What is Gold Plated Brass? — Everything You Can Learn About Precious Metals

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Gold-plated brass jewelry consists of a brass base (copper-zinc alloy) coated with a thin layer of electroplated gold. While affordable and gold-like in appearance, it’s not real gold and has significant limitations.

The thin gold plating is vulnerable to water, chemicals, and friction, causing it to deteriorate within months to three years. Water exposure should be avoided as it damages the plating and causes brass oxidation.

The jewelry is typically not hypoallergenic due to nickel content used in plating adhesion, though nickel-free versions exist. Unlike magnetic metals, gold-plated brass is diamagnetic and won’t attract magnets.

What is Gold Plated Brass (Definition and Meaning)?

Gold-plated brass is a piece of jewelry made from brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, with a very thin layer of gold electroplated on it.

Gold plated brass jewelry is popular because it’s cheap and resembles real gold.

Can Gold Plated Brass Jewelry Get Wet? Can You Shower With it? Is it Waterproof?

Yes, gold plated brass can get wet without doing immediate damage to it. However, you should avoid getting your brass gold jewelry wet because the think gold plating is sensitive to water and will start to breka down or thin out.

This means you shouldn’t shower while wearing your brass gold jewelry, especially if the water is chlorinated (and it almost certainly is, depending on where you live).

Note: water is bad for gold-plated brass because the gold layer on plated jewelry is very thin and can easily be damaged by moisture and chemicals.
When moisture reaches the base made of brass, it causes oxidation which then leads to metal tarnishing and ugly appearance of your jewelry.
Bottom line is that you should take off your brass gold jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or doing any household chores that involve water (+harsh chemicals).

How Long Does Gold Plated Brass Last?

Gold-plated brass typically lasts from several months to 3 years, with longevity heavily dependent on the gold plating’s thickness, wear frequency, and exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction.

For example, water, sweat, perfumes, and cleaning products accelerate the fading and tarnishing of the gold layer above brass and avoiding these substances greatly extends the jewelry piece’s longevity.

Also remember that brass is a softer metal, making it more susceptible to scratches and wear compared to harder metals like stainless steel. That’s part of the reason why many people looking for affordable option rather go for gold plated stainless steel rather than gold plated brass.

Note: individual factors like skin pH and oil affect how quickly the plating deteriorates. It’s worth knowing but there’s not much you can do about it.

Is Gold Plated Brass Nickel Free? Is Gold Plated Brass Hypoallergenic?

No, gold plated brass isn’t nickel free when there’s a think nickel layer beneath the gold that helps the gold adhere better to brass.

This is a common brass gold production method and it introduces enough nickel to cause an allergic reaction in nickel-sensitive individual.

So no, gold plated brass isn’t hypoallergenic. It’s allergenic.

Note: gold plated brass is hypoallergenic when it doesn’t contain any nickel. Look for jewelry pieces clearly labeled “nickel free” just to be sure.

Finally, brass is made of copper and zinc. Both of these metals are moderately allergenic and will cause skin problems in sensitive individual if the gold plating above brass is damaged.

Is Gold Plated Brass Magnetic?

No, gold plated brass isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic. Pure gold is diamagnetic, and both copper and zinc (components of brass) are diamagnetic as well.

What is Gold Plated Brass Jewelry? Is it Real Gold? Conclusion

Nikola Roza

Nikola Roza is the owner of Nikola Roza- Everything You Can Learn About Precious Metals. He writes for people who love precious metals and jewelry and who're interested in adding gold, silver platinum and palladium to their retirement portfolios. Nikola is passionate about gold IRAs and investing in multiple asset types for a safer financial future. He also runs a successful online jewelry store where you can buy precious metal jewelry and various replicas of famous coins and bars. Learn about Nikola here.