Does gold-plated sterling silver tarnish in water?
You are right to be aware of the possibility that gold-plated sterling silver may tarnish when exposed to water. Sterling silver is not 100% pure silver, and it does contain a small amount of copper. If you expose the plated surface to water, the copper may form a thin layer of chemical reaction products known as “stainless steel” that causes the metal to turn black. This is a natural process called “ corrosion and is not a reaction
Does gold-plated sterling silver REALLY tarnish in water?
In short, no. There’s no need to use a sealer or any other type of protective coating on your gold-plated jewelry It’s not susceptible to water damage and will not tarnish. If you want to keep your jewelry looking new, however, you should avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents.
Does sterling silver gold-plated tarnish?
Sterling silver (or white metal, which is a form of sterling silver) is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This combination of elements makes it an incredibly strong, corrosion-resistant metal. That said, gold-plated sterling silver can still undergo discoloration when exposed to moisture, just not as quickly as pure sterling silver.
Does gold-plated sterling silver turn black in water?
While gold does not tarnish in water, pure gold may turn black when it comes into contact with oxygen and air. The black coloration is due to oxidation, a natural process in which metal atoms lose electrons. When metal bonds form between the atoms of the gold, the resulting chemical bond is more stable than an unbound metal atom. This process is referred to as corrosion, and the corrosion products are referred to as tarnish.
Does gold-plated sterling silver tarnish in water bracelet?
Of course, water might not have a bad effect on the appearance of gold-plated sterling silver, which is a silver alloy that consists of 75% pure silver and 25% copper. However, the oxidation of copper can, in fact, ruin the appearance of the metal, especially when the copper is exposed to water. To prevent this, most jewelry companies add a thin layer of pure gold onto the surfaces of the metal. So, while water might not harm the appearance of gold-plated