Do Gold-Plated Earrings Tarnish?
PETRUS Earrings by Agape Studio
Do gold-plated earrings tarnish? If you are on the lookout for stylish gold-plated earrings at the moment, you may be asking the same question. The short answer is Yes if you are not taking proper care of them. However, there are multiple variables to consider, and here we will explain everything.
Gold-Plated Earrings as the Better Alternative
Gold-plated earrings add a classy touch to any outfit and warmth of elegance unmatched by any other jewelry. Gold compliments every skin tone, and it is no wonder our ancestors wore it thousands of years ago to show class and power.
Agapé offers multiple gold-plated earring models so that everyone can find their unique style. From everyday staple gold-plated earrings to chunky and stacked pieces that make your ears shine in a glamorous evening look, our gold-plated earrings combine high-quality and long-lasting affordability compared to solid gold earrings. Furthermore, our gold-plated jewelry is a better alternative to solid gold because it doesn’t break the bank and does not come at an additional cost to Mother Nature. We recycle our gold and use it to create more new, shiny pieces without mining for more.
Why Do Gold-Plated Earrings Tarnish?
POLINA Earrings by Agape Studio
Gold-plated earrings are fantastic because you can afford more sets and wear them for every style and occasion. However, even solid gold can lose its shine if you don’t take good care of it, and the same goes for gold-plated jewelry.
With our thick 3-micron gold layering, there is no reason why your gold coated earrings can’t last a lifetime, and with a bit of love and care, you can keep your gold jewelry gleaming with light.
How to Stop Gold-Plated Earrings From Tarnishing?
There are ways to make your gold-plated earrings last as long as possible. Here you will find out how to properly care for and clean 24K gold-plated jewelry.
When wondering do gold-plated earrings tarnish, you may also be asking how can I make the gold-plating last longer? There are ways, of course, but you need to know that gold plating isn’t invincible.
Firstly, when buying, make sure you know their process of creation. At Agapé, we not only apply a thicker than the standard gold-plating layer, as we use 3 microns instead of 0.5 microns but also we carefully 3D model and craft each element for months prior to release.
Microns are one-millionth of a meter. So, if you buy gold-plated earrings with only a 0.5-micron gold layer, that is already too thin, and you can expect them to be more vulnerable to damage than thicker ones. This is why we decided to produce gold-plated jewelry of 3 microns so it won’t become scratched or worn out so quickly, if ever.
So How Do You Protect Your Gold-Plated Earrings?
HERCULE Earrings by Agape Studio
Before we go into the details and practical tips on protecting your gold-plated earrings from tarnishing, it is essential to note that gold as a metal is the least oxidative than any other. However, your gold-plating, and even solid gold, can lose its shine when subjected to any material that isn’t pH neutral.
The pH scale measures how acidic different solutions are. A substance registered at 7 is neutral, and anything less than that is acidic. For instance, liquids like vinegar, lemon juice, or the like are all on the lower end of this scale, hence acidic. This means that they can damage your gold-plated earrings if you expose them for too long without cleaning them afterward.
So, do gold-plated earrings tarnish? There’s no reason not to use your gold-plated earrings for years to come if you keep the following tips in mind.
- Don’t wear your gold coated earrings at the beach. The SPF chemicals, the chlorine water, or the saltwater will damage the plating.
- Don’t take your gold-plated earrings to the gym. If you are about to partake in an activity that will make you sweat, take off your jewelry. The acids in the sweat may also damage the gold. Also, you may damage your jewelry when lifting weights, so it’s best not to wear it.
- When going out, first apply your body lotion, perfume, and makeup, and then put your gold-plated earrings or other gold-plated jewelry.
- Your gold-plated earrings should be stored in a soft poach away from sunlight, dust, or water when not worn. One soft bag per piece of jewelry is ideal. This way, you protect your jewelry from rubbing against other hard substances.
- After each use, especially if your gold-plated earrings have been in contact with any substances mentioned above, wipe clean them. Use a soft cloth and gently remove any dirt or debris. If you see any dirt accumulated that you can’t remove with a cloth, we recommend soaking your earrings in lukewarm soapy water for 10 minutes or until you see the debris falling off. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. If your earrings have a lot of indents or crevices and you want to clean every nook and cranny of them, you may use a soft toothbrush and brush gently.
Lastly, even if your favorite gold-plated earrings have tarnished slightly from the constant daily wear and tear, not all is lost. You may salvage them by having them re-plated. This way, you can always keep your favorite piece of jewelry close to you.
How Do Gold-Plated Earrings Tarnish?
Gold-plated earrings or any other similar jewelry tarnish by being constantly worn every day and exposed to harsh materials and substances, as we mentioned before.
This type of jewelry is a fantastic replacement for solid gold because it looks and feels like the real deal without costing a fortune. However, it is most suitable for short-term events and occasions where you want to show off your style.
If you wear it from time to time and often change different sets of earrings and rings or layer different necklaces with every outfit, it will stay beautiful for a long time. It is simply less ideal for daily use.
Side note: At Agapé, we use hypoallergenic metals like copper to base our gold plating. This means that even if your earrings scratch, you won’t get any bad skin reaction. However, be careful when buying other jewelry where you don’t know what’s underneath the gold or how thick the gold plating is. For instance, if you are allergic to nickel and the base metal is made of an alloy containing nickel, you might be in trouble as soon as the plating wears away.
Do Gold-Plated Earrings Tarnish? Final Words
Gold gives us that irresistible allure, and it’s impossible not to love. With our gold-plated jewelry, there is no reason not to wear gold or spend a fortune on a single piece.
We hope with this blog, we were able to answer your question, “Do gold-plated earrings tarnish?” It is important to know what you’re buying before spending your money, and at Agapé’s, we offer the best only.
Our gold-plated can remain shining on you for long if you apply the tips for maintenance we mentioned. Just because it’s gold-plated, it doesn’t mean your jewelry will tarnish quickly. It’s all about how it’s made and how well you take care of it.