GOLD PLATED JEWELRY FAQ
All Cult of Sun Jewelry is 18 Karat gold plated, and comes with brass or stainless steel base.
Read bellow Q&A to learn how to take proper care of your jewelry and ensure that it lasts for years.
Q: HOW TO CLEAN GOLD PLATED JEWELRY?
A: To keep your gold-plated jewelry shining, simply wipe it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth after each wear - no soap, no chemicals, no drama. This removes any product or salt build-up and keeps the gold layer looking shiny. If your piece is made with a brass base, avoid water completely - once it’s exposed to moisture, the tarnishing process begins and can’t be reversed. Treat it gently, store it dry, and your gold will stay golden.
2. DOES GOLD PLATED JEWELRY TARNISH?
A: Here’s the thing - gold itself doesn’t tarnish. What actually tarnishes is the base metal underneath the gold-plated layer. That’s why the base matters so much.
If your jewelry is 18K gold plated over stainless steel, you’re in the clear. Stainless steel doesn’t tarnish or rust, which means your gold plated jewelry stays shiny, even if you wear it in the shower, the pool, or the ocean. It’s waterproof and tarnish reisistant.
But if the base is brass, it’s a different story. Brass reacts to moisture and air, which can cause the metal beneath to darken — and eventually, that shows through the plating. So brass-based jewelry looks great, but it’s best kept dry and out of your swim rotation.
Bottom line: the gold itself doesn’t fade - it’s the base that makes or breaks it. Stainless steel keeps it flawless; brass doesn’t.
3. IS STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY WATERPROOF?
A: Totally. Stainless steel is the low-maintenance queen of the jewelry world — it doesn’t tarnish, rust, or lose its shine when it meets water. So yes, you can shower, swim, and even sweat in it. Think of it as the wear-all-day-and-never-worry kind of piece that you dont ever need to take off.
4. DOES BRASS JEWELRY TARNISH?
A: Yes - brass jewelry does tarnish over time, even if it is plated with 18K gold. Brass reacts with air, moisture, and even the natural oils on your skin, which causes it to darken or lose shine. The best way to keep it bright is to avoid contact with water, perfume, or lotions, and always store it in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Once brass starts to tarnish, the process cannot be reversed - so prevention is key.
If you want your jewelry to last for years without worrying about it tarnishing or losing its bright gold color, go for 18K gold plated jewelry with the stainless steel base - that is waterproof and made to last.
5. HOW LONG DOES GOLD PLATED JEWELRY LAST?
A: It depends on what’s under the gold - the base metal makes all the difference.
If your jewelry is gold plated over stainless steel:
You’re in luck - stainless steel pieces are built to last. Because stainless steel doesn’t tarnish, rust, or react to water, your gold-plated layer stays intact for years. You can swim, shower, and live your life in it. As long as you store it carefully and avoid scratching it against sharper pieces, your jewelry will look as good as new, literally for years. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance luxury.
If your jewelry is gold plated over brass:
Longevity here depends on how you care for it. Brass naturally reacts to moisture and air, which can shorten the life of the gold plating. For most brass-based pieces, you can expect anywhere from a few months to a couple of years of shine.
Our brass jewelry is plated with a thicker layer of 18K gold and made to last —-as long as you keep it dry and away from water, it will stay beautiful for at least two years.
Bottom line: gold doesn’t tarnish - it’s the base that matters. Stainless steel keeps your plating flawless for years, while brass just needs a little extra care to stay glowing.
6. HOW TO TELL IF PEARLS ARE REAL?
A: Real pearls aren’t perfectly smooth - they have tiny surface textures and a soft, natural glow. You can also try the “tooth test”: gently rub a pearl against your tooth - a real one feels slightly gritty, while imitation pearls feel glassy or plastic. At Cult of Sun, we never use fakes or imitations - every piece features real cultured pearls only.
7. WHAT IS A CULTURED PEARL?
A: A cultured pearl is a real pearl - just one that’s grown with a little help from humans. Instead of forming by chance, it starts when a tiny bead or tissue is placed inside an oyster or mussel, which then naturally builds layers of nacre around it. The result? The same lustre, glow, and beauty as wild pearls - just sustainably made. All pearls at Cult of Sun are real cultured pearls, never imitation.
8. HOW TO CLEAN PEARLS THAT HAVE YELLOWED?
A: Pearls can yellow over time if exposed to heat or chemicals, but gentle care can help revive their glow. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after each wear and store them away from sunlight or perfume. Never soak pearls or use cleaners - they’re too delicate for that. At Cult of Sun, all our pearls are real cultured pearls, and we recommend gentle, regular care to keep them luminous for years.
10. HOW TO LAYER NECKLACES?
A: Start with a short base - like a choker or fine chain - then add mid layers for depth, and anchor the look with a statement pendant necklace. Mix textures (pearls with chains, chunky with sleek) to keep it interesting. Aim for 2–3 cm between each length so nothing tangles. Want the easy route? Our layered necklace sets are pre-styled for that “effortlessly put-together” vibe - no overthinking required.
SHOP LAYERED NECKLACE SETS
Want to learn more about layering? Check out this article
