Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish?

Introduction

When you buy a piece of jewelry or a watch that says it’s “gold plated stainless steel,” you expect it to stay shiny and beautiful forever. But a common question people ask is: does it tarnish? The short answer is yes, it can, but the story is a bit more interesting than that. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand what really happens and how to take care of it.

What Does “Gold Plated Stainless Steel” Mean?

Gold plated stainless steel is basically a piece of stainless steel covered with a thin layer of gold on the outside. Think of it like a slice of bread with a thin layer of butter on top. The butter is the gold, and the bread is the steel. The gold layer is usually very thin, which makes it affordable compared to solid gold.

Stainless steel itself is known for being tough and resistant to rust, which is why it’s used in everything from kitchen sinks to jewelry. When you put gold on top of it, you get the nice look of gold with the strong base of stainless steel underneath.

Does It Tarnish?

Here’s the thing: pure gold doesn’t tarnish because it doesn’t react with air or water. But the gold plating on stainless steel is very thin. Over time, the thin gold layer can wear away, exposing the stainless steel underneath. When that happens, you might see discoloration on stainless steel where the gold has rubbed off.

Also, even before the gold layer completely wears away, dirt, sweat, lotions, and perfume can build up on the surface and make it look dull. That’s not tarnish in the chemical sense; it’s just grime. A quick cleaning can fix that.

Why Does It Sometimes Change Color?

If you notice your gold plated stainless steel turning a different color, a few things could be happening:

1. The gold layer is wearing off. As you wear it, friction from your skin, clothes, or other jewelry can slowly rub off the thin gold plating.
   
   
2. Reaction with skin oils or chemicals. Sweat, lotions, perfumes, and even the pH of your skin can cause the gold layer to lose its shine over time.
   
   
3. Exposure to water or air. Even though stainless steel is resistant to rust, prolonged exposure to water (especially salt water or chlorine) can eventually cause discoloration on stainless steel once the gold layer gets thin.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Can the Stainless Steel Underneath Rust?

In most cases, the stainless steel under the gold doesn’t rust easily. Stainless steel contains materials that make it resistant to corrosion. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. Some types are more resistant than others. For example, if the base is soft stainless steel, it might be more prone to scratches, and scratches can expose areas where discoloration can happen.

How Long Does Gold Plated Stainless Steel Last?

The lifespan depends on how often you wear it and how well you take care of it. Jewelry that you wear every day, especially rings and bracelets, tends to lose its gold layer faster because of constant friction. Necklaces and earrings usually last longer because they don’t rub against things as much.

With good care, gold plated stainless steel can stay looking nice for a long time. But eventually, you’ll probably see some signs of the gold wearing off.

How to Prevent Tarnish and Discoloration

The good news is, you can make your gold plated stainless steel last longer and keep it shiny with a few simple habits:

1. Avoid wearing it in water. Take off your jewelry before swimming, showering, or washing dishes. Water, especially chlorinated or salty water, can speed up the wearing process.
   
   
2. Keep it away from chemicals. Perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products can react with the gold layer. Apply perfumes or lotions first, let them dry, then put on your jewelry.
   
   
3. Clean it regularly. Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove sweat and oils. For a deeper clean, use a gentle soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
   
   
4. Store it properly. Keep it in a dry, soft pouch or jewelry box when you’re not wearing it. This prevents scratches and reduces exposure to air and moisture.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Can You Fix Tarnished Gold Plated Stainless Steel?

If the gold plating is just dirty or dull, you can usually bring back the shine by cleaning it. Use a mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can remove more of the gold layer.

If the gold layer has worn off and the discoloration on stainless steel is showing through, the only real fix is to have it re-plated. Some jewelers can add a new layer of gold on top. This can make it look brand new again, but it’s worth comparing the cost of re-plating versus buying a new piece.

What If You Want to Mix It With Other Metals?

Some people wonder if they can combine gold plated stainless steel with other metals in projects, like making custom jewelry or repairing something. This leads to another common question: can you weld steel to stainless steel?

Technically, yes, it can be done, but welding gold plated stainless steel is tricky. The heat from welding would burn off the thin gold layer, leaving you with just the stainless steel underneath. If you really need to weld, you would have to strip the gold plating first. For most jewelry or small items, welding isn’t practical. It’s usually better to repair or replace the piece without welding.

Is Gold Plated Stainless Steel Worth Buying?

For many people, yes. It gives you the look of gold without the high price tag. Stainless steel is strong, so your jewelry won’t bend or break easily. Even if the gold plating eventually wears off, you still have a solid piece of stainless steel underneath that can last a lifetime.

It’s important to remember that gold plated items are not the same as solid gold. They require a bit more care, and they won’t stay perfect forever. But with the right care, you can enjoy the shine for years.

Final Thoughts

So, does gold plated stainless steel tarnish? Yes, it can, but it doesn’t happen overnight. With good care, you can keep it looking shiny and beautiful for a long time. Be mindful of water, chemicals, and friction to slow down the wear on the gold layer.

If you start to see discoloration on stainless steel, it means the gold layer is wearing off. At that point, you can clean it to keep it nice, or take it to a jeweler to re-plate it.

Remember, the base of your jewelry matters too. If it’s made with soft stainless steel, it might scratch more easily, which can affect how the gold plating looks. And if you ever think about welding or combining it with other metals, keep in mind that can you weld steel to stainless steel is a whole different topic, and it’s not something you’d normally do with plated jewelry.

In the end, gold plated stainless steel is a great option if you want something affordable, stylish, and durable. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy that golden shine for years without worrying too much about tarnish.