Real 14K Gold Bonded Jewelry Care Guide

Handmade in Miami. Built on .970 silver. Finished in real 14K gold.

An EXOTVIO Cuban-link chain or bracelet is made to be worn and enjoyed—not left in a box. But gold-over-silver jewelry is different from solid-gold jewelry, and knowing how to care for its finish makes a real difference. This guide explains what you are buying, what causes wear, how to clean your piece safely, and how to restore its appearance through EXOTVIO's paid replating service.

Start here: Our Real 14K Gold Bonded jewelry has a substantial .970 silver base with an applied real 14K gold finish. It is not solid-gold jewelry. The finish can change or wear with use, and no fixed lifespan can be guaranteed.

1. What Is EXOTVIO Real 14K Gold Bonded Jewelry?

Every eligible EXOTVIO Miami Cuban link begins as a handmade .970 silver chain or bracelet. The links are formed, soldered, shaped, aligned and polished. For our gold-finished pieces, real 14K gold is applied to the silver surface using an electrochemical finishing process.

That means the underlying metal remains silver, while the visible exterior carries a real-gold finish. It can give you the substantial weight and appearance of a handmade Cuban link without the cost of an equivalent solid-gold piece. Gold over silver is not the same product as solid 14K gold.

2. How Long Does the Gold Finish Last?

There is no universal lifespan for a gold finish. How it looks over time depends on how often you wear it, friction between links, your skin chemistry and perspiration, chemicals, contact with clothing or other jewelry, and how well you care for it.

Areas that rub more often—including the underside of bracelets, the clasp, link edges, and places where adjacent links touch—may change color before other parts of the piece. A chain worn only occasionally may show less wear than one worn around the clock, but EXOTVIO does not guarantee that a finish will last a specific number of months or years.

Gradual fading, rubbing off, discoloration and finish wear are expected possibilities with applied gold finishes. They are different from a verified defect in the chain's soldering, link construction or clasp workmanship.

3. Can I Wear My Chain Every Day?

Yes, you can choose to wear your Cuban link regularly. The key is understanding that more use generally means more opportunities for friction and finish wear. If keeping the gold finish looking fresh for as long as possible matters most, take the piece off before sleeping, exercising, sports, swimming, showering, physical labor or activities where it may be pulled, struck or scraped.

Bracelets tend to contact desks, countertops, watches and other objects frequently. If you wear a bracelet, pay particular attention to rubbing and impacts around the links and lock.

4. Can I Swim, Shower or Work Out in Gold Over Silver?

EXOTVIO recommends removing gold-finished jewelry before swimming or showering. Chlorine, saltwater, soaps, cleaners, perspiration and abrasive particles can affect the finish or accelerate wear. Do not assume a gold coating is waterproof or resistant to pool chemicals simply because it contains real gold.

If your jewelry gets wet accidentally, gently blot away moisture with a clean, soft cloth and let it dry completely before storage. Avoid vigorous rubbing, heat or harsh cleaning products.

5. How Do I Clean My EXOTVIO Cuban Link Safely?

  1. Remove the piece carefully. Open the clasp rather than pulling the chain or bracelet over your head or wrist.
  2. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Gently wipe perspiration, fingerprints and surface oils from accessible links and the lock.
  3. For light residue, use a barely damp soft cloth. Wipe gently with plain lukewarm water only where necessary. Do not soak the jewelry or scrub the finish.
  4. Dry thoroughly. Gently blot with a dry, lint-free cloth and allow the piece to air-dry before placing it in its box or pouch.
  5. Ask EXOTVIO before deeper cleaning. If the chain is heavily soiled or the finish seems loose or damaged, contact us instead of trying strong home treatments.

Avoid: ultrasonic and steam cleaners; silver dips; harsh chemical jewelry cleaners; toothpaste, baking-soda scrubs and abrasive pastes; stiff brushes; polishing wheels; and silver-polishing cloths or compounds that can remove an applied gold layer. Ordinary soft, non-abrasive wiping is the safest routine.

6. How Should I Store It?

  • Keep your chain or bracelet clean, fully dry and separate from other jewelry.
  • Use a soft-lined jewelry box or individual fabric pouch to minimize rubbing.
  • Lay heavy Cuban-link chains flat or in a relaxed curve. Do not sharply bend or twist them.
  • Avoid hanging a heavy chain by its clasp for long periods or forcing the lock shut.
  • Keep the piece away from moisture, household chemicals, direct contact with rough surfaces, and objects that may scratch or catch the links.

7. Can Gold Over Silver Discolor My Skin?

Skin discoloration and sensitivity vary by person. Sweat, cosmetics, skin chemistry and contact with metal alloys can all contribute to changes in appearance or skin reactions. We do not promise that jewelry will never discolor skin or cause irritation. If irritation develops, stop wearing the piece and seek appropriate medical advice if needed.

Use the care steps above and keep skin-contact surfaces clean and dry. If you notice unusual discoloration or a change in the finish, reach out with photos so we can discuss available maintenance options.

8. Can My Gold-Finished Cuban Link Be Replated?

Yes. EXOTVIO offers optional paid replating for eligible EXOTVIO gold-bonded and gold-plated jewelry, subject to inspection. Replating is an aftercare service that can refresh the finish once the existing gold appearance has worn.

Replating service: $1.40 per gram. Pricing is based on the piece's verified weight in grams at the time of service. Each piece must be inspected before service. We will explain any additional repairs or shipping charges and obtain your approval before proceeding. Surface damage or deep scratches may require additional work, and replating does not make a finish permanent.

To arrange service, email info@exotvio.com with your order number, photos and a brief description of the condition. We will provide instructions for tracked, insured shipment. Do not ship jewelry without return instructions.

Important: Replating is a paid maintenance service, not a free warranty service. There is no EXOTVIO voluntary or express warranty on gold bonding, gold plating or any applied gold finish.

9. What Does EXOTVIO's One-Year Craftsmanship Warranty Cover?

Eligible EXOTVIO Cuban-link chains and bracelets have a one-year limited craftsmanship warranty, starting on delivery, for verified manufacturing or workmanship defects affecting solder joints, links and clasps/locks under normal intended use. After review and any necessary inspection, covered issues are repaired, corrected or replaced at no charge.

Gold-finish changes are not covered. Neither are damage caused by chemicals, impacts, stretching, excessive pulling, crushing, outside objects, other jewelry, accidental damage, misuse or unauthorized repairs. If an item arrives incorrect or with an apparent issue, please report it within 48 hours of carrier-confirmed delivery for prompt review. That early reporting request does not shorten the one-year craftsmanship warranty or override rights required by law.

Read the full EXOTVIO One-Year Limited Craftsmanship Warranty for the terms, exclusions and claim process.

10. Is Gold Over Silver the Right Choice for Me?

If you want the weight and handmade construction of a real silver Cuban link with the look of a real-gold finish—and you understand that its appearance requires care and may eventually need paid refinishing—gold over silver can be a practical option.

If you want gold color throughout the actual metal, with no applied outer gold layer to wear away, consider solid-gold jewelry instead. EXOTVIO wants you to understand the difference before you order, rather than promise that gold plating will behave like solid gold.

The Simple EXOTVIO Care Routine

  • After wearing: Wipe gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  • Before water, workouts or chemicals: Take it off.
  • Before storing: Ensure it is dry and keep it away from other jewelry.
  • When the finish shows wear: Ask about our paid replating service.
  • For a suspected solder, link or clasp defect: Contact us for a workmanship warranty review.

Need advice about your specific chain or bracelet? Contact info@exotvio.com with photos and your order number. You can also review our craftsmanship warranty and returns and shipping policy.