Gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal, which gives it a warm, glowing colour. Silver plated jewellery works the same way with a layer of silver. At DANSK Copenhagen, only our gold is plated: our silver tone is the natural colour of the 316L steel itself, so there is no layer to wear away.
What is the difference between gold plated and silver plated jewellery?
Plating means a thin layer of precious metal is bonded onto another metal. How long it lasts depends on the plating method, the thickness and the base metal underneath.
- Gold plated: a layer of gold over a base metal. Warm, rich and radiant.
- Silver plated: a layer of silver over a base metal. Cool and bright, but traditional silver can tarnish over time.
How DANSK Copenhagen does it
All our jewellery is made from 316L stainless steel, waterproof and hypoallergenic.
- Our gold is 18K ION plated directly onto the steel. ION plating bonds the gold more durably than traditional electroplating, so it resists tarnishing. Read more about ION vs PVD plating.
- Our silver is not plated. It is the natural colour of the steel, solid to the core and tarnish-free.
| Gold (18K ION plated) | Silver (natural steel) | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Warm and glowing | Cool and crisp |
| How it is made | Gold bonded onto 316L steel | The steel's own colour |
| Tarnish | Resists tarnishing | Tarnish-free |
| Care | Gentle wipe, avoid abrasives | Wipe with a soft cloth |
| Sensitive skin | Hypoallergenic 316L base | Hypoallergenic 316L throughout |
Which finish suits you?
Personal preference matters more than rules. Many people find that gold flatters warm undertones and silver flatters cool ones, but the best test is to hold both near your face.
- Choose gold for warmth with cream, camel, olive and chocolate tones, and for a softer, glowing look.
- Choose silver for a fresh, modern look with black, white, grey, navy and denim.
- Choose both if your style changes with your mood. A duo-tone design such as LIV in CALM ties the two together.
See how to mix gold and silver jewellery.
Which lasts longer in everyday wear?
Because our silver has no plating, there is nothing to wear through. Our gold is designed for daily wear too, but rings and bracelets meet more surfaces than earrings and necklaces, so they need a little more care. Wipe them with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners. Read how to clean gold plated jewellery.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
The base metal matters more than the colour. Our gold and silver are both made from 316L steel, so they are gentle on most sensitive skin. Explore hypoallergenic earrings.
Explore gold jewellery and silver jewellery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gold plated and silver plated jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery has a layer of gold over a base metal; silver plated has a layer of silver. At DANSK Copenhagen, our gold is 18K ION plated onto 316L steel, while our silver is the natural colour of the steel and not plated.
Does gold plated jewellery tarnish?
Traditional gold plating can wear over time. Our 18K ION plated gold is bonded directly to 316L steel, so it resists tarnishing with gentle care.
Is silver or gold better for everyday wear?
Both work for every day. Our silver needs the least care, because the colour is the steel itself and there is no plating to wear away.
Can I wear gold and silver jewellery together?
Yes. Repeat each tone at least twice, or start with a duo-tone design that combines both.
No stockist near you yet? Get in touch and we'll do our best to find one in your area.