Can You Wear Gold-plated Jewelry Every Day?
Gold-plated jewelry provides the elegance and richness of gold at a fraction of the cost and as such is quite popular among those customers who wish to take full advantage of the beauty of the gold without having to spend much money. Whether earrings, necklaces, or bracelets- gold plated pieces bring that glamour and class that can complement any outfit!
With its cost and beautiful appearance, many individuals question: Can you wear gold-plated jewelry every day? Thus, it is essential to know how long the product will last and what is needed to maintain it when deciding to buy this kind of product!
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
This jewelry is made through an electroplating process where a layer of gold is overlaid on another metal like brass or copper thus making the jewelry look like solid gold jewelry at a mere fraction of the cost of getting solid pieces or pieces filled with real gold. However, since each layer is normally just a few microns thick, it is not as durable compared to solid gold pieces or their solid gold counterparts.
Among the three, gold-plated, solid gold, and gold-filled jewelry all have distinct characteristics as listed below.
Gold-Plated Jewelry: It has an inexpensive layer of gold on top of another material, for example, steel. Still, durability may depend on brands or models of the product.
Solid Gold Jewelry: It is made of pure gold hence it is long-lasting and valuable but relatively expensive as compared to other types.
Gold-Filled Jewelry: Made from thicker gold sheets applied on the base metals and more resistant than gold-plated type but still cheaper to the solid gold clasps.
Related Read: How to choose gold jewelry?
Factors That Influence the Longevity of Gold-Coated Jewelry
Its durability depends on several key considerations:
Thickness of Gold Layer: In general, thicker gold layers tend to be more resilient and long-lived.
Quality Base Metal: Your choice of base metal can have a dramatic impact on its strength and corrosion resistance; durable alloys like sterling silver can prolong their useful life considerably.
Frequency of Wear: Wearing jewelry every day exposes it to moisture, chemicals, and friction which may accelerate its wear-and-tarnishing processes. This could result in faster fade/tarnish.
Common Wear and Tear
Over time, jewelry may experience wear-related problems including:
Fading: Unfortunately, gold plating may start to wear away over time due to constant use, revealing more and more of its base metal beneath.
Chipping: Gold jewelry may easily chip if it comes into contact with something hard, exposing its outer gold layer and becoming damaged.
Tarnishing: Sweat, lotions, perfumes, or any other chemical substances could tarnish metal surfaces over time and lead to their surface corrosion.
Underwater activities - showering, swimming, and exercising - should not involve wearing jewelry as this could hasten their wear out faster and even shorten their life!
Tips to Wear Gold-Plated Jewelry Daily
To maintain the appearance of jewelry, regular cleaning with gentle methods should be undertaken regularly:
Use a Soft Cloth
Polishing jewelry regularly is recommended to keep it free from oil build-up or dirt deposits that might accumulate over time. Using a soft, lint-free cloth will help gently remove any accumulated dirt or oils without scratching the surface of the jewelry. This practice helps maintain the jewelry's shine and extends its lifespan by preventing abrasive damage that can come from using rough materials.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
To get the best results during any surface cleaning, always use mild soap and warm water, and never use any harsh chemicals that might affect the gold layer and remove its layers of protection. Harsh chemicals can strip away the delicate gold plating, leading to a dull appearance and potential damage to the underlying metal. Opting for gentle cleaning solutions ensures that the jewelry's finish remains intact and continues to look its best.
Pat Dry
When washing your jewelry, wipe it with a cloth and never rub it because this will dull the gold plating on your jewelry and harm its structure. After cleaning, pat the jewelry dry with a soft cloth rather than rubbing it, which can cause micro-abrasions and wear down the gold layer over time. This gentle drying method helps preserve the jewelry's appearance and structural integrity.
Periodic Re-Plating
Gold plating on jewelry can also wear off with time and this calls for re-plating of jewelry to regain its natural look. Periodic re-plating involves taking the jewelry to a professional jeweler who can apply a fresh layer of gold plating, restoring its original luster and appearance. This maintenance step is essential for keeping gold-plated jewelry looking new and extending its usable life, especially for pieces worn frequently.
Limitations Of Gold-Plated Jewelry
Shorter Life Span: It usually has a shorter lifecycle compared to its solid gold counterpart, and may need replacing more frequently.
Maintenance Requirements: It requires consistent care and upkeep to remain looking its best.
Potential Skin Irritation: Depending on the base metal used to plat the jewelry, some individuals may experience skin irritation when wearing these pieces.
Related Read: How to buy gold in New Zealand?
The Bottom Line
Can you wear gold-plated jewelry every day? - This jewelry offers an affordable way to look glamorous every day; its longevity depends on factors like the thickness and quality of its gold layer as well as how well cared for it is. Although gold plating may appear expensive at first, over time this inexpensive form of fashion jewelry should last you many years and offer endless fashion possibilities!
TJ Gold offers an exquisite collection of gold-plated, gold-filled, and solid gold jewelry pieces designed for everyday wear, perfect for anyone interested in selecting suitable jewelry pieces for themselves!
