Does Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry Tarnish? The Truthful Answer and Our Best Advice

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Discover everything you need to know about high-quality stainless steel jewelry and find out if your favorite plated stainless steel jewelry will tarnish over time. 

In this post we will address the never-ending question of whether stainless steel jewelry fades or ages over time. Also, we'll offer our top tips for preserving your pieces so you may continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Will your stainless steel jewelry tarnish? Here's the scoop!

Let’s face it, we all love our favorite pieces of jewelry, and we want them to last forever. But will your favorite stainless steel jewelry pieces tarnish or turn green over time? In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about high-quality stainless steel jewelry and give you the lowdown on whether or not your plated stainless steel jewelry will tarnish.

Does gold-plated stainless steel jewelry tarnish?

Stainless steel is an incredibly long-lasting metal that is resistant to rust and corrosion thanks to its Chromium content. However, the plating on stainless steel jewelry can fade over time when exposed to chlorine, saltwater, and direct sunlight. The plating can also chip or wear away if not cared for properly.

What is stainless steel jewelry?

Stainless steel jewelry is created by combining Chromium, Nickel, and Iron. This metal is highly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust, making it the perfect choice for creating beautiful pieces that can last a lifetime. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for jewelry that those with sensitive skin can wear. At Salty Threads, we use hypoallergenic stainless steel as a base for most of our collections of plated stainless steel rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, making sure each piece is carefully crafted with the utmost care and attention.

How to clean gold stainless steel jewelry?

Although plated jewelry can tarnish, using stainless steel as the base metal makes it less likely to wear significantly over time. However, there are still some ways to make your gold-plated stainless steel jewelry and rhodium-plated stainless steel jewelry last longer, such as using a microfiber cloth to wipe the piece down after use, using gold plated jewelry cleaner instead of harsh chemicals, avoiding water and detergents when wearing your gold plated jewelry, and keeping it stored in its original pouch out of direct sunlight.

Why is stainless steel jewelry so popular?

This metal has become increasingly hyped in recent years due to its affordability, durability, and style. Stainless steel jewelry is often plated with gold or rhodium to give it a high-class look and feel. The metal is also extremely adaptable and can be combined with other metals and materials to create unique pieces that can be cherished for years when care instructions are followed.

What is plated stainless steel jewelry?

Plated stainless steel jewelry involves bonding other metals such as gold or rhodium onto the stainless steel surface using an electric current. While the plating may still show signs of wear and tear over time, the stainless steel base of Salty Threads's jewelry makes it more durable and less prone to fading or rusting, even for the most delicate pieces.

Does gold-plated stainless steel jewelry tarnish?

Gold-plated stainless steel will tarnish over time, but the stainless steel base will help slow down the process. The best way to keep your gold-plated stainless steel jewelry lustrous is to clean it with a soft cloth and store it in its pouch.

How long does gold-plated jewelry last?

The life of gold-plated jewelry will depend on the quality of the base metal and plating, as well as how often it is worn. Our high-quality stainless steel jewelry with 18k gold plating can last years with proper care.

How long does stainless steel jewelry last?

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The short answer is “it depends”. An important factor in the longevity of stainless steel gold-plated pieces will be determined by the quality of the base metal, the plating and how often it is worn. Stainless steel jewelry has been known to last for up to two decades, and many use cases of this metal in everyday life suggest much higher longevity. While all stainless steel jewelry pieces will tarnish, their longevity is much higher than other metals such as gold, silver, or rhodium. The good news is that stainless steel jewelry is not only durable and long-lasting but also stylish and affordable.

Proper care can greatly extend the life of your stainless steel jewelry. Regularly cleaning with a soft cloth and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or prolonged periods of direct sunlight can help prevent tarnishing and discoloration. Storing your jewelry in its original pouch or a jewelry box can also protect it from scratches and damage.

In addition to caring for your stainless steel jewelry, it's important to buy from a reputable source. Look for high-quality pieces that use hypoallergenic stainless steel as a base and have been plated with durable and long-lasting materials like 18k gold or rhodium.

At Salty Threads, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality stainless steel jewelry. Our pieces are carefully crafted with attention to detail and made to last. From our minimal and dainty collections, to our classic pearls, we offer a wide range of stylish and elegant jewelry that can be worn every day and on special occasions.

Can I revert the damage on tarnished stainless steel jewelry?

While you may not be able to achieve a flawless finish on your own, you can definitely bring back the brilliance of your jewelry by using a soft cloth and mild soap to wash the surface gently. Just be sure to steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive solutions, as they can damage the plating and decrease the lifespan of your jewelry. And if you really want to really make it shine, a microfibre polishing cloth will do the trick. With proper care and maintenance, your stainless steel jewelry can last for years without tarnishing!

Is gold-plated stainless steel jewelry waterproof?

While it's not the end of the world if it gets wet, it's best to keep it out of water as much as possible. Stainless steel jewelry is water-resistant, meaning it can withstand exposure to water, but it's not waterproof and won't do well when submerged for a long time. So, while stainless steel pieces can handle occasional contact with water, it's not recommended to wear them while swimming in a pool or ocean due to the chlorine and salt content. Always put your Salty Threads jewelry in its pouch while in the bath or shower to avoid moisture.

Looking for the perfect jewelry for a gift or yourself?

Our exceptional quality stainless steel jewelry is accessible for anyone to enjoy and offers hypoallergenic properties and rust-free wear. Our jewelry sets are curated with the modern woman in mind and make putting together a show-stopping ensemble effortless. Whether you're looking for a ready-to-wear bracelet stack or want to achieve a minimal look, our range of gold plated stainless steel jewelry pieces can be mixed and matched to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Stainless steel jewelry is a great option for those who want affordable, durable, and stylish jewelry. While it can tarnish over time, proper care and buying from a reputable source can greatly extend its life. With its hypoallergenic properties and ability to be plated with other metals, stainless steel jewelry is a versatile and practical choice that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Let us know in the comments below which one is your favorite. You can also show us on Instagram @shopsaltythreads using the #saltythreadsstyle.

In this blog, we compare gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel jewellery. We explore their pros and cons and cover the main differences.

What is gold-plated brass?

When selecting gold-plated jewellery , understanding the materials used in its creation is key. Brass and stainless steel are the most popular base metals for gold-plated jewellery. Both of these base metals offer unique characteristics and appearances.In this blog, we compare gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel jewellery. We explore their pros and cons and cover the main differences.

Gold-plated brass jewellery consists of a brass base metal. This brass metal is made using a mixture of copper and zinc. This brass is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.

Pros

• Lightweight feel - brass has a much lighter feel than other types of base metals. This makes it a great material for everyday lightweight jewellery pieces.
• Affordable - Gold-plated brass is more affordable than plating on other types of metals. This is because it is a much more affordable metal.
• Appearance - gold plating over brass offers a similar appearance to solid gold.
• Customisability - gold-plated brass jewellery is much softer. This makes it more versatile for jewellery making.

Cons

• Less durable - once the gold layer on gold-plated brass jewellery wears off, the brass metal underneath will become exposed. This can lead to a loss of the gold colour, which may require replating.
• Tarnishing and corrosion - brass is susceptible to tarnishing and corroding over time. This is especially true when exposed to moisture, skin oils and chemicals. This can cause the brass jewellery pieces to lose their colour and sometimes even go green.
• Allergic reactions - brass is not hypoallergenic. There is a risk of getting skin allergies when wearing jewellery made from it.
• Maintenance and care requirements - gold-plated brass requires careful maintenance to prolong its life. It needs to be kept dry, cleaned and stored properly.

What is gold-plated stainless steel?

Gold-plated brass jewellery consists of a brass base metal. This brass metal is made using a mixture of copper and zinc. This brass is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.

Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery consists of a stainless steel base metal. Stainless steel consists of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and a small percentage of carbon. This stainless steel is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.

Pros

• Durability - stainless steel makes for a strong and durable base metal for gold plating. This base metal is resistant to scratches and corrosion.
• Affordable - gold plating over stainless steel looks just like gold jewellery without the heavy price tag.
• Appearance - gold plating over stainless steel looks identical to solid gold jewellery. All at the same time being a fraction of the cost and with greater durability.
• Hypoallergenic - stainless steel is known for being hypoallergenic. This makes it a good option for those with sensitive skin.
• No tarnishing - stainless steel doesn't tarnish over time. This allows the jewellery to maintain its look over time.

Cons

• Heavier feel - stainless steel feels heavier than other types of metals. For some, this weight may be too uncomfortable for daily wear.

What is the difference between gold-plated brass and gold-plated stainless steel?

Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery consists of a stainless steel base metal. Stainless steel consists of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and a small percentage of carbon. This stainless steel is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.

Durability
Gold-plated stainless steel is much more durable than gold-plated brass jewellery. This is for a variety of reasons.

Stainless steel generally has great corrosion resistance due to the presence of chromium. This chromium layer acts as a protective layer against oxidation. Stainless steel is also stronger and harder than brass. This makes it more resistant to scratches, denting and deformation.

Stainless steel also maintains its colour when exposed to air and moisture. Brass on the other hand tends to lose its colour and develop a greenish tint over time.

Gold plating also adheres more durably and consistently on stainless steel. This is because it is a harder and more corrosion-resistant metal. Gold-plated brass jewellery will wear off over time.

Hypoallergenic / tarnish-resistant properties
Gold-plated stainless steel is more hypoallergenic than gold-plated brass jewellery. The layer of chromium in stainless steel provides a protective oxide layer. This prevents corrosion and skin irritation when worn.

Copper, present in brass often causes metal allergies. When the gold layer on gold-plated brass wears off, brass comes into direct contact with skin. This can lead to skin allergies and green discolouration on the skin.

Weight
Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is heavier than gold-plated brass jewellery. Stainless steel is a denser material than brass, with it having a density of 8g per cubic centimetre. Whilst brass only has a density of 6.4 to 8.7g per cubic meter. This gives gold-plated stainless steel jewellery a heavier feel than gold-plated brass jewellery.

Price
In general, gold-plated stainless steel jewellery will be more expensive than brass. Stainless steel is a more expensive material. It also requires more complex production processes.

At the same time, stainless steel's durability properties contribute to its higher price. It is a stronger, longer lasting and lower maintenance material.

Stainless steel also has a higher perceived value in comparison to brass. This is also one of the reasons why it is more expensive than brass.

Gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel: which one is best for you?

Whether gold-plated brass or stainless steel is better for you will depend on a variety of factors. This includes personal preference, budget and styling needs.

Gold-plated brass jewellery is super affordable and has a lightweight feel. Whilst gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is more durable and offers tarnish resistance.

Conclusion

Gold-plated stainless steel is much more durable than gold-plated brass jewellery. This is for a variety of reasons.Stainless steel generally has great corrosion resistance due to the presence of chromium. This chromium layer acts as a protective layer against oxidation. Stainless steel is also stronger and harder than brass. This makes it more resistant to scratches, denting and deformation.Stainless steel also maintains its colour when exposed to air and moisture. Brass on the other hand tends to lose its colour and develop a greenish tint over time.Gold plating also adheres more durably and consistently on stainless steel. This is because it is a harder and more corrosion-resistant metal. Gold-plated brass jewellery will wear off over time.Gold-plated stainless steel is more hypoallergenic than gold-plated brass jewellery. The layer of chromium in stainless steel provides a protective oxide layer. This prevents corrosion and skin irritation when worn.Copper, present in brass often causes metal allergies. When the gold layer on gold-plated brass wears off, brass comes into direct contact with skin. This can lead to skin allergies and green discolouration on the skin.Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is heavier than gold-plated brass jewellery. Stainless steel is a denser material than brass, with it having a density of 8g per cubic centimetre. Whilst brass only has a density of 6.4 to 8.7g per cubic meter. This gives gold-plated stainless steel jewellery a heavier feel than gold-plated brass jewellery.In general, gold-plated stainless steel jewellery will be more expensive than brass. Stainless steel is a more expensive material. It also requires more complex production processes.At the same time, stainless steel's durability properties contribute to its higher price. It is a stronger, longer lasting and lower maintenance material.Stainless steel also has a higher perceived value in comparison to brass. This is also one of the reasons why it is more expensive than brass.Whether gold-plated brass or stainless steel is better for you will depend on a variety of factors. This includes personal preference, budget and styling needs.Gold-plated brass jewellery is super affordable and has a lightweight feel. Whilst gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is more durable and offers tarnish resistance.

Now that we have compared gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel jewellery, you should know each one's pros, cons and differences. The choice between gold-plated brass and stainless steel jewellery depends on individual needs and preferences.

Gold-plated brass is a softer material, allowing for more jewellery customisation options. Brass itself has a lower value and is a more affordable metal for jewellery making. It also offers a more lightweight feel when worn.

Gold-plated stainless steel offers great durability and is resistant to scratching. This is a great option for daily wear jewellery pieces as it also offers tarnish and corrosion resistance.

Want to learn more about gold plated jewellery? Read our blog which answers the question "what is gold plated jewellery?"

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