Will Gold Sterling Silver Tarnish?
No, sterling silver gold does not tarnish if the outer layer of gold is kept intact. Gold itself does not tarnish because it is non-reactive towards sulfur compounds. However, the underlying sterling silver can tarnish if the gold layer wears away or is thin enough for atmospheric gases to penetrate.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore does sterling silver tarnish, in what case it can tarnish, what causes it and how you can prevent sterling silver gold from tarnishing.
What is Sterling Silver Gold
Sterling silver is a popular alloy of silver used in jewelry industry due to its durability, affordability, and attractive appearance. When coated with gold, sterling silver jewelry combines the beauty of gold with the strength of silver.
Composition of Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy, meaning it is a mixture of metals. The primary metal in sterling silver is pure silver, which is combined with other metals to enhance its strength and durability. This allows jewelers to make different jewelry items like necklaces, rings, anklets etc.
Pure Silver Content: Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver by weight. This is why you will often see sterling silver stamped with “925” to indicate its purity.
Other Metals: The remaining 7.5% of the alloy is usually made up of copper, though other metals such as zinc or nickel can also be used. The addition of these metals strengthens the silver without significantly affecting its appearance.
Sterling silver can also be found in variations of 935 and 950.
Properties of Sterling Silver
Luster: Sterling silver has a bright, white shine that is highly reflective.
Durability: The addition of copper improves the hardness and strength of the alloy, making it more resistant to scratches and deformation.
Malleability: Sterling silver is still malleable enough to be shaped into intricate designs, making it ideal for detailed jewelry work.
What Causes Tarnishing?
Tarnish or silver patina is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of metals due to chemical reactions with elements such as sulfur, oxygen, and moisture in the air. This layer can appear as a dull, gray, or black film on the metal, detracting from its appearance.
Gold does not tarnish because it is a highly inert metal. If sterling silver is gold-plated (often referred to as vermeil), the gold layer will not tarnish, but if the gold plating wears off, the underlying sterling silver can tarnish.
On the other hand, sterling silver can tarnish over time whether it is 925, 935 or 950. Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances in the air, forming a black or brownish layer of silver sulfide on the surface. Factors that can accelerate tarnishing include exposure to moisture, air pollution, cosmetics, and certain foods.
To maintain the appearance of gold-plated sterling silver, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and excessive wear that could expose the silver underneath.
Types of Sterling Silver Gold Plating
Gold plating involves coating a thin layer of gold onto the surface of another metal, such as sterling silver. This process enhances the appearance of the item, giving it the luxurious look of gold without the cost of solid gold.
There are several methods of gold plating, each varying in thickness and durability. Thicker a coating is, more durable it will be.
Flash Plating
- Thickness: Less than 0.5 microns.
- Durability: Least durable, suitable for items that are not subjected to heavy wear.
Heavy Gold Plating
- Thickness: Ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 microns or more.
- Durability: More durable and long-lasting compared to flash plating.
Vermeil
- Thickness: At least 2.5 microns of gold over sterling silver.
- Durability: High-quality and durable.
Another thing to be added here is what purity of gold you should go with for plating? As we all know gold is a soft metal itself, it can’t be plated easily in its purest form such as 24k. And if you’re able to achieve it, it will wear off too quickly. On the other hand, 9k can provide the ultimate hardness level but has the least purity.
So what should you opt?
Multiple experiments have shown that gold plating of purity ranging from 14k to 18k provide the best balance between hardness and appearance.
Factors Affecting Tarnish on Gold-Plated Sterling Silver
Many factors can contribute to tarnishing of a metal including sweating, cosmetic chemicals and many more. Some of the important contributing factors are:
1. Quality of Gold Plating
Thicker gold layers provide better protection against tarnishing. 14k and 18k gold plating are more resistant towards tarnish due to optimum durability and hardness.
2. Exposure to Elements
Sulfur: Found in polluted air, and skin oils, sulfur can cause tarnish on silver at a rapid pace.
Moisture: Humidity and sweat can accelerate tarnishing.
3. Wear and Tear
Friction: Constant rubbing and abrasion can wear away the gold layer, exposing the underlying silver.
Chemicals: Exposure to perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents can damage the gold layer and lead to tarnish.
4. Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage in dry, airtight conditions can prevent tarnish.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can keep tarnish at bay.
How to Prevent Sterling Silver Gold from Tarnishing
Here are some of the important tips you can use to save your sterling silver gold from tarnishing.
1. Regular Cleaning
Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the jewelry after wearing to remove oils and residues. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the gold layer.
2. Proper Storage
Store jewelry in a dry, airtight container to minimize exposure to air and moisture. Use anti-tarnish strips or pouches to further protect the jewelry.
3. Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals
Remove jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or using cleaning agents. Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry while swimming or bathing.
4. Periodic Re-plating
For heavily worn items, consider having the gold layer reapplied by a professional jeweler to restore its appearance and protection.
Restoring Tarnished Gold-Plated Sterling Silver
If gold-plated sterling silver does tarnish, it can often be restored with careful cleaning and maintenance. Here are some steps to restore tarnished jewelry items:
1. Gentle Cleaning
Use a mild soap and warm water solution to clean the jewelry. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the surface, avoiding abrasive materials. Try not to be forceful or gold plating can wear off.
2. Use of Polishing Cloth
Use a non-abrasive polishing cloth designed for gold-plated jewelry to restore shine. This will includes removing all kinds of dirt and moisture on the surface.
3. Professional Cleaning
For heavily tarnished items, consider taking the jewelry to a professional for cleaning and possible re-plating.
ConclusionÂ
By understanding the factors that contribute to tarnishing and implementing preventive measures, you can enjoy the beauty of your gold-plated sterling silver jewelry for years to come. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the properties of sterling silver and gold plating, helping you make informed decisions and care for your precious items effectively.