If you’re in the market for some new jewellery, consider a gold-plated chain or bracelet. Since less gold is used in this technique, the final product can be more affordably priced. However, it still looks as stunning as a chain made of solid gold.
Learn how to maintain your gold-plated jewellery so that it lasts as long as possible.
Gold-plated jewellery: how long does it last?
Many factors affect the durability of gold plating, making it difficult to predict how long a chain or other jewellery will last. A thicker plating may help a piece last longer than a thinner one. Regular use accelerates wear and tear on any given item because of the cumulative effects of repeated exposure to the elements and their attendant hazards.
The typical lifespan of gold plating is only two years. After that, the gold plating wears off, and the jewellery becomes unattractive. This timeframe is highly variable and directly proportional to how well you care for your jewellery. If the gold plating on your jewellery begins to wear off, you can have it redone by a jeweller.
Benefits of gold-plated jewellery
Gold-plated jewellery in kuwait is a fantastic option for thrifty shoppers who want to look stylish without breaking the bank. Although you may need to replace or re-plate gold pieces, the plated version is more cost-effective in the long run.
How well and how often you take care of your jewellery reflects both your financial means and your commitment to the investment. If you love a piece of jewellery but aren’t happy with the plating, you might be tempted to do it yourself by buying a re-plating kit.
Tips on Keeping Your Gold-Plated Jewellery Shining
It’s important to clean and maintain your jewellery, whether it’s plated or solid. Gold-plated jewellery should be handled with more care than regular gold. Gold plating adhered to steel is thinner than gold alloy.
Here are a few ways to extend the life of your gold-plated necklace.
– Your gold-plated jewellery deserves to be protected. A jewellery box or dresser is ideal for keeping your baubles safe and organised. This will shield the jewellery from dirt and dust and extend its life.
– You should try to keep your skin away from everyday chemicals like perfume, cologne, sunscreen, moisturiser, soap, and detergent. The gold plating may be weakened by these chemicals and therefore more easily damaged.
– Don’t go swimming or sunbathing while wearing gold-plated chains. This is because the chains will react with the saltwater and chemicals in the water, turning your once-shiny jewellery dull and brittle.
– Keep your gold-plated jewellery sparkling with regular cleanings. Once a week, wash each item in warm, soapy water. Once a month is ideal for a thorough cleaning. You can soak your jewellery for a longer period of time in the cleaning solution and use a toothbrush to get into those tight spaces. Make sure to use a gentle cloth when cleaning your jewellery to avoid scratching it.
Should You Spend Your Money On Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery of high quality can be just as stunning as its solid gold counterpart. The price is unbeatable for something that can improve the look of so many different outfits. For the price of one piece of real gold jewellery, you could buy several gold-plated sets.
Can You Always Rely on Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery is the most practical and cost-effective substitute for genuine gold. You can impress people with its golden sheen without breaking the bank. It works wonderfully for jewellery that you don’t use frequently.
Can you wear Gold-plated jewellery in the shower?
Jewellery made of solid gold, whether white or yellow, will not tarnish the metal but will dull its lustre. However, if you wear gold-plated metal jewellery and take a shower, the gold plating may wear off. Therefore, you shouldn’t wear your gold-plated jewellery in the shower.
Does Gold Plating Really Become Green Over Time?
The sterling silver used in many gold vermeil and gold-plated luxury fine rings is a relatively inexpensive base metal. When in contact with skin, silver can oxidise and turn a darker or even tawny colour, creating an unattractive ring around the finger.
Is Gold Plating Authentic or Imitation?
Gold plating is often mistaken for the real thing, but its lower value is due to the relatively small amount of gold it contains. The purity of gold plating is on par with that of solid gold and gold filled. Usually, 10K is the least pure and 24K is the most pure. The value of each type of gold plating is virtually identical; what sets them apart is the hue they impart. The more genuine gold’s appearance, the purer it must be. There is no correlation between purity and price.
What Should the Thickness of the Gold Coating Be?
Gold plating can come in a variety of thicknesses.
The thickness of gold electroplating, also known as gold wash or gold-flashed, is 0.17. Only delicate jewellery, such as earrings and pendants, should have this thin layer of plating (approximately 0.05%) applied to them. The thickness of the plating wears off rapidly.
Gold-plated bracelets have a thickness of 0.5 microns. It may sound flimsy, but it serves the purpose of jewellery that is worn frequently.
When gold plating reaches 2.5 microns in thickness, it is considered thick and heavy. The value of gold plating even at this thickness is negligible. The most obvious benefit is increased durability due to increased thickness.
What should I do to maintain and repair my gold-plated jewellery?
Taking good care of your gold-plated jewellery will ensure that it remains shiny and attractive for as long as possible. Follow these pointers:
Gold-plated jewellery should be protected from harsh substances like perfume and lotion. Wearing plated jewellery after applying cosmetics, hairspray, or fragrance is not a good idea.
Gold-plated jewellery is safe to handle. When putting on or taking off jewellery, wash your hands first.
Gold plated jewellery should not be worn in salty or chlorinated water. Therefore, prior to entering any body of water (including hot tubs, pools, and the ocean), remove all jewellery.
The gold plating can tarnish if perspiration or oil gets on it. Wiping the jewellery down and cleaning it regularly can help prevent this buildup.
If you want your gold-plated jewellery to last as long as possible, you should clean it regularly. You can use a gentle soap or a dedicated jewellery cleaner for this. Keep away from abrasive cleaners and chemicals.
If you want to keep your gold-plated jewellery in pristine condition, you should keep it away from sources of friction and rubbing. Wearing multiple pieces of gold-plated jewellery at once can cause scratches. The jewellery is meant to stand on its own.
Conclusion
Maintaining jewellery’s lustre and beauty is a must. If you treat your jewellery with care, it will last longer. Protecting the value of jewellery is essential because some pieces can be quite pricey. We have the answers to your “how long does gold plated jewellery last” questions.