Gold plating will gradually wear and start to show the sterling silver layer beneath. The gold plated layer typically lasts up to 1 year with gentle wear, and if you follow the care instructions. The places where it most comes into contact with your skin will be the first to fade as the oils in our skin wear down the gold.  I offer a re-plateing service for your piece for a charge of €39. Please contact me to arrage this service. This service typically takes 2 -3 weeks. You can prolong the life of your gold plated jewellery by: - Not wearing your jewellery in the sea, the shower or the pool as this will tarnish it. - Keep it dry, store in the box it came it, and avoid leaving it in the bathroom.  - Apply any perfume, body lotion or creams and let dry before you put on your jewellery. - Put your jewellery on last and take it off first.  - Sleeping in your gold plated jewellery will shorten its life, so take it off at night and store it safely.