The Pros and Cons of a Gold Plated Ring
If you love wearing gold jewelry but aren’t able to afford solid gold rings, a gold plated ring is the perfect solution. This type of ring has the same appearance as a gold ring, but is much more affordable and durable.
However, there are some downsides to gold plated jewelry. These include:
Cost
Gold plated jewelry is a great option for those who want to purchase real gold but can’t afford to spend the full price. It has the same appearance as real gold but is much more affordable and can be worn by anyone!
While it may not be as valuable as solid gold, a gold plated ring will still look beautiful and can match any outfit. It’s also a great choice for those who are sensitive to metals, as it will not irritate the skin and can be used by people with allergies.
The chemistry behind this type of jewelry is simple: A layer of gold is bonded to another base material, such as copper or silver. This is called plating and was invented by Luigi Brugnatelli in 1805.
Plated jewelry isn’t just for costume pieces, as it can also be used by high fashion designers to give their designs a more expensive appearance without breaking the bank. In addition, this type of jewelry is easy to make and can be used in a wide variety of ways.
However, it is important to note that not all gold plated jewelry is created equal. Some pieces may not have enough microns of gold, which can cause them to tarnish over time.
According to Fortune & Frame founder Gretel Going, the more microns of gold the piece has, the less likely it is to tarnish. This is especially true for gold plated necklaces, which are often coated with an extra thin layer of gold to give them more luster.
Because of this, it is important to choose the right jewelry for you and to know how to care for it. For example, avoid wearing it in the shower or swimming, as this can wear off the gold layer and cause scratches.
You can also use jewelry cleaners to remove tarnish and keep your pieces looking their best. For best results, try using a soft cloth and rubbing it on the item regularly.
As long as you take the necessary precautions to protect your plated jewelry from tarnishing, it should last for years to come. To help you maintain its luster, here are some tips from jewelry expert Missoma Hordern:
A gold plated ring can cost anywhere between $5 to $50. Compared to gold filled jewelry, which is made of 100x more gold, this type of gold plated jewelry is much cheaper and can be a great choice for those on a budget.
Durability
Gold plated jewelry is usually much less expensive than solid gold, but it can still have its drawbacks. For instance, it may tarnish or fade over time and can be susceptible to scratches. It’s also harder to clean and maintain than solid gold, so you’ll need to be careful.
If you’re looking for a durable jewelry option that will last a long time, a gold plated ring might be the way to go. It’s a great choice for people who want to wear gold without the high price tag of real gold, and it’s hypoallergenic as well.
You should look for pieces that have a gold plating thickness between 0.5 and 1.0 microns, as these are thicker and will hold up better to daily wear and tear. Thinner layers, such as those with a 0.17 micron coating, can be easily rubbed off by hand or contact with harsh chemicals, so they are not the best choice for pieces that will see a lot of wear and tear.
It’s also important to keep your jewelry away from moisture and harsh chemicals, as this will deteriorate the gold coating over time. It’s especially important to take your gold plated jewelry off before you swim since chlorine can be corrosive on it and cause the gold to tarnish faster.
In addition, you should keep your plated jewelry in a plastic bag when not wearing it to avoid air from getting in and scratching the base metals. This will also help to prevent the alloy base metals from tarnishing, which can occur if you sweat.
Lastly, you should be aware that gold plated jewelry can gold plated ring become stained with perfumes or lotions. This is especially common when wearing a ring that’s covered in gold, so it’s important to wipe it down frequently.
You can also choose from a variety of different styles to suit your personal preferences, including bangles and necklaces. These can come in a range of designs that are popular in the current fashion season and they’re easy to pair with other accessories, so you can mix and match your jewelry for a unique style.
Allergies
Gold is a beautiful, precious metal, but it’s also prone to certain allergies. While everyone reacts differently, some people experience itching, redness, swelling, and skin irritation when they wear jewelry that contains gold or another metal.
One of the most common metal allergens is nickel, which is often alloyed with gold in the production process. This can make some people sensitive to jewelry that contains nickel, even though they don’t have an allergy to gold itself.
If you have a nickel allergy, it can take several exposures before you experience an allergic reaction. This means that the rash, itching, and other symptoms will appear gradually over time.
A nickel allergy can affect children, adults, and anyone in between. The allergy is most likely to develop as a result of repeated contact with items that contain nickel, such as eyeglass frames, tools, jewelry, keys, and coins.
Other metals that can cause an allergic reaction include silver, copper, brass, and zinc. These metals are used in a variety of jewelry styles, so it can be difficult to determine which ones are the culprit.
However, if you are considering purchasing a new piece of jewelry, look for one that is made from a hypoallergenic base material such as brass. This will ensure that it is safe for your skin to wear.
Many jewellers will add anti-allergic coatings to their jewelry to help with reactions. These coats can be effective, but they will wear off over time. You can try to keep them on for a few weeks or months, and then switch them out if they start irritating you.
Depending on your reaction, it can be helpful to purchase jewelry that is plated in non-allergic metals such as rhodium or platinum. However, these gold plated ring coatings will eventually wear off and need to be re-plated again.
The karat count of gold is another important factor to consider when shopping for a gold ring. 24 karat gold is considered pure gold, and it is less likely to contain nickel than jewelry that is not.
The only way to guarantee that you are not allergic to a specific jewelry item is to find out what the base material is and ask your jeweller about it. This can be done in person or by contacting the manufacturer.
Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when metals come in contact with acidic or alkaline substances, including your skin’s own pH level. The rate at which your gold plated ring will tarnish depends on the base metal, how often it is worn, and how you take care of it.
While a lot of people think tarnishing is bad for their jewelry, it’s actually a normal part of wearing jewelry and a very natural process. In fact, most people notice a slight change in the color of their jewelry after a few months of wear, which is a sign that the ring is tarnishing.
If you’re concerned that tarnishing will damage your gold plated ring, it’s best to buy jewelry that is made from metal that doesn’t tarnish or fade as easily. For example, stainless steel or white gold.
It’s also a good idea to purchase jewelry that has a thin layer of gold or silver plating, as this will prevent it from tarnishing and fading quickly. Rose vermeil and pink rhodium-plated jewelry are both good options for this.
The tarnishing process is accelerated by contact with moisture and chemicals. This is why it’s important to keep your gold plated jewelry away from sweat, swimming pools, and other environmental factors.
Using a mild dishwashing solution and water to remove tarnishing is an easy way to keep your jewelry looking shiny and new. Do not use toothpaste or abrasive cleaners, as these are too harsh and may scratch the gold plated surface.
You can also get anti-tarnish bags for your gold plated jewelry, which will keep it safe from tarnishing and discoloration. Make sure to store your jewelry in a clean, dry place with low heat and humidity.
One of the biggest ways to avoid tarnishing is to choose a gold ring that has a higher karat. These pieces will tarnish less than lower karat gold because they are a higher percentage of gold.
Another option is to choose gold plated items that have a thicker layer of gold. This will help prevent tarnishing and fade, and it can also be a great budget-conscious choice.
