Medical gold – what it is and how to care for it
What medical gold is, how it differs from solid gold and why it doesn't cause allergies – plus its benefits, care tips and pieces with 18K gold plating.
Medical gold is a hypoallergenic alloy or medical steel with gold plating – it looks like gold, doesn't cause allergies and costs many times less. In this article: what it's made of, how it differs from solid gold and how to look after it.
What is medical gold?
‘Medical gold’ isn't an official metallurgical term. It's the everyday name for jewellery with a skin-friendly base (most often 316L medical steel) and a surface plated with real gold, usually a 14K or 18K layer. The name comes from medicine: similar materials are used for implants and surgical instruments because they don't irritate the skin.
- Base: 316L medical steel or a hypoallergenic alloy with no free nickel.
- Plating: a layer of real gold – with the tone and lustre of a precious metal.
- The result: jewellery you can wear every day, even if you have sensitive skin.
Medical gold vs solid gold
- Price. The difference is tenfold: with a solid gold piece you pay for the metal; with medical gold you pay for the design and the craftsmanship.
- Look. With 18K plating the tone matches solid 18K gold – you can't tell them apart by eye.
- Durability. A steel base is harder than gold, so the pieces don't bend or scratch as easily.
- Value. Solid gold holds its value as a metal; medical gold is jewellery for everyday wear, not an investment.
Why people choose it
- For sensitive skin. No nickel touching the skin – it won't irritate your ears or neck, even after a full day's wear.
- For everyday wear. It's made to be worn daily, and there's no need to take it off every time you wash your hands.
- For travel and city life. You won't worry about losing it the way you would with a solid gold piece.
- As a gift. It looks like gold, but comes with the price tag of a sensible present.
If your skin reacts to fashion jewellery, start with our article on nickel and allergies – it explains which metals irritate the skin and how to avoid them.
How to care for medical gold
- Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming and sport – sweat and chlorine shorten the life of the plating.
- Apply perfume and creams first and let them dry before you put your jewellery on.
- Wipe your pieces with a soft, dry cloth after wearing them.
- Store them separately – in a pouch or a box – so the surface doesn't get scratched.
The general care basics – cleaning at home, storage and everyday wear – are gathered on our jewellery care page.
Looked after like this, 18K plating lasts for years. For more detail, read our guide to caring for medical gold jewellery properly.
What to choose from ROTAS69
Our gold-plated jewellery has a hypoallergenic base, and the plating of each piece is stated in its description – in our 18K gold plating collection you'll find earrings, necklaces and rings for everyday wear.
Frequently asked questions
Is medical gold real gold?
The plating is real gold (a 14K or 18K layer), but the base is hypoallergenic steel or alloy. That's why the jewellery looks like gold but costs many times less.
Does medical gold cause allergies?
No – that's its main advantage. The base contains no free nickel, which is the most common cause of allergic reactions.
How long does medical gold keep its looks?
With proper care, 18K plating lasts for years. Its main enemies are chlorine, sweat and direct contact with perfume.
Can I shower wearing medical gold jewellery?
Best not – water and cosmetics gradually wear down the plating. Take your jewellery off before showering and it will last longer.
