Caring for Gold-Plated Jewelry: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Keepsake Pieces
Caring for Gold-Plated Jewelry
A Helpful Guide for Parents Choosing Lasting Keepsake Gifts
Gold-plated jewelry is a popular choice for baby and children’s gifts because of its rich, timeless look—without the higher price tag of solid gold. Whether you’re shopping for a baptism gift, a birthday keepsake, or a piece to pass down through generations, gold-plated jewelry offers beauty and sentimentality with a lower-maintenance finish.
But just like all fine jewelry, it needs a little care to stay shining. Let’s walk through what gold plating is, how to care for it, and how to make your child’s special piece last.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is made by applying a very thin layer of real gold over a base metal—often brass, copper, or sometimes sterling silver. This outer layer gives the piece its golden glow and beautiful finish while keeping it lightweight and affordable.
The Science Behind Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-plating is done through a process called electroplating, where a microscopic layer of gold is electrically bonded to the base metal. Because this layer is thin (usually less than 0.5 microns), it's more vulnerable to wear over time.
Gold-filled jewelry, by contrast, is created by mechanically bonding a much thicker layer of gold (at least 5% of the item’s weight) to the base metal using pressure and heat. It’s not just a surface coating—it’s layered, durable, and designed to last longer with proper care. While not solid gold, gold-filled jewelry is a higher-quality, more durable alternative to traditional gold-plating.
What’s the Difference Between Gold-Plated, Gold-Filled, and Gold-Tone?
Understanding the difference between types of gold jewelry can help you choose the best keepsake for your child—especially when shopping for quality, comfort, and longevity.
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Gold-Plated jewelry has a thin layer of real gold applied over a base metal. It’s affordable, beautiful, and safe for occasional wear—but it does require gentle care. For example, we offer gold-plated Rembrandt Charms® and charm bracelets that make lovely gifts for special moments.
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Gold-Filled jewelry has a thicker, pressure-bonded layer of gold, offering excellent durability and better resistance to everyday wear. It’s a smart choice for children’s keepsakes that are worn more frequently. Many of our precious baby bangles are crafted in gold-filled styles for lasting beauty.
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Gold-Tone jewelry doesn’t contain real gold—it simply has a gold-colored finish applied to a base metal. While it may look similar at first glance, it’s best suited for decorative use and is not recommended for children, sensitive skin, or long-term wear.
At BeadifulBABY, we focus exclusively on gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry made with baby-safe materials—because your little one deserves beauty, safety, and lasting quality.
Why Gold-Tone Jewelry Isn’t Ideal for Children
While gold-tone jewelry may look shiny and affordable, it’s generally not recommended for babies or young children, especially if you’re looking for a meaningful, lasting keepsake. Here’s why:
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It Contains No Real Gold
Gold-tone jewelry is simply coated in a gold-colored finish, with no actual gold content. The finish wears off easily, revealing inexpensive base metals underneath. -
It May Contain Irritating Metals
Many gold-tone pieces are made with nickel or other base metals that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation—especially on sensitive young skin. -
It’s Prone to Peeling and Tarnishing
The coating on gold-tone jewelry can chip, fade, or flake with exposure to water, sweat, lotions, or daily wear—leading to discoloration or stains on skin and clothing. -
It’s Not Designed to Last
Gold-tone jewelry is intended for decorative or costume use—not for milestone gifts or long-term keepsakes. For pieces meant to be treasured and worn with love, gold-plated, gold-filled, or sterling silver are far safer and more durable choices.
How to Tell if Jewelry Is Gold-Filled, Gold-Plated, or Gold-Tone
One way to identify the type of gold jewelry you’re buying—or already own—is by checking for metal stamps or hallmarks on the piece. These small engravings are commonly used to indicate the metal content, though they’re not legally required in the U.S. If a piece does include a hallmark, it must be accurate and typically accompanied by a registered trademark per FTC guidelines.
Understanding Jewelry Markings & Hallmarks
At BeadifulBABY, every finished jewelry piece includes a clear hallmark so you know exactly what you're getting. For our adjustable baby bangles, you can find the stamp engraved on the inside of the hinge. Simply open the bangle and look closely near the hinge area to find the metal quality marking.
Here’s what these marks mean:
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Gold-Filled jewelry is marked with “GF” or “1/20 14K GF”, meaning the gold layer makes up 1/20th of the item’s total weight.
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Gold-Plated items may have stamps like “GP” (Gold Plated), “GEP” (Gold Electroplated), or “HGE” (Heavy Gold Electroplate), indicating a thinner layer of gold.
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Gold-Tone jewelry typically has no hallmark and does not contain real gold—it simply has a gold-colored finish and is not considered fine jewelry.
We believe in transparency and want every parent to feel confident when choosing a keepsake. Have a question about your child’s jewelry? We’re always happy to help—just give us a call, and we’ll walk you through what to look for or explain the materials used in your piece.
Why Parents Love Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Jewelry
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More affordable than solid gold
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Safe for delicate skin (when made with high-quality materials)
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Perfect for birthdays, baptisms, flower girls, and holidays
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Lovely golden shine with less tarnish compared to silver
How to Care for Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Jewelry
Because gold layers—no matter how thick—can wear down over time, these pieces need a little TLC:
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Remove before baths, naps, or outdoor play.
Water and sweat can wear down the gold layer faster. -
Avoid lotions, sunscreen, or perfumes.
These can weaken the bond between the gold and base metal. -
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wear.
A clean microfiber or jewelry cloth will help remove skin oils and residues. -
Don’t use abrasive cleaners or silver polish.
These can strip or scratch the gold surface.
What Damages Gold-Plated or Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Even high-quality gold-filled jewelry can be damaged if not treated carefully. The most common culprits include:
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Excessive moisture (baths, pools, baby drool, or humidity)
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Friction from clothing or play that rubs the jewelry surface
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Chemicals in household cleaners, hand sanitizers, or lotions
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Rough cleaning methods, like toothbrushes or baking soda scrubs
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Improper storage (tossed in a drawer, exposed to air and dust)
If your child is very active or wears their jewelry every day, opt for less frequent wear or a piece designed for occasional use to preserve the finish.
How to Store Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Jewelry
Just like sterling silver, gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry should be stored in a dry, airtight container when not in use. We recommend:
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A soft velvet or microfiber pouch
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A lined jewelry box with anti-tarnish fabric
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Storing each piece separately to avoid tangling or surface rubbing
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Keeping it out of bathrooms or high-humidity areas
You can also include silica packets (like the kind found in shoe boxes) to reduce moisture in your storage area.
Thinking About Sterling Silver Instead?
Sterling silver is another beautiful option for baby and children’s jewelry. While it can tarnish over time, it’s easily polished and loved for its hypoallergenic properties.
Want to learn more?
Love the Look of Gold for Your Little One?
Shop our collection of beautiful gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry for babies and children—perfect for birthdays, baptisms, and family keepsakes.
**A Note to Our Shoppers**
We know how special it is to choose timeless jewelry for your child, and we're here to help make your shopping experience enjoyable and informative! Just a little reminder: all precious metals—even gold—can change over time, especially when they're exposed to things like the elements, moisture, friction, or skin oils.
Feel free to check out our care instructions, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're excited to help you find the perfect precious metal that suits your budget and preferences, and we’ll guide you on how to keep your child’s beloved keepsake shining bright for years to come!
I Still Have Questions. How Can I Get Help?
Call us at 1-888-707-7772 or visit our Contact Us page to leave us a message.
We’re always happy to help! Whether you're deciding between sterling silver and gold, or wondering how to clean your child’s bracelet, just reach out—we're here for you.