Colognes And Gold: A Tarnishing Combination?

Gold-plated jewelry is a popular, affordable alternative to solid gold, but it can be prone to tarnishing. Tarnishing occurs when the thin layer of gold on the surface of the jewelry reacts to certain substances, such as perfume, cologne, lotion, or even sweat. This causes the gold plating to oxidize, corrode, discolour, and tarnish. To prevent this, it is recommended to remove gold-plated jewelry before swimming or exercising, and to avoid spraying perfume or cologne directly onto the jewelry.

Gold-plated jewelry tarnishes due to moisture mixing with sulfur and oxygen

Gold-plated jewelry is a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to solid gold jewelry. However, it requires extra care to prevent tarnishing and maintain its luster and brightness. One of the main reasons gold-plated jewelry tarnishes is due to moisture mixing with sulfur and oxygen.

The Role of Moisture

Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold over a base metal, usually copper or brass. When this jewelry comes into contact with moisture, the water can cause the gold layer to wear off or tarnish more quickly. This is because gold-plated jewelry is vulnerable to water damage due to its thin gold layer. Moisture can cause the gold to flake, exposing the base metal, which is more susceptible to tarnishing.

The Role of Sulfur

Sulfur is a common element found in perfumes and other beauty products. When sulfur comes into contact with gold-plated jewelry, it can create a reaction similar to oxidation, causing the gold to turn black. This discoloration can be temporary and reversible, but it is still undesirable.

The Role of Oxygen

Oxygen is essential for the process of oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when certain substances are exposed to air. In the case of gold-plated jewelry, the base metal under the gold layer is prone to oxidization, which can cause tarnishing and discoloration. Storing gold-plated jewelry in a closed, dark place can help prevent oxygen from reaching the base metal and causing oxidation.

Preventing Tarnishing

To prevent gold-plated jewelry from tarnishing due to moisture mixing with sulfur and oxygen, it is crucial to keep the jewelry as dry as possible. Avoid wearing it in the shower, while swimming, or during exercise, as sweat can also create a chemical reaction with the gold plating. Additionally, be mindful of spraying perfumes or other beauty products directly onto the jewelry, as these often contain sulfur and other chemicals that can cause tarnishing. Regular cleaning and polishing with a soft, non-abrasive cloth can also help to remove any built-up moisture or residue and prevent tarnishing.

Gold-plated jewelry should be cleaned with a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth

Gold-plated jewelry requires extra care to maintain its shine and durability. It is prone to tarnishing and discoloration over time due to various factors, such as exposure to chemicals, natural oils from the skin, and wear and tear. To ensure your gold-plated jewelry stays in pristine condition, it is essential to clean it with a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Choosing the Right Cloth

Select a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for jewelry cleaning, such as a microfiber cloth or a jewelry polishing cloth. These cloths are typically made from gentle, non-abrasive materials that effectively remove tarnish and restore shine without damaging the gold plating.

Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewelry with the Cloth

• After each use, gently wipe down your gold-plated jewelry with the cloth to remove any tarnish, sweat, residue from lotions, makeup, or smudges. This regular maintenance will help keep your pieces looking like new and prevent the buildup of dirt and oils.
• For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth with water. Gently rub the surface of the jewelry, cleaning or spot-treating as needed. Avoid using too much water, as it can loosen the glue on glued-on embellishments like gemstones.
• Allow the jewelry to air-dry completely before storing it away.

Additional Tips for Cleaning Gold-Plated Jewelry:

• For intricate pieces with small crevices, use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dirt or soil. Be gentle to avoid scratching the gold plating.
• If your gold-plated jewelry is heavily soiled or needs a more intensive cleaning, create a solution by mixing warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the jewelry for about 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoid using abrasive chemicals, harsh cleaning agents, or rough fabrics when cleaning gold-plated jewelry, as these can damage the delicate gold plating.
• Remember to always remove your gold-plated jewelry before swimming, exercising, or engaging in activities that may cause excessive sweating. This will help prevent tarnishing and discoloration.

Chlorine, salt water, and fresh water can damage gold-plated jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is a great, more affordable alternative to solid gold pieces. However, to keep it in optimal condition, it's important to be aware of certain substances that can damage it. Chlorine, salt water, and fresh water can all negatively impact gold-plated jewelry, and it's best to avoid exposing your pieces to these substances.

Chlorine

Chlorine is commonly found in swimming pools and can cause severe discolouration of gold-plated jewelry. It can also lead to tarnishing and blemishing of the metal. This is because chlorine reacts with the metals in the gold plating, such as silver, nickel, or copper, which are sensitive to aggressive chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended to remove gold-plated jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water.

Salt Water

Salt water is another culprit that can cause damage to gold-plated jewelry. Salt causes erosion of the gold layer, weakening the metal and potentially leading to breakage. This erosion occurs more rapidly with softer metals like gold and silver, as opposed to tougher metals like platinum. Additionally, salt water can cause tarnishing and staining of diamonds and other precious stones. To protect your gold-plated jewelry, it is advisable to take it off before swimming in the sea or other saltwater environments.

Fresh Water

While fresh water may not have the same corrosive effects as chlorinated or saltwater, it can still be harmful to gold-plated jewelry. Prolonged exposure to fresh water can cause gold plating to wear off over time, leading to tarnishing and loss of shine. Therefore, it is recommended to remove gold-plated jewelry before swimming or showering to minimise the risk of damage.

To summarise, while gold-plated jewelry offers a cost-effective alternative to solid gold, it requires extra care and attention to maintain its appearance. By avoiding exposure to chlorine, salt water, and fresh water, you can help prolong the lifespan and beauty of your gold-plated pieces.

Gold-plated jewelry should be stored in a pouch, case, or jewelry box

Gold-plated jewelry is a great, inexpensive alternative to solid gold. However, it requires a little extra care to keep its luster and brightness. One of the best ways to care for your gold-plated jewelry is to store it properly when not in use.

It is also important to keep your gold-plated jewelry separate from other jewelry to avoid scratching or tangling. Storing your jewelry in a pouch, case, or jewelry box can help with this, as they often have compartments or dividers to keep pieces organized and separated. Additionally, these storage options can protect your jewelry from theft, as they can be locked away in a safe or safety deposit box.

Finally, it is recommended to wrap each piece of jewelry individually in soft tissue paper or a soft cloth before placing it in the pouch, case, or jewelry box. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help keep your gold-plated jewelry in good condition for many years.

Gold-plated jewelry can be deep-cleaned by soaking in a mixture of dish soap and warm water

Gold-plated jewelry can be deep-cleaned by soaking it in a mixture of dish soap and warm water. This method is effective in removing the build-up of oils, germs, and bacteria on gold-plated jewelry. It is important to note that gold-plated jewelry should only be cleaned when necessary, as excessive cleaning can damage the plating.

To create the cleaning solution, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a couple of drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Mix the water and soap thoroughly. Avoid using antibacterial soap, as the chemicals may tarnish the gold plating.

Before soaking your jewelry, check for any loose gemstones or embellishments. If there are any, skip the soaking step and use a cotton ball or swab dipped in the cleaning solution to gently clean the piece. For gold-plated jewelry without loose parts, place one or two pieces at a time in the bowl and let them soak for about 10 to 20 minutes. This helps to break apart dirt and grime that has accumulated on the surface and removes debris and residue from crevices.

After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the jewelry and focus on tight nooks and crannies where dirt and oils may be trapped. If your gold-plated jewelry has gemstones, scrub the underside of the stones to restore their shine.

Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the jewelry in warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Buff the piece gently to restore its shine.

It is important to note that gold-plated jewelry should be handled with care. Avoid using abrasive cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, or harsh chemicals as they can irreparably damage the gold plating. Additionally, remove your gold-plated jewelry before swimming, exercising, or applying lotions or cosmetics to prevent tarnishing and discoloration.

Frequently asked questions