What is 18K gold-plated jewelry?

18K gold plated jewelry is a process of coating a layer of 18K gold on a metal surface. 18K refers to the purity of gold in metal alloys, indicating the presence of 75% gold and 25% other metals. When making 18K gold plated jewelry, the metal surface is first specially treated, and then a layer of 18K gold is coated on it. This process is carried out using electroplating or chemical gold plating methods to ensure that the 18K gold layer adheres evenly and firmly to the metal surface.
18K gold-plated jewelry has a high-end and exquisite appearance, presenting a golden color and luster. Due to the high proportion of gold in 18K gold, 18K gilded jewelry is usually more wear-resistant and durable. However, compared to solid gold, the gold plating layer is relatively thin, so special attention needs to be paid to maintenance and use to maintain its appearance and luster.

What are the base materials of gold-plated jewelry?

There are various options for the base material of gilded jewelry, including:

Brass: Brass is a commonly used substrate material with good strength and durability.
Copper: Copper is another common substrate material that has good conductivity and thermal conductivity.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a sturdy, durable, and rust resistant metal commonly used as the base material for gilded jewelry.
Silver: Silver can also be used as the base material for gilded jewelry, giving it a more advanced appearance and texture.

The above are common gold plated jewelry base materials, and different material choices will give jewelry different characteristics and appearance. It is important to choose high-quality substrate materials to ensure the adhesion and durability of the gold plating layer.

How Silver, Copper, and Stainless Steel Jewelry Are Gold Plated?

Silver jewelry electroplating: Firstly, silver jewelry undergoes surface treatment, polishing, and cleaning to ensure a smooth and clean surface. Then, the silver jewelry is immersed in an electrolyte containing silver ions, and a thin silver coating is formed on the surface of the jewelry through the action of an electric current. This process is called electroplating.
Copper jewelry electroplating: Similar to silver jewelry, copper jewelry also requires surface treatment to ensure good adhesion and appearance. Then, the copper jewelry is immersed in an electrolyte containing copper ions, and through the action of an electric current, the copper ions are deposited on the surface of the jewelry, forming a layer of copper coating.
Stainless steel jewelry electroplating: The electroplating process of stainless steel jewelry may be slightly different, as stainless steel itself already has good corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Usually, stainless steel jewelry undergoes surface treatment such as cleaning and polishing. Then, different electroplating methods can be used, such as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which we collectively refer to as the IP electroplating process. Depositing a layer of metal film (such as gold, rose gold, black gold, etc.) on the surface of stainless steel to enhance its appearance and texture.

These are common processes for electroplating silver, copper, and stainless steel jewelry. The specific electroplating methods and steps may vary depending on the manufacturer and product to adapt to different requirements and designs.

Will gold-plated jewelry fade and lose its luster?

Yes, gilded jewelry may fade and lose its luster over time. Gold plating is a process of applying a thin metal coating on a metal surface, usually using gold or alloy for gold plating. However, due to the thin gold plating layer, it is difficult to avoid the wear and oxidation caused by long-term use and exposure to the environment. However, the jewelry produced by Churinga Jewelry Factory adopts the top domestic IP electroplating process, have a stainless steel base that prevents it from fading or tarnishing,which makes its wearing cycle longer.

Some factors may cause the fading and loss of luster of gilded jewelry, including:

Chemicals: Contact with perfume, cosmetics, detergents and other chemicals may damage the gold plating layer, leading to fading and blackening.

Water and humidity: Frequent contact with water or high humidity environments may damp the gold plating layer, leading to oxidation and loss of luster.

Rubbing and Scratching: Rubbing against other hard objects or being scratched may cause the gold plating to wear and peel.

PH value: High acidic or alkaline environments may have adverse effects on the gold plating layer, leading to fading and oxidation.

How long does 18k gold plated last?

The longevity of 18k gold plating can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the gold layer, the quality of the plating process, and how the jewelry is cared for. Generally, 18k gold plating can last for several months to a few years with proper care.

However, it’s important to note that gold plating is a surface treatment and will naturally wear off over time. Factors such as exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction can accelerate the fading or wearing away of the gold layer. Jewelry that is frequently worn or comes into contact with harsh substances may experience faster wear.

To prolong the life of 18k gold plated jewelry, it’s recommended to avoid exposing it to water, chemicals, and abrasive materials. Remove the jewelry before showering, swimming, or engaging in activities that may cause excessive friction. Store the jewelry in a dry and protected place when not in use. Additionally, gentle cleaning and polishing can help maintain its appearance.

If the gold plating starts to fade or wear off, the jewelry can be re-plated to restore its luster. It’s advisable to consult a professional jeweler for re-plating services.

Overall, the durability of 18k gold plating depends on how well the jewelry is cared for and the frequency of wear. With proper maintenance, it can retain its beauty for an extended period.

How to maintain your gold-plated jewelry?

How to prolong the service life of gold-plated jewelry?

Avoid chemical substances: Avoid contacting gold-plated jewelry with chemical substances, such as perfume, cosmetics, detergents and cleaners. These substances may cause damage or discoloration to the gold plating layer.
Avoid water and humidity: Try to avoid exposing gilded jewelry to water or damp environments, as water and humidity may cause the gilded layer to peel off or oxidize.
Gently clean: Gently wipe gold-plated jewelry with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using cleaning agents or brushes with a frosting effect to avoid scratching the gold-plated surface.
Separate storage: gold plated jewelry is stored separately in a soft cloth bag or Jewel Box to avoid friction and scratches with other jewelry.
Regular maintenance: Regularly check the condition of gilded jewelry and perform necessary maintenance. If damage or discoloration is found, it is recommended to seek professional jewelry repair personnel for repair or re gilding.
Pay attention to wearing time: Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry during intense exercise, bathing, or sleeping to reduce the risk of damage.

Following these simple maintenance methods can help your gold-plated jewelry maintain its beauty and durability. Please remember that jewelry from different brands and materials may have specific maintenance requirements. It is recommended to refer to the instructions for the jewelry you purchased or consult the seller for more specific maintenance advice. But the stainless steel gold-plated jewelry produced by Churinga Jewelry Factory allows you to wear it for a long time without having to be so strict with these maintenance knowledge.

Can sensitive skin wear gold-plated jewelry?

In general, silver, copper, and stainless steel gilded jewelry are safe for most people’s skin and do not cause allergies or allergic reactions. However, everyone’s skin type and allergic reactions may vary, so a small number of people may still be sensitive to the metal materials used in gilded jewelry.

In some cases, individuals may experience skin discomfort or allergic reactions to gold-plated jewelry. This may be due to an individual’s allergic reaction to certain metals, or it may be caused by a thin or uneven low-quality gold plating layer. However, the stainless steel gold-plated jewelry produced by the Churinga jewelry factory can be worn by people who are not overly sensitive to skin.

To avoid skin sensitivity issues, the following are some suggestions:

Choose high-quality gilded jewelry to ensure that the metal layer is uniform, smooth, and meets relevant standards.
If you already know that you are sensitive to a certain metal, you can avoid using gold-plated jewelry containing that metal, or choose other wearing materials such as pure silver or stainless steel.
Avoid wearing gilded jewelry in damp or humid conditions to reduce the contact time between metal and skin.

If you experience skin discomfort or allergic reactions to a certain type of gilded jewelry, you should stop using it in a timely manner and consult a doctor or dermatologist for advice. Most people can safely wear silver, copper, and stainless steel plated jewelry, but for individuals with skin sensitivity issues, it is recommended to choose suitable materials and pay attention to personal skin reactions to ensure comfort and safety when wearing.

Why is gilded jewelry so popular?

Appearance: Gold plated jewelry has a metallic luster and elegant appearance, giving people a delicate and luxurious feeling. The golden glow can add personal charm and fashion sense, making people more confident and beautiful in daily life and special occasions.
Price: Compared to pure gold jewelry, gilded jewelry is usually more cost-effective, allowing more people to enjoy the charm of gold. This makes gilded jewelry a popular choice, which can meet people’s pursuit of metallic texture without causing excessive budget pressure.
Diversity: Gold-plated jewelry has great diversity in design, covering a variety of styles and shapes. Whether it’s necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings, you can find a choice of gilded styles. This allows people to choose their own gold-plated jewelry according to their own preferences and personality.
Durability: Gold plated jewelry typically uses high-quality substrate materials such as silver, copper, or stainless steel, and undergoes professional electroplating processes. This makes the gilded layer more durable and wear-resistant, able to maintain a longer period of gloss and aesthetics. This is also one of the reasons why people choose gilded jewelry.

In summary, gilded jewelry is best-selling due to its gorgeous appearance, affordability, diversity, and durability. However, when purchasing jewelry, it is recommended to choose reliable suppliers and brands to ensure high-quality products and a good shopping experience.

18K Gold-Plated Jewelry: