Guide: Gold-Colored Stainless Steel vs. Gold Plated. Which is Really Better?
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Gold-Colored Stainless Steel versus Gold Plated – Which is Really Better?
Are you torn between two beautiful gold-colored pieces of jewelry, but unsure which one is best resistant to water and daily use? In this article, we compare Gold Plated and gold-colored Stainless Steel (RVS) fairly and transparently, so you can make an informed choice.
In short:
- Gold Plated – a thin layer of gold on an inexpensive base metal (such as copper or brass). This layer wears off quickly due to sweat, water, and friction.
- Gold-Colored Stainless Steel – a piece of jewelry with a strong stainless steel base. The color is more deeply set and is waterproof, hypoallergenic, and much more durable.
What is Gold Plated?
Many affordable pieces of jewelry are called “Gold Plated”. This means that a base of an inexpensive metal – often brass or copper – has been briefly dipped in a bath of liquid gold. The result is a wafer-thin layer of gold.
Disadvantages of Gold Plated:
- Wears off quickly – the thin layer wears off due to friction against clothing, sweat, and water.
- Discoloration – as the layer wears off, the base metal becomes visible, which can leave green or brown marks on the skin.
- Not waterproof – water, perfume, and sweat affect the gold layer.
- Possible skin irritation – the base metal (copper, brass) can cause allergic reactions.
What is Gold-Colored Stainless Steel (RVS)?
At Aramat Jewels, we use stainless steel (316L surgical steel) as the base for our gold-colored jewelry. This is an extremely strong and skin-friendly material.
Advantages of gold-colored Stainless Steel:
- Waterproof – you can safely shower, swim, and exercise with it. Stainless steel does not rust or corrode.
- Hypoallergenic – surgical steel (316L) is very skin-friendly and rarely causes irritation. Read more on our nickel allergy explanation page
- Durable – the color remains beautiful for years without wearing off.
- Low maintenance – no special polishing cloths or cleaning agents needed.
Comparison Table: Stainless Steel vs. Gold Plated
| Property | Gold Plated | Gold-Colored Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Discoloration | Yes, due to wear and perfume | No, resistant to water and sweat |
| Strength | Vulnerable to dents and scratches | Very strong, lasts for years |
| Water Resistant | No, water affects the layer | Yes, 100% waterproof |
| Skin-Friendly | Depends on base metal (often not) | Very skin-friendly (hypoallergenic) |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning required | Almost no maintenance required |
| Price-Quality | Cheap but short lifespan | Affordable with a long lifespan |
How to Clean Gold-Colored Jewelry
Stainless steel jewelry requires minimal maintenance, but here's how to keep it looking its best:
- Take a bowl of lukewarm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Place the jewelry in the soapy water for a moment.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
View our gold-colored stainless steel jewelry collection for waterproof jewelry that stays beautiful for years.
- What is the difference between Gold Plated and gold-colored Stainless Steel?
- Gold Plated has a wafer-thin gold layer on an inexpensive base metal that wears off quickly. Gold-colored Stainless Steel has a strong stainless steel base with a durable gold-colored coating that is waterproof and stays beautiful for years.
- Can I shower with gold-colored Stainless Steel?
- Yes! Gold-colored Stainless Steel is 100% waterproof. You can safely shower, swim, and exercise with it. Water, sweat, and soap do not affect the material.
- Is gold-colored Stainless Steel safe for sensitive skin?
- Yes, surgical steel (316L) is hypoallergenic and very skin-friendly. It rarely causes irritation. For severe nickel allergies, we recommend consulting our nickel allergy explanation page.
- How long does gold-colored Stainless Steel last?
- With normal use, gold-colored Stainless Steel lasts for years without discoloring or wearing off. It is much more durable than Gold Plated jewelry, which can discolor after only a few months.
- Why does Aramat Jewels choose Stainless Steel instead of Gold Plated?
- We choose Stainless Steel because it offers the best combination of affordability, durability, and skin-friendliness. Our customers want jewelry they can wear every day without worrying about discoloration or irritation.