How long gold plated hoops stay beautiful mainly depends on how often you wear them and how you look after them. Wear them now and then and keep them dry, and the gold layer stays lovely for years. Wear them every day, including in the shower and at the gym, and you will see wear on the friction points within months. With good care you extend that time considerably.
Gold plated is a popular choice for hoop earrings. You get the warm colour of gold for a much lower price than solid gold. Still, many people wonder how long that gold layer lasts. In this blog you will read what determines the lifespan, how to recognise wear and what you do to keep your hoops gold coloured for longer.
What does gold plated mean for hoop earrings?
To understand the lifespan, first look at how a gold plated hoop is built.
A core with a gold layer
A gold plated hoop has a core of another metal with a thin layer of gold on top. At Sparkling Jewels that core is 925 sterling silver for the hoops. Silver is a precious metal, so even when the gold layer wears after a long time, there is no cheap metal underneath. Want to know what the 14k label means exactly? Then read the blog what does 14k gold plated mean.
Not solid gold
Gold plated is different from solid gold. With solid gold the whole piece is gold, so no layer wears away. A gold plated hoop is lighter in price and weight, but the gold layer needs a little more care. That is the trade off you make.
What determines how long a gold plated hoop lasts?
Four things determine how quickly the gold layer of a hoop wears.
How often you wear the hoop
A hoop you wear every day moves thousands of times past your skin, your hair and your collar. If you only wear it at weekends, it takes much longer before you notice anything. If you rotate several pairs, you spread the wear.
Contact with water and beauty products
Water, sweat, perfume and hairspray affect the gold layer. Chlorine and salt water are the toughest. So take your hoops out before you shower, swim or exercise. You can read more background in the blog on why hoop earrings discolour.
The shape of the hoop
A chunky or wide hoop has more surface that bumps into things. Angular models often wear on the edges first. A thin, smooth model usually wears more evenly. That is why on a thick hoop you sometimes see wear on the bottom sooner.
How you store the hoop
If your hoops lie loose in a drawer with other jewellery, they scratch each other. Store them separately in a pouch or a box with compartments. You will find tips in the blog on storing jewellery to prevent discolouring.
How can you tell the gold layer of your hoop is wearing?
Wear starts small and almost always shows in the same places.
A lighter spot near the clasp
The first sign is often a lighter, slightly silvery spot around the post or the hinge. That is where the hoop rubs the most. On the front you see nothing yet.
A dull or dark edge
Once the gold layer has become thin in one spot, the silver underneath comes into contact with air. That silver may darken. You then see a grey or black edge. That is not dirt, but silver oxidising.
How do you keep gold plated hoops beautiful for longer?
With a fixed routine, your gold plated hoops stay gold coloured much longer.
Put your hoops in last, after using perfume, hairspray and body lotion. Take them out first before you sleep, shower or exercise. Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth after wearing them. Do not use a silver polishing cloth, because it wears the gold layer thinner. How to clean them thoroughly yet safely is explained in the blog how do you clean hoop earrings.
Founder Sharon van het Hof has been designing jewellery you wear for years since 2014. She regularly visits the workshops in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong and tests materials there. The brand gives a 6 month warranty on the plating of hoops, and 2 years on manufacturing defects. So keep your proof of purchase. Looking for more choice? Browse the gold coloured hoops and look for a model that suits your daily routine.
Frequently asked questions about gold plated hoops
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Can a worn gold plated hoop be replated?
Yes, many jewellers offer replating. The hoop then gets a new gold layer. Do ask beforehand whether this is possible for your model with stones.
Is gold plated suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, as long as you look after it. Take it off for water and sport and wipe it regularly. Then you will enjoy it for a long time.
Does rhodium plated wear too?
A rhodium plated layer also wears after a long time, but rhodium is hard. That is why it usually keeps its shine well. Underneath the layer, these hoops are also 925 sterling silver.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
