How Long Does Gold Plated Jewelry Last? Let's find out
When it comes to fashion and jewelry, gold plated jewelry is a popular choice.
Many people enjoy wearing gold plated jewelry because it is a great way to add a touch of luxury and glamour to your everyday look without breaking the bank.
But gold plating is a coating of gold on an underlying metal, and this layer can wear off over time.
One of the most common questions we get asked is "how long does gold plated jewelry last?" To help answer this question, let's take a look at a few factors that affect the lifespan of gold plated jewelry.
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1. What is gold plated
Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is applied to another metal, such as brass or sterling silver. This process can be done by either electroplating or chemical deposition.
In the past, gold was used to plate other metals like silver, copper, and nickel. The process involved dipping jewelry in gold or immersing these base metals in a solution containing an alloy of gold and mercury. This created a thin even layer of gold on top of the base metal which we call plating.
Today, however, most jewelry is made with electroplating. In this process, a thin layer of gold is deposited onto the jewelry using an electrical current.
Electroplating is the most common method of applying a thin layer of gold to jewelry. In this method, an electrical current is used to dissolve gold into liquid form and then apply it to the jewelry piece. Chemical deposition does not use an electrical current but rather relies on chemicals to create a reaction that will deposit the gold onto the jewelry piece.
We've all seen Laie Jewelry pieces that are heavily plated in gold. 14k gold is the most common type used in plating, but it can also be 18k gold, white gold, or 10-carat gold.
2. How long does gold plated jewelry last
Gold plated jewelry is not as durable as solid gold jewelry. The layer of gold is much thinner and can wear away over time. It is also more susceptible to scratches and tarnish.
Generally, gold plated jewelry will last from several months to a few years.
2 years on average, depending on the thickness of the gold layer, how often it is worn and how well it is taken care of.
3. What factors affect how long gold plated jewelry lasts?
There are several factors that will affect how long your gold plated jewelry lasts. These include:
- The thickness of the gold plating - A thicker layer of gold will last longer than a thin layer
- The quality of the metal underneath the gold plate - A higher quality metal will last longer than a lower quality metal
- How often you wear the jewelry - If you wear your gold plated jewelry every day, it will not last as long as if you only wear it occasionally
- How you store your jewelry - If you store your gold plated jewelry in an airtight container, it will last longer than if you simply leave it out in open air
- The type of chemicals you expose your jewelry to - Certain chemicals can cause the gold plate to deteriorate more quickly
4. How to prolong the life of your gold plated jewelry?
To help prolong the life of your gold plated jewelry, here are a few tips:
a. Keep it away from water.
Water can cause the gold to wear away faster and can also cause tarnish. So, avoid wearing your gold plated jewelry when you're swimming or doing the dishes.
b. Don't wear it in the sun.
The sun's rays can also cause the gold to fade and the jewelry to become brittle. While it is best to keep all your jewelry out of the sun, this is especially important for gold plated pieces.
c. Clean it regularly.
Dust and dirt can build up on gold plated jewelry and cause it to look dull and tarnished. Use a soft cloth to clean your jewelry regularly. Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners as they can damage the gold plating.
d. Store it properly.
When you're not wearing your gold plated jewelry, store it in a jewelry box or pouch. This will help protect it from scratches and tarnish.
e. Get it re-plated.
If your gold plated jewelry starts to look too worn, you can get it re-plated.
However, this will add to the cost of keeping your jewelry looking nice.
5. How to clean gold plated jewelry?
Cleaning your gold plated jewelry is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Step One: Gather your supplies.
You'll need a bowl of warm water, a soft cloth, and some mild soap or jewelry cleaner.
Step Two: Soak the jewelry in the bowl of water.
Dip the jewelry in the water and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or dust that is trapped on the surface.
Step Two: Soak the jewelry in the bowl of water.
Dip the jewelry in the water and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or dust that is trapped on the surface.
Step Three: Clean the jewelry with the cloth.
Use the cloth to gently rub away any dirt or grime. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the gold plating.
Step Four: Rinse the jewelry and dry it with the cloth.
Rinse the jewelry under warm water and then dry it off with the cloth. Make sure to get all the soap off.
Step Five: Rinse the jewelry and dry it with the cloth.
Rinse the jewelry under warm water and then dry it off with the cloth. Make sure to get all the soap off.
Step Six: Store the jewelry in a safe place.
Once you're done cleaning your gold plated jewelry, put it away in a safe place where it will not be damaged.
6. Why choose gold plated jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. It is also a good option for those who are allergic to gold. Gold plated jewelry is available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect piece to suit your taste.
Gold plated jewelry is also a good choice for those who are looking for an affordable way to get the look of solid gold jewelry. Gold plated jewelry is not as durable as solid gold, but with proper care, it can last for several years.
7. Gold filled vs gold plated
If you're shopping for gold jewelry, you may come across the terms "gold filled" and "gold plated." But what's the difference between the two?
Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, such as brass or copper.
The gold layer is thicker than gold plating, typically around 5% of the total weight of the piece. This makes gold filled jewelry more durable and long-lasting than gold plated jewelry.
Gold plated jewelry, on the other hand, is made by applying a thin layer of gold to a base metal through a process called electroplating.
The gold layer is much thinner than gold filled, usually only 0.5% of the total weight of the piece. This makes gold plated jewelry less expensive than gold filled, but also less durable. Over time, the gold plating can wear off and expose the base metal underneath.
In summary, if you're looking for high-quality, long-lasting gold jewelry, go for gold filled. If you're on a tighter budget or looking for a more temporary option, gold plated may be the way to go.
8. FAQs
Can you wear gold plated jewelry every day?
Yes, you can wear gold plated jewelry everyday. However, it is not recommended to shower with gold plated jewelry as the water may cause the gold to fade over time.
Does gold plated jewelry fade?
Gold plating will eventually fade over time as it is prone to scratching and tarnishing. It is important to take care of your gold plated jewelry in order to extend its lifespan.
Is gold plated jewelry worth it?
Gold plated jewelry offers a fraction of the value of solid gold jewelry. However, some people may find it more aesthetically pleasing than solid gold jewelry.
9. Conclusion
While gold plated jewelry is not as durable as solid gold, it is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable way to add some luxury to their wardrobe. With proper care, they can last for several years.
However, if your gold plated jewelry starts to look too worn, you can get it re-plated. But, this will add to the cost of keeping your jewelry looking nice. If you want to buy jewelry that will last a lifetime, consider investing in solid gold pieces. These are more expensive than gold plated jewelry, but they will not fade or wear away over time.
Be sure to remove your jewelry before showering or swimming and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals. Store your jewelry in an airtight container when not wearing it. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your beautiful gold plated jewelry for many years to come! Check Laie hot gold plated jewelry now!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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A NEW DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE I'm Lyn. Because of the occupational requirement and personal interests, I have done research on hip-hop-related culture since 2003. I have carried on a broad and profound study on trendy iced-out jewelry in the market and gold jewelry styling tips for nearly 20 years. |
Related external sources
[1]byrdie: How to Keep Gold-Plated Jewelry from Tarnishing
[2]goldplating: Differentiating Between Solid Gold and Gold Plated Jewelry
[3]linjer:A Guide to Buying Gold Jewelry