Gold plated jewelry is often made with a base of stainless steel.
Stainless steel is an alloy that contains chromium. This element helps to protect the jewelry from corrosion and rust.
However, over time, the gold plating can wear away, exposing the underlying metal to oxygen and moisture in the air. This can cause the jewelry to tarnish.
Here’s some more information.
Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish?
Yes, gold plated stainless steel does tarnish over time and the gold plating will start to wear off and the underlying steel will become visible.
Tarnishing is a natural process that happens when metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture.
The rate at which gold plated stainless steel tarnishes depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of the gold plating, the climate, and how often the jewelry is worn.
Here are the factors explained:
Thickness of the Gold Plating
The thinness of the gold plating means that it will tarnish more quickly than thicker layers of gold.
The gold plating on stainless steel jewelry is usually very thin, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 microns (0.00002 to 0.0001 inches).
This is because gold is a very soft metal, and it would quickly wear away if it were any thicker.
Climate
The climate also affects how quickly gold plated stainless steel tarnishes.
In warm, humid climates, the jewelry will tarnish more quickly than in cooler, drier climates.
This is because moisture and oxygen are necessary for the tarnishing process to occur.
How Often Gold Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry Is Worn?
The more often the jewelry is worn, the faster it will tarnish. This is because the body produces oils and sweat which can accelerate the tarnishing process.
Also, makeup, lotion, and perfume can contain chemicals that speed up the tarnishing process.
Can You Shower With Gold Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry?
No. Showering with gold plated jewelry can cause the gold to wear away more quickly.
To illustrate what the water does to gold, think about how a car looks after it’s driven in the rain. Eventually, the water causes the paint to fade and corrode.
The same thing happens with gold plating. The chemicals in water can also cause the gold to tarnish.
Instead, take off your gold plated jewelry before you shower and put it on after you’re done. This will help extend the life of your jewelry. Or, you can purchase waterproof jewelry covers and wear them before you shower.
If you do accidentally wear it in the shower, make sure to clean it as soon as possible. The longer the water sits on the jewelry, the more damage it can do.
Another reason why you shouldn’t shower with gold plated jewelry is because soap can also cause the gold to tarnish. Soap can build up on the jewelry and cause a film to form. This film can then trap dirt and other particles, causing the gold to become dull.
If you do get soap on your gold plated jewelry, make sure to clean it off right away. You can use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove the soap. Once you’ve removed the soap, rinse the jewelry off with clean water.
In fact, it’s best to avoid wearing gold plated jewelry in any situation where it might come into contact with water and chemicals. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, and even doing the dishes.
The chlorine in pools can cause the gold to tarnish, while the chemicals in hot tubs can do the same thing. Then, doing the dishes means getting soap and water all over your hands – and your jewelry.
Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry Last?
Gold plated stainless steel jewelry can last a long time if you take care of it properly. This is because the properties of both the stainless steel and the gold make for a durable piece of jewelry that is not easily scratched or tarnished.
However, if you do not take care of your gold plated stainless steel jewelry, it will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear.
So clean your jewelry routinely with a jewelry cleaning kit and take them off before performing vigorous activities that may expose them to water, and harsh chemicals.
Also, don’t overlook storage. Storing your gold plated stainless steel jewelry properly is important to help keep it looking its best.
When not wearing your jewelry, store it in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. This will help protect the jewelry from scratches and other damage.
You should also avoid storing your gold plated stainless steel jewelry in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause the gold plating to fade.
What Kind of Gold Doesn’t Tarnish?
24 Karat gold doesn’t tarnish. The purity of gold is measured in karats. So 24 Karat gold is also called “pure gold” because it contains no other metals.
The reason why pure gold doesn’t tarnish is that it doesn’t react with other elements.
However, because 24 Karat gold is so pure, it’s also very soft, and it’s not used to make jewelry. Instead, 18 Karat, 14 Karat, and 10 Karat gold contains small amounts of other metals, which help make the gold harder and more durable.
Unfortunately, it is these same added metals that cause the jewelry to tarnish over time.
As explained, when the alloy reacts with oxygen or sulfur in the air, it creates a thin film of gold sulfide or gold oxide on the surface of the jewelry.
Final words
Gold-plated stainless steel is an affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry.
Gold-plated jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal, stainless steel. The thickness of the layer of gold is usually very thin, between 0.5 microns and 2.5 microns.
Because the layer of gold is so thin, it can wear away over time, exposing the base metal underneath.
When this happens, the jewelry will start to tarnish.
To avoid tarnishing, it’s important to take care of gold-plated jewelry. Store it in a cool, dry place away from chemicals and moisture.
When you’re not wearing it, keep it in a zip-lock bag or an airtight container. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and hair products, as these can all cause the gold to tarnish.
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