A Little Gold, A Lot of Love: Your Guide to Gold-Plated Jewellery Keepsakes
We’ve been getting a lot of requests for gold plating lately, especially for our keepsake jewellery. At Megan Goldner Designs, many of our clients ask about gold plating: Is it worth it? How long does it last? And most importantly, how can I keep my piece looking beautiful for as long as possible? Whether you’re considering a gold-plated keepsake or already own one, here’s a warm, honest guide to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Gold Plating?
Gold plating is a beautiful option if you adore the look of gold but prefer a more budget-friendly choice. Each gold-plated piece from our collection is made with care, starting with a solid foundation of sterling silver – never base metals – and then coated in a layer of radiant gold.
At Megan Goldner Designs, we offer 9ct Yellow and Rose Gold plating, as well as Rhodium plating for white gold.
Here’s why clients love gold plating:
Affordable elegance: You get the golden glow without the solid-gold price tag.
Timeless style: Gold-plated jewellery adds warmth and a classic finish to any keepsake.
Hypoallergenic peace of mind: Because we only plate over sterling silver, your skin won’t come into contact with harsh or reactive metals.
Many of our keepsake pieces, such as breastmilk jewellery, cremation ash pendants, and hair or fur inclusions, take on a whole new emotional dimension when finished in gold. It adds a soft, ethereal glow that enhances the sentimental value and brings out the delicate beauty of what’s held inside.
If you’re looking for a way to add warmth and radiance to your tangible memory, gold plating is a heartfelt and beautiful option.
Things to Consider
As much as we love gold plating, it’s important to be honest: plated jewellery doesn’t last forever. Over time, the gold layer can wear away, especially on items worn daily. This is completely normal and depends on how often you wear the piece and how well you care for it.
That said, many of our clients have worn their gold-plated pieces for years with minimal fading – it’s all in the care.
Gold-plated keepsakes are best suited for pieces like:
Necklaces and pendants (less friction, longer life)
Earrings (minimal contact with skin and objects)
Memorial or special-occasion pieces (worn less frequently but deeply meaningful)
We generally do not recommend gold plating for rings or bracelets if they will be worn daily, as these are more prone to friction and wear.
Caring for Your Gold-Plated Jewellery Keepsake
Looking after your jewellery helps keep its golden shine for longer. Here are a few easy tips to prolong the beauty of your piece:
1. Keep it dry: Remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, or washing your hands. Water and soap can dull the gold finish over time.
2. Avoid chemicals: Lotions, perfumes, hair products, and cleaning agents can damage the gold layer. Apply these before putting on your jewellery.
3. Store it properly: Keep your jewellery in a soft pouch or separate compartment to avoid scratches and friction.
4. Clean it gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe your piece. Avoid polishing cloths and jewellery cleaners meant for solid metals.
5. Wear it mindfully: Gold plating will naturally fade over time, especially on rings and bracelets that get bumped and rubbed more frequently. Consider removing these pieces before activities like typing, exercising, or sleeping.
6. Replate when ready: Should your piece lose its gold tone over time, it can be replated to bring back that original shine. We’re always happy to discuss options for refreshing your jewellery.
Real Talk: Is It Right for You?
Gold plating is a beautiful way to honour your memories with elegance. If you’re looking for something that glows like gold and carries deep emotional value, plated jewellery can be a meaningful and affordable choice. Just keep in mind that it isn’t a forever finish—it’s a delicate layer that reflects beauty, care, and intention.
Our keepsake pieces are lovingly handcrafted, and when gold plated, they take on a soft golden hue that many of our clients find truly special. Whether it’s a lock of hair, cremains, or a bit of preserved breastmilk, gold plating can turn a personal story into a wearable treasure.
It adds that extra layer of warmth to a memory you carry close to your heart.
FAQs
Q: Will gold plating fade?
A: Yes, over time. But with the right care and occasional replating, it can last beautifully for years.
Q: Can I wear my gold-plated pendant every day?
A: You can, but daily wear may lead to faster fading. Consider rotating it with other pieces to extend its life.
Q: Does gold-plated jewellery cause skin reactions?
A: Not with us. We only plate over sterling silver, which is hypoallergenic and safe for most skin types.
Q: What happens when the gold starts to wear off?
A: The sterling silver beneath may begin to show through. At that point, we recommend contacting us to discuss replating options.
If you’re ever unsure whether gold plating is the right option for your keepsake, I’m here to help guide you. Each piece at Megan Goldner Designs is made with love, quality, and care—because your memories deserve nothing less.
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