What’s Beneath the Shine 🤔? A Quick Guide to Gold Plating & Base Metals
We all love the glow of gold, but what’s underneath that shine matters just as much as the sparkle on top. Gold-plated jewelry isn’t just about the golden finish—it’s about the base metal that gives it strength, longevity, and comfort.
At Shiny Little Things, we specialize in stainless steel and sterling silver—two powerhouse metals known for their durability, beauty, and skin-friendliness. Let’s break down how these compare to other common base metals like brass, nickel, and copper, so you can shop with confidence.
What Is Gold Plating, Anyway?
Gold plating is the process of applying a thin layer of gold (usually under 1 micron thick) over a base metal. This gives jewelry its luxe golden appearance, without the price tag of solid gold. (Check out our blog post where we explain it in detail)
But here’s the secret: the base metal underneath determines how long your jewelry lasts, how it reacts to your skin, and how much care it needs.
Brass: The Affordable Classic
Brass is a common, cost effective base for fashion jewelry.
Pros:
- Sturdy and inexpensive
- Holds gold plating decently
- Has a nice weight
Cons:
- Can tarnish or oxidize over time
- Often causes skin discoloration (due to copper content)
- Not great for sensitive skin
Best for: Trendy, short-term pieces, not daily wear.
Nickel: The Irritant
Nickel is strong and affordable but notorious for allergic reactions.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Holds a shine
Cons:
- Highly allergenic
- Often banned in fine jewelry due to skin irritation
Best for: Honestly, we say skip it. You won’t find it in any Shiny Little Things designs.
Copper: Warm but Reactive
Copper has a lovely warm undertone but requires lots of maintenance.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Adds a rich tone to jewelry
Cons:
- Oxidizes quickly
- Can turn skin green
- Gold plating wears off faster
Best for: Short-term fashion wear, but not a match for everyday sparkle.
Sterling Silver: The Elegant Essential
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) is a high end base metal that balances beauty and strength.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin
- Tarnish resistant with proper care
- Lightweight, luxe feel
- Bonds beautifully with gold plating
Cons:
- Slightly more delicate than steel
- Needs occasional polishing
Best for: Everyday essentials and elevated classics (aka the heart of our brand).
Stainless Steel: The Modern Powerhouse
Stainless steel is sleek, strong, and made to last, which is why it’s a Shiny Little Things signature.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable and water-resistant
- Tarnish-proof and scratch-resistant
- Hypoallergenic (especially surgical grade)
- Pairs perfectly with long lasting PVD gold coating
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than silver
- Not ideal for resizing or intricate detailing
Best for: Everyday jewelry that doesn’t quit; showers, workouts, you name it.
TL;DR: Which Base Metal is Right for You?
| Base Metal | Hypoallergenic | Tarnish-Resistant | Water-Safe | Durability | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ✅ | $ | Trendy pieces |
| Nickel | ❌❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $ | Avoid if you love your skin |
| Copper | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | $ | Occasional wear |
| Sterling Silver | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | $$$ | Dainty, classic styles |
| Stainless Steel | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | $$ | Everyday, durable staples |
Why We Use Stainless Steel & Sterling Silver
At Shiny Little Things, we only work with materials we love, and that you’ll love to live in. That’s why our pieces are crafted with stainless steel or sterling silver bases, depending on the style. These metals don’t just look beautiful, they’re built to last through your busiest days and softest moments.
No green fingers. No irritation. No fast fading.
Just shine, simplified. ✨