Gold-plated jewellery is made to be worn, not saved for “someday.”
But it wears best when you understand what it is, and how to care for it in small, consistent ways.
This guide explains 18k gold-plated brass in plain English, what e-coating does, and a simple routine that fits real life, so your pieces stay warm, luminous, and beautiful for longer.
What 18k gold-plated brass is
Let’s keep it simple.
Gold-plated brass means there’s a base metal (brass), finished with a layer of gold on the surface. In Lanamara’s case, you’ll often see 18k gold-plated brass.
- Brass provides structure and durability.
- 18k gold plating is the warm golden finish you see and wear.
Because plating is a surface layer, it responds to daily life: friction, moisture, and contact with products (like perfume and lotions). That doesn’t make it delicate, it just means it benefits from care that’s gentle and consistent.
A quiet truth: pieces you wear often will show wear sooner than pieces you rarely touch. That’s normal. The goal of care is to keep your jewellery looking its best while you actually live in it.
What e-coating does (and why it matters for wear)
E-coating is a clear protective layer applied over the plating. Think of it as a refined barrier that helps protect the finish during everyday wear.
It supports:
- A more resilient surface finish
- Reduced dulling from air exposure and humidity
- Added protection from minor scuffs and contact
It isn’t a “wear it anywhere, do anything” shield, but it is a thoughtful detail that makes a difference over time, especially when jewellery becomes part of your routine.
Your care routine: daily, weekly, travel
You don’t need a complicated ritual. You need a few habits you can actually keep.
Daily care (10 seconds)
- Put jewellery on last: skincare, perfume, hairspray first.
- Take it off first: before washing hands, cooking, cleaning, or exercise.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, especially on warm days.
Weekly care (2 minutes)
- Give pieces a gentle wipe with a clean microfibre cloth.
- If needed, use a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately.
- Avoid aggressive rubbing or harsh polishing, plating doesn’t need it.
Travel care (the simplest way)
- Store jewellery in a soft pouch or compartmented case.
- Keep pieces separated so they don’t scratch each other.
- In humid climates, store pieces dry and avoid leaving jewellery in bathrooms.
A good rule: if your jewellery can move around loosely in a bag, it’s being worn down before you’ve even worn it.
What to avoid (perfume, water, storage habits)
If you want your gold finish to stay golden, avoid prolonged exposure to:
Avoid direct contact with:
- Perfume and essential oils
- Lotions and sunscreen
- Hairspray
- Cleaning products
- Chlorine and salt water
Avoid wearing jewellery:
- In the shower or bath
- Swimming (pool or ocean)
- During workouts (sweat + friction speeds up dulling)
- While cleaning (chemicals linger)
Storage habits that change everything
- Store pieces dry, separately, and away from direct light
- Don’t store jewellery in a tangled pile
- Keep it in a pouch/box when not worn
Most “wear” happens quietly, through friction and storage. This is the easiest thing to improve.
When it’s made well, it wears differently
If you’ve read Marika’s Jewellery Philosophy: Why Artisanal Pieces Feel Different , you’ll recognise this: craftsmanship changes how a piece lives with you.
Two gold-plated pieces can look similar online, yet wear very differently over time. The difference often comes down to:
- how the piece is constructed
- how the finish is applied
- how it’s protected
- how it’s cared for
Lanamara’s use of 18k gold-plated brass plus e-coating is part of building jewellery that’s meant to be worn often, then cared for simply.
Featured pieces
Precious Charm Necklace
A luminous piece, finished in 18k gold-plated brass with e-coating: simple, warm, and designed to sit beautifully at the neckline.
Care tip: put this on last; after perfume, skincare, and sunscreen. Wipe gently after wear and store it separately to keep the finish looking its best.
Capri Charm Necklace
A joyful layer with colour and charm, crafted in 18k gold-plated brass with e-coating, made to feel like a small holiday you can wear.
Care tip: stones stay clearest when they avoid perfume and lotions. Put this on last, always, and store it in a soft pouch when you’re not wearing it.
There’s a quiet difference in jewellery that’s made with intention, how it sits, how it catches light, how it lasts. Care is part of that story. Wear your pieces often, treat them gently, and let them become yours.
