Why a Gold Plated Necklace Is a Great Alternative
When you want a piece of jewelry with a rich gold finish but don’t have the budget for solid gold, opt for a gold plated necklace. It’s a great alternative and looks just as good!
But it’s important to understand that gold plated necklaces don’t last forever and will start to fade and tarnish over time. To keep your gold plated necklace looking its best, follow these tips for caring for it!
Cost-effective
Gold plated necklaces are one of the most cost-effective jewelry options available because they can be made at a fraction of the cost of genuine gold. This is because they are made through a process that involves plating a layer of gold onto an affordable base metal, such as nickel, brass, stainless steel, silver, or copper.
Another benefit of gold plated jewelry is that they are incredibly easy to clean and maintain. They are also hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant, making them ideal for everyday wear.
You can find gold plated jewelry at many department stores, apparel stores, and other specialty retailers. You can also shop online for this type of jewelry.
However, it is important to note that gold plated jewelry has a very thin gold coating, which can wear off quickly and reveal the base metal underneath. The plating can also fade with time and expose the skin to the lower base metals that can cause allergic reactions, so it is best to avoid gold plated jewelry if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allergies.
In addition, you should remove your gold plated jewelry before swimming or exercising, as your sweat creates a chemical reaction that can tarnish and blemish the coating. You should also put on your gold plated jewelry after you have removed cosmetics, as these products can cause a reaction to the gold coating as well.
Lastly, you should store your gold plated jewelry Enamel Painted Bracelet in an airtight container to prevent it from fading and becoming tarnished. You should also keep it away from salt water, high humidity, and chemicals such as perfumes or cleaners, as these elements can also tarnish the gold coating.
The plating process can be expensive, but the price is worth it when you consider the resale value of your gold-plated jewelry in the future. With proper care, you should be able to keep your gold plated jewelry looking as beautiful as new for up to five years.
Durability
Gold plated jewelry is an affordable way to rock a piece that looks like it’s made of solid gold. However, you should be aware that it doesn’t last as long or have the same value as a piece that is made of real gold.
In order to make a gold plated piece of jewelry, the base metal or metal alloy that is used for the jewelry piece is dipped in a solution of a liquid that has a small amount of gold in it. After the base metal has been dipped into the gold, an electrochemical reaction occurs that transfers a thin layer of gold to the outside of the jewelry piece.
The thickness of the plating can affect how long a piece of gold plated jewelry will last. According to Fortune & Frame founder Gretel Going, pieces that have a thick plating are more likely to not tarnish or fade.
To keep your gold plated jewelry from tarnishing and fading, it’s important to store it properly. Ideally, you should store it in a pouch or box that is dark and dry to avoid humidity that could affect the plating.
It’s also important to remove your gold plated jewelry before swimming or exercising so that the chemicals present in sweat can’t interact with the gold layer. This is especially important if you’re wearing makeup or hairspray as these can also react with the metal and make it break down faster.
Alternatively, you can use a soft cloth to buff your gold plated jewelry as this will remove any dust and dirt that may be present. You can also take your jewelry to a jeweler to have it re-plated in order to extend its lifespan and keep it looking brand new.
While the average lifespan of a gold plated necklace is two years, you can extend it by taking care of it properly and cleaning it regularly. Some experts even suggest getting a re-plate every 18 months to maintain its longevity and keep it looking good.
Gold plated necklaces are also more susceptible to damage from chemicals and substances that you come into contact with on a daily basis, such as perfume or cologne, sunscreen, moisturizers, soap, and detergent. This is because they can all eat away at the gold plating, making it look dull and discolored.
Appearance
Gold has always been a popular metal for jewelry, thanks to its beautiful appearance and luster. Its rich color and durability make it a popular choice for a variety of accessories, including necklaces. Unfortunately, though, gold jewelry can be expensive.
Luckily, gold-plated jewelry has a similar look and feel as solid gold without the high price tag. In fact, it can be a great option for those who are on a budget but still want to show off their style.
The main difference between gold plated jewelry and solid gold is the amount of gold used in the plating process. If you’re unsure whether your jewelry is gold plated or solid gold, consider checking the karat mark. This is usually a number followed by a K, and it should be stamped on your ring, earring, or pendant.
It’s also a good idea to get an acid test from your local jeweler to determine the purity of your piece. If your jewelry is solid gold, it will take on a bright yellow hue, while gold-plated jewelry will usually be more silvery in color.
To avoid tarnishing, use a soft brush to gently remove any loose dust from your gold plated necklace or earring. Then, put the item in a pouch or other storage area that keeps it away from humidity and heat, recommends Fortune & Frame founder Gretel Going.
You may also want to check if your gold-plated piece is rhodium plated, which adds a bright white shine to it. Rhodium is an inexpensive alternative to gold and can be a great way to add a shine to your gold plated jewelry.
However, gold plated pieces should not be worn in harsh environments or for Enamel Painted Bracelet long periods of time because it can cause dermatitis and hives on your skin. If you do wear them, be sure to keep them out of your hair and away from direct sunlight, advises Acosta.
While it can be difficult to care for gold-plated jewelry, taking proper care of your pieces is necessary to extend their life. In addition to keeping it away from moisture and heat, store your jewelry in a pouch or other storage container that is not exposed to direct sunlight and other environmental factors that can alter the initial plating, advises Hordern.
Maintenance
Taking proper care of your gold plated necklace will make it last longer and keep it looking new-looking. Moreover, it will give you the confidence to wear it every day and look beautiful in any occasion.
One of the key elements in keeping your gold plated jewelry shining and looking like new is to clean it frequently. A soft cloth and a mild cleaner can help remove dirt, smudges, and other contaminants.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning solutions, as they can damage the finish of your gold plated necklace. Instead, use a cleaner specifically formulated for gold-plated jewelry to maintain its shine.
For more stubborn stains, a solution of warm water and dish soap can be used. You may want to soak your jewelry in this solution for a few minutes before rinsing it.
You should also be careful not to rub or scrub your gold plated jewelry too vigorously, as it can remove the plating. For a deep cleaning, you can also use an ultrasonic cleaner or a gold immersion bath.
After you clean your gold plated jewelry, allow it to air dry. This will prevent the moisture and dust from causing tarnishing.
Another way to keep your gold plated jewelry shiny and fresh is to apply moisturiser or perfume several minutes before putting it on. This will help the products to soak into your skin and not clog the pores of your jewellery.
Alternatively, you can use cotton balls or cotton swabs to wipe off any excess makeup or lotions that may have accumulated on your gold plated necklace or other pieces of gold plated jewelry. If the pieces are intricately carved, you can even use a cotton swab to gently remove soil from small clefts.
To prevent tarnishing, always store your gold plated jewelry in a box or pouch to prevent scratches and rubbing. This will also prevent the dirt from collecting on it, which can cause it to become tarnished.