How to Properly Maintain a Gold Plated Necklace
Gold plated necklaces are a popular choice for those who want to wear jewelry without spending a fortune. They are made from real gold twinned with a base metal that is cheaper to produce than solid gold.
However, these pieces do not have the same resale value as gold-filled jewellery. It is therefore important to know how to care for your plated jewelry properly.
Care
Gold-plated jewelry can fade and tarnish over time, which makes it important to care for. This can be done with simple steps that will help prolong the life of your jewelry and ensure it stays bright and shiny.
First, remove your gold plated jewelry before you bathe, shower, or perform any activities that could cause water to get on it. This includes swimming, since chlorine can damage your jewelry and cause tarnishing. Sweat can also corrode gold-plated pieces, so it’s important to remove your jewelry before exercising.
Next, clean your jewelry regularly to keep it looking its best. This can be done with warm soapy water, a mild dishwashing liquid and water solution, or an acid-free cleaning agent.
Soaking your gold plated jewelry in these solutions can loosen any dirt and help remove it easily. You can also gently brush it with a soft-bristle toothbrush to reach deep crevices or nooks and crannies.
Make sure to rinse your jewelry thoroughly with plain water after cleaning it to avoid scratching it. If necessary, you can use a polishing cloth to buff the surface of your jewelry. Be sure not to use toothpaste, silver polish or harsh chemical cleaners on your gold-plated pieces as these can scratch the plating and damage the finish.
Finally, store your gold-plated jewelry in a dry place to prevent it from getting tarnished and discolored. You can also store it separately from other types of jewelry you own.
To ensure that your jewelry is protected from tarnishing, you should also choose an anti-tarnish bag or pouch to store it in. These bags are made with special materials that will prevent your jewelry from tarnishing and are available at most department stores.
While the price of a gold-plated piece may be lower than solid gold jewelry, it is still an investment that will need to be maintained properly to keep its luster and shine. It’s best to avoid wearing these pieces when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding as the gold layer on them can irritate your skin, triggering an allergic reaction and causing dermatitis. Alternatively, you can buy vermeil or gold-filled jewelry, which are more affordable options that are safe for people with sensitive skin.
Maintenance
Gold plated necklaces may not be the real thing, but as long as they are maintained properly, they can be just as durable and look just as good. They are also much less expensive than their solid gold counterparts.
The best way to look after your gold plated jewelry is to keep it away from the elements and harsh chemicals like chlorine and perfumes. Keeping it away from the sun will help prevent fading and damage, according to Fortune & Frame founder Gretel Going. She also recommends storing your bling in a separate, dark place such as a safe or jewelry box to ensure it doesn’t scratch other pieces of jewellery or become loose.
Another great way to care for your plated jewels is to give them a little extra TLC from time to time. Use a soft cloth to clean them and try to remove dirt before they get too bad. You can also use WD-40 on a regular basis Enamel Painted Bracelet to wipe down your gold plated pieces. This abrasive cleaner is tough on dirt and sticky substances, but won’t hurt your shiny gold pendant.
Using these tips and tricks will help to make sure your gold plated necklace looks its absolute best. It can take years for your plated necklace to start looking dull and old-fashioned, so you should be diligent about taking good care of it.
You should also consider getting your gold plated necklace replated regularly, as this will restore it to its former glory and add some zing to your outfit. It is a small investment but one that will pay off in the long run!
A good quality gold plated necklace will last for years with proper care. You should get it replated as soon as it begins to fade or tarnish, which is a simple task that you can do on your own with just a few basic items found in any home. It might take a while for your gold plated necklace to look its best, but it will be worth it in the end.
Durability
Gold plating can fade and tarnish over time, especially if the jewelry item comes into contact with water, chemicals, or harsh cleaners. However, with proper care and maintenance, your jewelry will keep its luster for years to come.
To start, make sure the jewelry item you buy has a minimum of 20 micro-inches of gold plating. It is important to ask about this because jewelry pieces plated at less than this can have a thinner layer and may not last as long.
The gold plating process is usually done by using a combination of electrolysis and heat to create a thin coating of gold on the metal. To ensure that the plating will stay strong and not tarnish, the base metal is first treated with nickel.
Next, the metal-based jewelry is dipped into a solution and a current is run through it to attract gold ions. The gold ions in the solution help bond the base metal and the gold layer together, keeping your jewelry from flaking or tarnishing.
You should also avoid wearing your gold plated necklace in the shower or while swimming since chlorine and salt water can damage it. Sweat can also tarnishe it, so be conscious of how you wear it and take it off as needed.
Another way to prolong the life of your gold plated necklace is to store it in a safe place away from moisture and other contaminants. You should store your jewelry in a case or jewelry box that is made specifically to house jewelry. This will help prevent dust and dirt from building up and eating away at the gold layer.
If your jewelry is in a plastic bag, be sure to squeeze all of the air out and seal it tightly. This will keep the base metal from rusting and will also help to prevent any scratches from occurring.
Your gold plated necklace should be cleaned regularly with soap and warm water to extend its lifespan. A deep cleaning once a month will also help your necklace look and feel great.
Lastly, avoid using harsh cleansers to clean your jewelry because they can scratch the gold and expose the base metal. If you do need to use an abrasive cleaner, wipe it off with a soft cloth before re-coating.
Value
Gold plated necklaces are a popular choice for those who don’t have a large budget but still want to wear jewelry that has a look of gold. They are usually less expensive than their real-gold counterparts and can be found at department stores, boutiques, and jewelry shops.
They can be made of a variety of metals, including sterling silver and titanium. They are also hypoallergenic and are a great choice for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to certain metals.
The value of a gold Enamel Painted Bracelet plated necklace depends on several factors, such as the quality of the base metal used and the thickness of the gold layer. The thickness of the gold layer will determine how long it lasts and how well it maintains its appearance.
To avoid wearing a necklace that will break down after a few months, you should choose one with a high-quality base metal and a thin gold layer. This will protect the necklace from scratching, tarnishing, and chipping.
A good base metal will be one that is easy to clean, durable, and resistant to tarnish. Brass, nickel, and stainless steel are some of the most common options. They are a little pricier than some other options, but they also offer more durability and a longer lifespan.
When you’re looking for a gold plated necklace, make sure to check for markings that indicate the metal used in the plating process. This includes GP (gold-plated), RGP (rolled gold-plated), and HGP (heavy gold-plated).
You’ll also want to look for signs that the base metal is not a solid silver or titanium alloy. These metals can oxidize, and they can show through the gold layer after some time.
Another way to tell if the gold is real is to use an acid test on it. If it initiates a color change, it means that the gold is not genuine.
As a general rule, gold plated jewelry has low to no resale value. This is because there is very little gold used in the plating process, and the amount of metal in it can vary. Additionally, there is a risk of tarnishing, which can lower the overall value of the item.