it is gold plated over brass , not pure gold ,we choose thick gold plating way, so it will not easy to tarnish in normal use , but the color will fade into brass color after long time use , it depends on you how to use it. my advice is that avoid touching too much water and sweat , Not exposing to the air when you don't wear. so when bath and sleep , you can take it off and put into the bag without air , the color will keep longer time