gold-plated pieces of jewelry are a great alternative for real gold jewels. In addition to being reasonably priced, it is available in many different designs and styles. If you are wondering how to prevent gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing, this post is right for you.
One suggestion is to place it in your jewelry box and think about wiping it down with a soft cloth before putting it away. You can also order anti-tarnish bags that will prevent your jewelry from oxidizing and getting discolored
Every piece of plated jewelry has the potential to tarnish or turn your finger or neck green over time. Relax; wearing jewelry is neither unsafe nor harmful to you.
Discover the following practical advice to stop the tarnishing of your gold-plated jewelry by reading on.
What is Gold-plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is a type of metal jewelry covered with a very thin layer of real gold.
Italian chemist Luigi Brugnatelli created the procedure in 1805 by plating a very thin gold layer over silver. Since then, many base metals have been coated in gold, silver, or rhodium in the jewelry industry.
What makes this process the best? There is little distinction between the two because it closely resembles the appearance of pricey jewelry.
Electroplated or wash/flashed gold, which is 0.17 microns thick, and the thickest gold plating currently available, 2.5 microns, are the two different types of gold plating used to make gold-plated jewelry.
In contrast to their thicker counterparts, platings with a thickness of 0.5 microns and above, which are suitable for use in jewelry pieces like rings and bracelets and other items that can withstand rough wear, platings with a tendency to wear off quickly are typically used in pendants, earrings, and other pieces that are protected from wear and tear.
Also Read: Can I Pawn Gold-plated Jewelry?
Does Gold-plated Jewelry Fade and Tarnish?
There are some pieces of gold-plated jewelry that can tarnish and fade, but not all of them do. Jewelry made by Artisan has a stainless steel base that keeps it from fading or tarnishing.
This indicates that you should be careful when sourcing your jewelry because many of the items on the market are susceptible to deterioration. Contrary to popular belief, the base metal that is covered by gold plating will corrode, tarnish, and rust over time.
With the exception of stainless steel, the molecules of the base metal will eventually migrate into the layer of gold due to its propensity for oxidizing and corroding. When that occurs, some people will notice a noticeable change in the appearance of their gold-plated items, while others may only notice mild degradation, such as a flake or two here and there or minor corrosion.
The level at which the jewelry will fade and tarnish will depend on the thickness of the gold plating. Gold plating is more prone to damage the thinner it is, and vice versa. By nickel plating the base metal first and then adding the layer of gold, some jewelers can prevent this damage. Stainless steel is used by Artizan to keep the appearance of its jewelry consistent. Gold is less likely to tarnish and fade thanks to these techniques, which maintain its appearance.
Also Read: How Long Does Gold-plated Jewelry Last?
How to Prevent Gold-plated Jewelry from Tarnishing?
So how to prevent gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing, you can take care of your gold-plated jewelry by doing the following:
- Gold-plated jewelry should be taken off before swimming or working out. Just like perfume, chlorine, and nail polish, your sweat causes a chemical reaction with gold-plated jewelry. Make sure to take off your jewelry before swimming or working out to prevent tarnish or blemishing.
- After the cosmetics have been absorbed, put on gold-plated jewelry. To ensure that your cream or liquid makeup has completely dried, wait a minute or two before putting on any jewelry. If they come into contact with your jewelry while it is wet, personal care items like lotion or cosmetics may stain it.
- On gold-plated jewelry, avoid using perfume. Spray cologne or perfume on your body before donning gold-plated jewelry if you regularly wear it. The jewelry’s metal could become tarnished or stained if perfume or other sprays are used to clean it.
- You should clean any gold-plated jewelry. Mix a few drops of gentle dishwashing detergent with warm water to clean your gold-plated jewelry. Rinse your gold-plated jewelry in the solution, then let it air dry.
- Rub a microfiber cloth over gold-plated jewelry to buff it. Your gold-plated jewelry should be polished with a soft microfiber cloth after being cleaned and dried. Oil can cause the gold to flake off over time, but buffing can help minimize oils.
- Maintain gold-plated jewelry in a plastic bag. When not in use, place your gold-plated jewelry in a plastic bag, squeeze out any extra air, and then seal the bag. The gold-plated jewelry will remain shiny and bright thanks to the bag’s lack of oxygen. Put only one piece of jewelry per plastic bag to avoid scratching.
Wearing fine gold-plated jewelry is almost as good as wearing genuine gold jewelry. Its price is unbeatable, and its luster and shine can dress up any ensemble. For only a small portion of the cost of one piece of solid gold jewelry, you can buy several sets of gold-plated jewelry.
Remember to adhere to the straightforward instructions listed above to keep your gold-plated jewelry shining and spotless. To preserve its brilliance and shine, gold-plated jewelry should be kept in a cool, dry location away from moisture. You can have lovely, colorful jewelry for many years by doing this.
Related Post:
Why Do People Love to Buy Gold-plated Jewelry?
The majority of gold jewelry that you might find while shopping is gold-plated, which is a less expensive form of gold that has a thin layer of gold over a specific base metal, usually copper.
Gold plating is more likely to peel off jewelry more quickly than cochineal plating, and plated jewelry is known to fade quickly. But if you do it very carefully, you can definitely extend the wear period.
Gold-plated jewelry is still widely used for a reason, and because it is so reasonably priced, it is a great option for splurging on passing fashion trends or wearing with a special occasion outfit.
The pricing of plated jewelry is the best part because it enables you to stack more and have many pieces, which will let you enjoy layered clothing.
Also Read: Gold-filled Vs Gold-plated
Wrap UP: How to Prevent Gold-plated Jewelry from Tarnishing
Gold-plated jewelry may not be an investment that will fetch a high price over time, but it does offer similar benefits to the real deal, making them an affordable alternative. They are very appealing because of how versatile they are and how many different styles and designs are available for them to go with practically any outfit.
Though it may be in small quantities, it does contain some gold. So, in order to prevent damage and maintain its luster for a longer period of time, you must provide the proper care.
Also Read: Does Solid Gold Tarnish?
FAQs
How Long Does 14k Gold Plated Last?
A lifetime of wear is possible for gold-filled jewelry if it is properly maintained. Gold plated pieces, on the other hand, can last up to a year if kept away from water, wear, and heat.
How Do You Make Gold-plated Not Tarnish?
Maintain gold-plated jewelry in a plastic bag.
What is the Best Way to Protect Gold-plated Jewelry?
The simplest way to keep your gold-plated jewelry looking brand new is to wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth or piece of cotton after wearing it.
