Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish
No, gold plated stainless steel does not tarnish but gold plating over stainless steel will go away after some time.
In this article, we’ll explore does gold plated stainless steel tarnish, what factors influence tarnishing, the care required to maintain the luster, and everything in between.
Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish
Gold plated stainless steel does not tarnish even if gold plating wears off. This is due to the reason that stainless steel itself does not tarnish.
Why Gold Plated Stainless Steel Does not Tarnish
Gold plated stainless steel has two type of metals. One is gold plating being done and other one is the base metal of stainless steel. Thickness of this layer is typically in micrometers. This gold plating does not tarnish itself but can will eventually eroded away with time.
Next we have the base metal of stainless steel. Stainless steel has its own thick layer of chromium which never tarnishes. As, none of the metals tarnishes, gold plated stainless steel does not tarnish.
If this was gold plated silver or any other metal, it should have been tarnished.
Which Metals are Affected by Tarnishing
Only two types of metals can be tarnished:
- Silver
- Copper
Any other metal which contains high amounts of these metals can also be tarnished i.e. bronze and brass etc.
Other metals such as gold, rhodium, platinum and palladium can’t be tarnished unless they are made in lower purity.
Why Tarnishing Occurs
Tarnishing is a chemical reaction that occurs when the surface of a metal reacts with elements in the environment, such as oxygen, sulfur, or moisture. It is a natural process and cannot be stopped. All you can do is to prevent the metal from coming into contact with air.
We have already discussed that gold plated stainless steel does not tarnish. But still there are some gold plate jewelries which can tarnish i.e. gold plated silver.
So, here are main reasons why a gold plated jewelry tarnishes.
1. Wearing Away of Gold Layer
Over time, the thin gold layer can wear away due to friction, exposing the stainless steel underneath. This exposure accelerates tarnishing as the base metal reacts with the environment.
The more you save gold plating from wearing off, longer it will take to tarnish.
2. Chemical Exposure
Gold plated items are susceptible to tarnish when exposed to chemicals found in everyday products like perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners. Even the natural oils and sweat from your skin can contribute to tarnishing.
3. Environmental Factors
Humidity, air pollution, and other environmental factors can cause tarnishing. Areas with high humidity or pollution levels can accelerate the tarnishing process. For example, silver can tarnish quickly in coastal areas than plain areas.
Factors Influencing Tarnishing
Several factors can influence how quickly and severely a gold plated jewelry tarnishes.
1. Quality of Gold Plating
The quality and thickness of the gold plating play a crucial role. Higher-quality gold plating with a thicker layer of gold will be more resistant to tarnishing. Similarly, thinner and lower purity gold plating will lead to faster tarnishing.
Its better to buy thicker gold plated jewelry and re-plate it when plating starts to wear off.
2. Frequency of Use
Items worn frequently are more likely to tarnish due to constant exposure to environmental factors and physical wear and tear.
3. Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of gold plated jewelry and prevent tarnishing.
4. Storage
Storage is another important factor. The better you store your jewelry from moisture and dirt, longer it will remain in shine.
Preventing Tarnish on Gold Plated Jewelry
Preventing tarnish on gold plated jewelry involves proper care and maintenance to preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan. Here are detailed strategies to keep your gold plated items in pristine condition:
Avoid Chemicals
Keep your gold plated items away from chemicals. These chemicals can be bleach, detergents, washing soap, lotions and perfumes. Either remove the jewelry items before using these chemicals or just don’t use it all together.
Avoid Contact with Water
Water can severely damage gold plated jewelry specifically if it is chlorinated or contains salts such as sea water. Avoid washing hands, taking shower, swimming in a swimming pool or beach when wearing jewelry.
Proper Storage
Store your gold plated items in a dry, cool place. Use a jewelry box or a soft cloth pouch to protect them from dust and moisture. Avoid storing them in humid areas, such as bathrooms.
Save Jewelry from Damages
Jewelry can get damaged by falling on rough surfaces and friction etc. This leads to scratches, scuffs or even cuts which will eventually remove gold plating. As the base metal is exposed to air, it will start tarnishing.
Tarnish Cleaning
If your jewelry has already started to develop signs of tarnishing, then it is better to clean it with a commercially available tarnishing removal chemical.
For this purpose, take a bowl of warm water and add tarnishing removal chemical in it. Now add your jewelry for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, rinse it and clean it with a non-abrasive cloth.
Avoid using home made chemicals like baking soda or vinegar.
Conclusion
Gold plated stainless steel does not tarnish. You should wear it without any problems. One thing you will frequently have to do is to re-plate it. It will cost you some money and may not be worth as gold plated stainless steel is very low cost. So, it depends on you to either gold plate it or buy a new one.