The Problem With Cheap Gold-Plated Jewellery
Many low-cost pieces are made with:
- Very thin gold plating
- Brass or copper base metals
When exposed to water, soap and shampoo, that thin layer can wear away quickly. Once the base metal is exposed, tarnishing happens — and sometimes green marks appear on the skin.
That’s why people are often told never to shower with jewellery.
But that advice mostly applies to cheap plating.
What About Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil uses a much thicker layer of real gold over sterling silver.
Because the gold layer is thicker, it’s far more durable than standard plating.
Occasional contact with water won’t instantly damage it. However, repeated exposure to shampoos, body wash and harsh chemicals can gradually reduce its lifespan.
If you want your vermeil pieces to look beautiful for years, it’s best to remove them before showering regularly.
What About PVD-Coated Jewellery?
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is different.
It bonds gold to stainless steel at a molecular level, creating a much stronger, more resistant finish.
Stainless steel itself is highly corrosion-resistant, which makes PVD-coated jewellery significantly more durable in water than traditional gold-plated pieces.
That means:
- Everyday moisture
- Sweat
- Occasional showering
are very unlikely to cause tarnishing.
However, prolonged exposure to chlorine, strong shampoos or chemical-heavy products is never ideal for any jewellery.
