Care Guide • Jewellery Maintenance

Care Tips to Make Your Gold Plated Earrings Last Longer

Comprehensive aftercare advice from Umar Jewellers — materials, cleaning, storage, re-plating and local services

Gold plated earrings are a popular, beautiful and affordable choice for weddings, parties, and everyday wear. With proper care, these pieces can hold their lustre for years. This guide explains everything you need to know — from how plating works and what to check before buying, to detailed cleaning routines, storage solutions, troubleshooting, and how Umar Jewellers supports you with re-plating and maintenance services.

Understanding Gold Plating: What You’re Wearing

Gold plated jewellery is made by bonding a thin layer of real gold to a base metal such as sterling silver, brass, or copper through electroplating. The thickness of this gold layer (measured in microns) and the quality of the base metal determine how long the plated finish will last. Umar Jewellers uses high-micron plating and quality bases to maximise durability while keeping the price accessible.

Key Terms Every Buyer Should Know

Micron: Unit that measures plating thickness. Higher microns = longer-lasting plating.
Base Metal: The metal underneath the plating (e.g., sterling silver, brass). Sterling silver bases usually provide the best long-term performance.
Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated: Gold-filled items have a mechanically bonded thicker layer of gold (more durable). Gold-plated is thinner and more economical.
Lacquer Coating: A clear protective finish sometimes used to slow tarnish; may change over time and can be re-applied.

Before You Buy: Inspecting Gold Plated Earrings

When choosing gold plated earrings — especially for weddings or gifts — inspect the following:

Plating Specification: Ask for micron rating or plating information. Umar Jewellers transparently lists plating specs for premium pieces.
Base Metal: Prefer sterling silver or quality brass with anti-corrosion treatment.
Stone Settings & Soldering: Ensure stones are securely set and joins are smooth to avoid snagging.
Hypoallergenic Claims: If you have sensitive skin, confirm nickel-free components or ask for additional hypoallergenic coatings.

Pro tip: High-quality gold-plated earrings for wedding wear typically start at 3–5 microns plating; premium pieces at Umar Jewellers often feature 5–10+ microns for longer wear.

Daily Wear Tips — Small Habits, Big Difference

Everyday routines can affect how long plating lasts. Adopt these simple habits:

Put jewellery on last: Apply cosmetics, perfumes, and hairspray before wearing earrings.
Remove before water exposure: Avoid wearing plated earrings while swimming, showering, or washing dishes.
Avoid sweat-heavy activities: Remove earrings before intense workouts or activities that cause heavy sweating.
Rotate pieces: Alternate your earrings so no single pair receives constant wear.

Cleaning Methods — Gentle but Effective

Cleaning gold plated earrings requires care—aggressive methods remove the gold layer. Follow these steps:

Routine cleaning

Wipe gently after use with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and makeup.
For light grime, mix warm water with a drop of mild soap (no ammonia) and gently dab with a soft cloth—do not soak.
Rinse quickly with clean water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.

Deeper cleaning (occasional)

If a piece needs more care:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush very gently with diluted mild soap on problem spots only.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and polishing pastes designed for solid gold—they are too abrasive for plating.

Storage Best Practices

How you store plated earrings affects oxidation and scratching:

Keep earrings in individual soft pouches or lined compartments to avoid rubbing.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Use anti-tarnish strips in storage boxes to slow chemical reactions.

When Re-Plating or Repair is Needed

Even with the best care, plating may eventually wear in high-contact areas (posts, clasps, edges). Umar Jewellers offers professional re-plating and repair services:

Re-plating: We can re-apply gold plating, often matching the original micron specification for a refreshed finish.
Clasp & Post Repair: Tightening or replacing posts, studs and clasps to restore comfort and security.
Stone Re-setting: Secure loose stones or replace missing ones using original or upgraded settings.

Common Problems & Fixes

Green or Dark Discoloration

Cause: Reaction between base metal and moisture/chemicals. Fix: Clean gently; consider re-plating if discoloration is persistent. Prevent: Store dry and avoid exposure to chemicals.

Tarnishing

Cause: Natural oxidation of base metal. Fix: Gentle cleaning, then apply a protective coating by a professional. Prevent: Use anti-tarnish storage and avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture.

Professional Care & Warranties at Umar Jewellers

Umar Jewellers backs many pieces with re-plating options and limited warranty for manufacturing defects. When purchasing, ask about:

Warranty duration and coverage (stone loss, plating defects, soldering issues).
Re-plating pricing and turnaround time.
Cleaning and maintenance packages—sometimes offered as annual services.

Sustainable Practices & Ethical Sourcing

Umar Jewellers is committed to ethical sourcing of stones and responsible material selection. Choosing high-quality base metals extends product life and reduces waste—part of sustainable jewellery best practices.

Buying Tips — Choose Pieces That Age Gracefully

Prefer pieces with sterling silver bases when possible.
Choose simpler settings for daily wear; intricate veneers are better for special occasions.
Ask for anti-tarnish lacquers if you expect heavy wear in humid climates.

Local Services — Re-Plating & Repair Near You

If you purchased plated jewellery from Umar Jewellers, local re-plating and repair services are available — contact the store to inquire about service timelines, costs, and shipping options for customers outside showroom areas. Local pickup and in-store consultations make maintenance simple for nearby customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often will my gold plated earrings need re-plating?

Frequency depends on plating thickness and how often you wear the piece. With 5–10 micron plating and careful wear, many pieces can go years before re-plating is needed. Everyday-worn items may need attention sooner.

Are gold plated earrings hypoallergenic?

Not always. Hypoallergenic performance depends on the base metal and any nickel content. Umar Jewellers offers nickel-free options and additional hypoallergenic coatings on request.

Can I swim with gold plated earrings?

We advise against swimming or exposing plated earrings to chlorine, saltwater, or hot tubs — these accelerate wear and tarnishing.

Is re-plating expensive?

Re-plating costs are usually a fraction of the price of a new solid gold piece, making re-plating a cost-effective way to renew cherished jewellery.

Conclusion — Care Preserves Beauty

Gold plated earrings are a beautiful, budget-friendly way to enjoy golden finishes. With the right choices at purchase and consistent care — gentle cleaning, smart storage, and professional re-plating when needed — your plated earrings can remain luminous for years. Umar Jewellers stands by our craftsmanship and offers maintenance, re-plating, and repair to keep your favourite pieces in top condition.

Ready to protect your jewellery? Explore our full collection or schedule a care consultation at the showroom. For more inspiration, visit our page on handcrafted luxury jewelry to find pieces that complement your earrings.