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As jewelry goes from a symbol of wealth for some to everyday life for everyone, gold-plated jewelry is sought after as an economical alternative to solid gold, and it can come in a variety of styles and designs. However, the fading of gold plating is the biggest headache of gold plated jewelry. To solve this problem, it is important to understand what gold-plated jewelry is and why it tarnishes.
Gold-plated jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to another metal. The gold layer is usually quite thin, ranging from 0.5 microns to 2.5 microns. This process is also known as 'gold flashing' or 'gold electroplating'.
Gold-plated jewelry is usually made with one of three metals: brass, copper, or sterling silver. Each of these metals has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, brass is a strong metal that is often used in high-quality gold-plated jewelry. However, it can also cause skin irritations in some people. Copper is another popular choice for gold-plating, as it provides a warm, rosy hue. However, copper is also a soft metal, which means that gold-plated jewelry made with it may not last as long as other types. Sterling silver is the most expensive option, but it is also the most durable.
Over time, gold-plated jewelry can begin to tarnish. There are a few reasons for this. First, the gold plating itself is relatively thin, so it can wear away over time, exposing the metal beneath. Second, gold is a soft metal, so it can be easily scratched. Once the gold plating is damaged, it becomes more susceptible to tarnishing. Finally, chemicals in the air (such as sulfur) can react with the gold and cause it to tarnish. This result may seem a bit frustrating, but the following maintenance routine can help you keep your gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing.
Taking proper care of your gold-plated jewelry can help you maintain its luster for years to come. Whether you wear your jewelry every day or only on special occasions, following these simple tips will keep your jewelry looking its best.
1) Let skincare, perfumes, and hairsprays dry before putting on gold-plated jewelry.
These products contain chemicals that can react with the metal, causing it to tarnish. Additionally, make sure to avoid getting any cosmetics or cleaning products on your jewelry.
2) Take off gold-plated jewelry before swimming and strenuous exercise.
Sweat from strenuous exercise can cause the gold plating to slowly wear away, and the chemicals in swimming pool water can also damage the gold plating. As a result, it's important to remove your gold-plated jewelry before sweating or swimming.
3) Keep gold-plated jewelry away from chemicals and sharp objects that can easily scratch it.
Gold-plated jewelry can be easily scratched or damaged if it comes into contact with chemicals or sharp objects. To help keep your gold-plated jewelry looking its best, avoid wearing it when using household cleaners or doing other activities that could damage the finish.
4) Gently wipe sweat and stains on gold-plated jewelry with a silver polish cloth after each wear.
After each wear, gently wipe the jewelry with a silver polishing cloth, which not only can remove the oxidation on the surface of the jewelry, but also can make the jewelry restore the original metal luster. If you don't have a silver polishing cloth, soft lint-free cloth is also a good choice. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the gold plating.
5) Use plastic bags to store each piece of gold-plated jewelry separately.
Reusable plastic bags not only provide superior protection for your jewelry against scratches and other types of damage, but they are also more airtight than cloth bags, which means they are better at preventing jewelry fading. In addition, plastic bags are inexpensive and readily available, making them the best choice for storing gold-plated jewelry. Also, please remember to store your jewelry separately so that you can effectively avoid frictional damage between jewels and the tangling of chains.
6)Store gold-plated jewelry away from heat and sunlight.
Over time, sunlight and heat can cause gold-plated jewelry to tarnish. The gold layer may begin to fade or tarnish and the metal underneath may become visible. In some cases, the gold plating may even begin to peel away from the base metal. In addition, sunlight and heat can cause the metal underneath the gold plating to expand or contract, which can lead to cracking or warping. Therefore, it is important to store gold-plated jewelry away from heat and sunlight.
7) Apply protective coatings to your gold-plated jewelry regularly according to the frequency of wear.
Regularly applying an even layer of clear nail polish to the surface of your gold-plated jewelry is the equivalent of putting a protective coating on your jewelry, which will prevent oxidative damage and minor scratches to your jewelry over time. Others choose polyurethane sprays to apply a protective layer to gold-plated jewelry, but it is worth paying attention to whether this chemical can be harmful or may cause skin irritation in some people.
If the surface of your gold-plated jewelry is spotted and discolored, don't worry! With the right cleaning method, your jewelry will look new in no time.
Before cleaning you need to prepare the following items：
1. Melt the baking soda in hot water in a container lined with aluminum foil.
Wrap the inside of the container with aluminum foil and lay the cleaned gem-free jewelry flat in the container. Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the jewelry, Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the jewelry and pour hot water over it.
2. Soka your gem-free gold-plated jewelry in the solution for 5-10 minutes.
You can use a spoon to gently stir the solution and the jewelry to ensure that the spots and stains are completely soaked. If the jewelry spot is serious, you can extend the soaking time appropriately.
3. Remove the gold-plated jewelry and gently wipe the stains and spots on it with a soft cloth.
Some people use a toothbrush to clean the jewelry in this step, which will remove the stains better but at the same time will damage the gold plating of the jewelry. So it is recommended to use a soft fiber cloth to gently wipe, or you can use a cotton t-shirt or napkin instead.
4. Rinse any solution residue left in the crevices of the jewelry with clean water.
After the spots and stains are wiped clean, continue to rinse the jewelry with clean water to prevent any solution from remaining in the crevices. If it is not treated cleanly at one time, try to repeat the soaking and wiping. It is important to note here that if you notice that the gold plating begins to peel off during the wiping, stop immediately. This indicates that maybe this cleaning method is not suitable for your jewelry.
5. Use a silver polishing cloth to give the gold-plated jewelry a final polish, which will better help it regain its luster.
After rinsing, please dry the jewelry with a soft cloth. If you have a silver polishing cloth, you can use it to give the jewelry a final polish after cleaning, which will better restore the luster of your jewelry.
The best way to maintain gold-plated jewelry is by doing a little bit of daily maintenance. This will help keep your jewelry looking its best and prevent it from tarnishing. If you do find that your gold-plated jewelry has tarnished, don’t worry – there are professional solutions that can restore it to its former glory.
Just like JewellryGo shop, we provide expanded services for re-plating to our brand clients. Of course, we are also trying to provide professional help to more people who like gold-plated jewelry. If you have any questions about jewelry, please leave us a message below and we will be happy to provide you with professional help!
