A gold-plated bracelet or chain is a great option if you are looking for a new piece. This method of making jewelry can reduce the price since less gold is required during the process. However, it still has the same beautiful look as a solid-gold chain. Although it may be cheaper, how long will gold-plated jewelry last? Find out how to care for your gold-plated jewelry to extend its lifespan.
How long does gold-plated jewelry last?
It can be hard to determine how long a chain or other piece of gold-plated jewelry will last because many factors affect it. A piece with thick plating may last longer than one with a thinner plating. Because it is frequently exposed to the elements and can cause damage, pieces that are worn daily will wear out faster.
The average lifespan of gold-plated pieces is two years. After that, the gold plated jewelry tarnishes and starts to wear down. Depending on how well you maintain your jewelry collection, this period can vary. You can take the jewelry to a jeweler to have it re-plated if it starts to lose its gold plating.
Why choose gold-plated jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is a great way for budget-minded buyers to save money while still wearing cool accessories that look just like their solid gold counterparts. It’s cheaper to purchase the plated version, even though you may need to replace or re-plate pieces made of gold.
It all depends on how much money you can afford and how dedicated you are to maintaining and caring for your jewelry. You may feel tempted to purchase a kit to re-plate your favorite piece of jewelry, but it’s best to leave that task to professionals to ensure the best results.
How to Care For Gold Plated Jewelry
It doesn’t matter if your jewelry is plated or solid, it’s important to clean and maintain it. Gold plate jewelry requires more care than regular solid gold jewelry. The layer of gold that sticks to the base metal is thinner than the gold alloy. These are some tips to help you make your gold-plated jewelry last longer.
Your gold-plated jewelry should be kept safe. You can store your jewelry in a box or dresser that is specifically designed for jewelry storage. This will keep dust and dirt away from the jewelry and prevent it from getting damaged.
Avoid contact with perfume, colognes, sunscreen, moisturizers, soaps, detergents, and any other chemical you come in contact with every day. These chemicals can cause the gold plating to be more easily broken down.
Don’t wear gold-plated chains to the pool or beach. This is because saltwater and chemicals in the water will react with the chains, making your beautiful, shiny piece of jewelry dull and brittle.
Your gold-plated jewelry should be cleaned regularly. Each piece should be cleaned once per week with warm water and soap. We recommend that you do a deep cleaning once a month. This will allow your jewelry to soak in the solution longer than normal and allow you to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach places. To prevent any damage, make sure to clean your jewelry with a soft cloth.
Is it worth investing in gold-plated jewelry?
High-quality, gold-plated jewelry can be just as beautiful as genuine gold jewelry. Its shine and sheen can enhance any outfit and come at an incredible price. You can buy multiple sets of gold-plated jewelry for less than one piece of genuine gold jewelry.
Can You Wear Gold-Plated Jewelry every day?
The best and most affordable alternative to pure gold jewelry is gold plated jewelry. You get the look and feel of gold, but without paying a lot. It’s great for jewelry that you don’t wear every day.
Can I Shower while wearing Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Solid gold jewelry, whether it is white or yellow gold will not damage the metal but dull its brilliance. However, showering with jewelry made of gold-plated metal might result in the gold coating being lost completely. As such, you should not shower with gold-plated jewelry.
Is it true that gold plating turns green?
Many gold vermeil rings and gold-plated rings are made from sterling silver base metal. Silver can oxidize when it touches flesh, resulting in a darker or even tawny-colored ring around your finger.
What metals are gold-plated?
Most metals can be gold plated, including nickel, brass, and stainless steel. Gold plating is also common for modern industrial metals like tungsten or titanium. However, silver and copper are the most common.
Is gold plated real or fake gold?
Although gold plating can be considered real gold, it doesn’t have the same value as gold because so little gold is used.
Gold plating has a purity that is comparable to solid gold and gold filled jewelry. The lowest purity is typically 10K, while the highest purity is 24K. The main difference between these types of gold plating is in the color it produces, rather than the value. The purer the gold, the more it will look like gold. The purity level does not change the value of the piece.
How thick should the gold plating be?
The thickness of gold plating can vary .
Gold electroplating, also known as gold wash/flashed, is a plating that has a thickness of 0.17. This thin layer of plating (about 0.05%) is recommended only for delicate jewelry pieces such as earrings and pendants that are protected from wear and tear. This plating thickness wears down quickly.
A gold plating thickness of .5 microns is ideal for rings and bracelets. Although it may sound thin, this is sufficient for jewelry pieces exposed to wear.
The 2.5-micron mark of plating is considered thick, and heavy gold plated. Even this level of gold plating is very low in value. The main advantage is that it lasts longer if it is thicker.
How can I care for and restore gold-plated jewelry?
You can prolong the life of your gold-plated jewelry and keep it beautiful and bright by taking good care of it. Here are some tips:
- Avoid exposing gold-plated jewelry to chemicals, oils, and makeup. After applying make-up, hairspray, and perfumes, it’s a good idea not to wear plated jewelry. Do not wear gold-plated jewelry while doing chores as chemicals in soaps, detergents, and cleaners can cause damage to the plating.
- Handling gold-plated jewelry is a good idea. Wash your hands before you put on or take off your jewelry.
- Do not expose jewelry made of gold plating to salty or chlorinated water. This means that you should take off your jewelry before you swim in hot tubs, pools, or the ocean.
- Gold plating can be affected by sweat and body oils. This can be countered by wiping the jewelry down and cleaning it often to remove these contaminants.
- It is important to clean your gold-plated jewelry frequently to extend its lifespan. This can be done with a mild soap or professional jewelry cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
- Avoid friction and rubbing of gold-plated jewelry as this can cause it to wear down quickly and flake off. If you layer gold-plated jewelry, they can rub against one another. You should wear the jewelry alone.
Conclusion
You should ensure your jewelry is always sparkling and beautiful. Your jewelry’s lifespan can be extended by taking good care of it. Some jewelry can be expensive so it is important to protect its value. If you have any more questions on “how long does gold plated jewelry last” we can help you out here.
