Does gold plated metal like brass deteoriate or rust?
Theoretically it should not if the coating is thick enough. Gold resists most acids except for aqua regia so it is pretty indestructible. When plated it can be porous and have thin spots which will tarnish through. It can also amalgamate with the metal underneath and form a two metal composition which will also tarnish. I would say it is much better to have the gold plating then not and if carefully handled will last many years.
