty and shine. Use common sense care and limit water exposure in the shower.

Signs of Wear in Gold Plated Jewelry

With frequent wear and tear, gold plated jewelry will eventually begin to show signs of damage. Here are some common indications that plating is eroding:

Fading color – Gold color looks washed out or discolored. Rose or white gold turns yellowish.
Visible base metal – Scratches reveal the silver, copper or nickel underneath.
Pitting – Small dents or holes form, exposing base metal.
Peeling – Gold layer separates and peels off from base.
Tarnishing – Jewelry loses shine and turns dull or dark.
Rust – If base metal is iron, rust spots can form under gold plating.
Green skin discoloration – A sign the jewelry is oxidizing and eroding.

Once plating shows wear, it will continue deteriorating. At this point, it’s impossible to restore luster and prevent further damage. The jewelry will likely need re-plating or replacement.

Maintaining the Gold Layer

With proper care, gold plated jewelry can last for years before needing re-plated. Here are some tips for keeping the gold layer damage-free:

Clean regularly with a soft, lint-free polishing cloth. Don’t use jewelry cleaner chemicals.
Apply a light jewelry sealant every 6-12 months. This protective coating prevents oxidation and water damage.
Take jewelry off before showering, swimming, cleaning, exercising, gardening, and sleep.
When worn, avoid direct blows, scrapes and friction against other surfaces.
Store properly in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry that can scratch.
Use jewelry catches on necklaces to avoid friction against clothing.
Avoid overuse of perfumes, hairspray, lotions near gold plated pieces.

With care, good quality gold plated jewelry can stay shiny and beautiful for many years before needing re-plated.

How Often Does Gold Plating Need Replaced?

The lifespan of gold plating varies based on the quality of the plating, thickness of the gold layer and how well the jewelry is cared for. Here are some general guidelines:

Fashion jewelry – 6 months to 1 year
Low-quality plating – 1 to 3 years
Medium-quality plating – 3 to 8 years
High-quality plating – 8 to over 20 years
Specialty plating like vermeil – 30 years or longer

Heavy use jewelry like rings or bracelets often need re-plating after just 1-3 years. More occasional wear pieces like earrings or pendants can go 5 years or longer before requiring replacement plating.

Vermeil involves double plating with gold over sterling silver. This provides a thicker gold layer lasting up to 30 years. Gold filled jewelry has 15-20 times more gold than regular plating, extending life to 20-30 years.

Quality makes a major difference in re-plating needs. Cheap fashion jewelry may only last months before wearing off. Fine jewelry with excellent plating can stay pristine over 20 years with proper care.

Re-Plating Worn Gold Plated Jewelry

Once gold plating shows excessive wear, pitting or peeling, re-plating is needed to restore beauty and value. Professional re-plating involves these steps:

Polishing – Jewelry is buffed to smooth scratches and create a perfectly clean surface.
Base metal repair – Dents are hammered out. Broken parts are re-soldered.
Ultrasonic cleaning – Vibrations remove all grease, dirt and old plating residue.
Electroplating – Electricity deposits a thin layer of gold onto the jewelry piece.
Sealing – A clear sealant is applied to protect the new plating.
Final polish – Buffing brings the freshly plated jewelry to a brilliant shine.

Professional re-plating can cost $20-$150 depending on jewelry size and plating thickness. While pricy, it restores the original beauty of gold jewelry. Home plating kits also exist but provide lower quality plating.

If gold plating is too far gone, a jeweler can recover the precious metal through smelting and use it for new jewelry. This reduces waste and the need for new mining.

Alternatives to Gold Plated Jewelry

For longer-lasting gold jewelry, consider these alternatives to plating:

Gold Filled Jewelry

Gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal at 50-100 times the thickness of plating. This can last 20-30 years with negligible wear.

Gold Vermeil

Sterling silver is plated with 2.5+ microns of gold, compared to 0.2-0.5 microns on regular plating. It can last over 30 years.

14K or 18K Gold

Solid gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability. 14K is 58% pure gold while 18K is 75% pure – both very resilient.

Gold Over Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an excellent base metal – hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. The gold layer lasts over a decade.

Titanium Gold Jewelry

Titanium maintains the gold color better than other metals after plating wears. It lasts over 10 years.

While pricier than plating, these alternatives provide genuine gold beauty that lasts a lifetime.

FAQs About Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower

Is it OK to wear gold plated jewelry in the pool?

No, avoid pools. Chlorine can damage and discolor gold plating.

Can I wear gold plated jewelry in a hot tub or jacuzzi?

No, hot tubs can get up to 104°F and the heat can damage plating.

How do I clean gold plated jewelry after wearing it in the shower?

Rinse thoroughly in clean water, gently pat dry with a soft cloth, and promptly polish with a jewelry polishing cloth.

Does my gold plated jewelry need re-plating after getting it wet?

Not from minor water exposure. But if you notice fading, discoloration, or any plating wear – it likely needs re-plated.

Is gold vermeil jewelry safe to wear in the shower?

Vermeil can withstand occasional light water exposure. But prolonged hot water can still damage the gold layer over time.

Can I wear gold plated jewelry in a steam room or sauna?

No, high steam and heat will quickly damage and erode gold plating.

How long does 14K gold plated jewelry usually last?

Of average quality, 14K gold plating typically lasts 1-5 years with proper care before needing replaced.

Is gold filled jewelry safe to wear in the shower?

Gold filled is more resistant than plating alone, but high heat and chemical exposure can still degrade the gold layer over many years.

Conclusion

Gold plated jewelry requires some extra care and caution when worn in the shower. Limiting exposure to hot water, chemicals, and abrasion allows plated jewelry to maintain its brilliance. With proper maintenance gold plating can last for many years before needing replaced. But for worry-free water resistance, solid gold or gold vermeil jewelry are safer options for regular shower use.

References

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International Gem Society. (2022). Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower? IGS. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/can-you-wear-gold-plated-jewelry-in-the-shower/
The Jewelry Judge. (2020). Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower? Here’s Your Answer. https://www.thejewelryjudge.net/blog/can-you-wear-gold-plated-jewelry-in-the-shower-heres-your-answer/
Harper, J. (2021). How Long Does Gold Plated Jewelry Last? 6 Tips to Make it Last Longer. Latest Fashion Trends. https://www.latestfashiontrends.com/how-long-does-gold-plated-jewelry-last/
McIntyre, R. (2022). What to Know About Showering with Gold or Gold-Plated Jewelry. WikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Know-About-Showering-with-Gold-or-Gold-Plated-Jewelry
Angara. (2022). A Complete Guide to Gold Plated Jewelry. https://www.angara.com/pages/gold-plated-jewelry-guide
The Natural Sapphire Company. (2022). Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower? https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/education/can-you-wear-gold-plated-jewelry-in-the-shower/
The Jewelry Loupe. (2021). Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower? https://www.thejewelryloupe.com/the-jewelry-loupe-blog/can-you-wear-gold-plated-jewelry-in-the-shower
Bellatory. (2020). What Happens If You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Shower? Bellatory. https://bellatory.com/fashion-accessories/What-Happens-If-You-Wear-Gold-Plated-Jewelry-in-the-Shower
Doyle, C. (2021). How to Care for Gold Plated Jewelry. The Spruce Crafts. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/caring-for-gold-plated-jewelry-2034810