Gold Plated Sterling Silver: What It Is and How to Make It Last

Every Carissie ring is made of 925 sterling silver with 18K gold plating in white, yellow or rose. That combination gives you the look of gold at a price that leaves room for a larger stone. Here is what the two materials are, how plating behaves over time and the few habits that keep it looking new.

What 925 sterling silver is

Pure silver is too soft to hold a gemstone securely, so jewelers mix it with a small amount of other metals for strength. Sterling silver is the standard alloy: 92.5 percent pure silver, which is where the number 925 comes from. It is strong enough for prongs and pavé, takes a bright polish and is the base under the gold on every Carissie piece.

What 18K gold plating is

Plating bonds a thin layer of 18K gold to the surface of the silver. You see and touch the gold. Underneath, the silver gives the ring its structure. Most of our designs come in three colors:

• White gold for a bright, cool finish that makes clear stones look icy.
• Yellow gold for a classic warm tone.
• Rose gold for a soft pink warmth.

Plated or solid gold?

Solid gold is gold all the way through, and it costs many times more than plated sterling silver. Plating gives the same color and shine for a fraction of the price. The difference shows over the years: solid gold can be polished indefinitely, while plating is a surface layer that slowly wears with friction. Many people choose plated sterling silver for exactly that trade-off, a beautiful ring now with the option to re-plate later.

How long does gold plating last?

It depends on how the ring is worn. Rings take more friction than any other jewelry because hands are always busy, and the underside of the band wears first. A ring worn with care, taken off for water, workouts and housework, keeps its plating much longer than one worn through everything.

Our 1-year limited warranty covers significant peeling, flaking or discoloration of the plating within 90 days of purchase under normal wear. After that, gradual thinning is normal wear. When it happens, many local jewelers can re-plate the ring and restore its original color.

Five habits that protect the plating

1. Put it on last, take it off first. Apply lotion, perfume, sunscreen and hair products before your ring goes on.
2. Keep it out of water. Chlorine, saltwater and even long contact with fresh water speed up wear. Take it off to swim, shower and wash dishes.
3. Take it off to exercise. Sweat contains salts and acids that affect plating and silver.
4. Avoid chemicals. Household cleaners, bleach, hand sanitizer and acetone damage both the plating and the silver.
5. Store it on its own. Keep each piece in its own pouch or in its Carissie box, somewhere cool and dry.

How to clean it

Every 2 to 4 weeks, soak the ring for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft brush, rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners or abrasive polishing cloths, which can strip the plating. Our jewelry care guide walks through each step.

What about the stone?

The moissanite itself needs almost nothing. It scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale and keeps its brilliance for life. Oils and lotion on its surface are the only things that dull its sparkle, and a clean brings it straight back. Learn more in Moissanite vs Diamond, or browse our engagement rings and wedding and stacking bands.