Is Gold Plated Brass Good?
Everyone likes gold jewelry that is affordable. There are some options that are both economical and also look beautiful like gold plated. However, when someone buys it he has only one question in mind, is gold plated brass good? The answer to this question is ‘No’, it will tarnish with time leaving behind green marks on your skin. Furthermore it is not hypoallergenic. It affects the sensitive skin and can cause some allergic reactions like irritation, burning or itching.
However, with proper care, cleaning it regularly, placing it in a dry atmosphere away from humidity and replate-gold over brass every few years can increase the lifespan.
Gold Plated Brass Introduction
Alloy is a mixture of 2 or more metals, in case of brass itis made up of copper and zinc. The proportion of these two may change depending upon the demand. However, it is a very common metal. We make jewelry using this tool. It is cheap and has a good luster quality.
Gold plated brass is designed by coating gold over brass. The gold used for the purpose can be 14k or 18k. The gold layer is very thin, approximately 0.5 microns.
Gold layer deposited on brass through a process known as “electroplating”. In this process a plate of negatively charged brass is submerged in gold solution and current is passed through it. Gold ions in the solution started attached with the negatively charged brass plate.
Does Gold Plated Brass have a Good Life Span?
Gold plated usually lasts for about 2 years. However, if you do not wear it oftenly it can last many years, but it will require extreme care. For example, put in special jewelry boxes, keep it away from water, if it gets wet, dry it immediately. Prevent it from cosmetics, perfumes and other chemicals.
People with Sensitive Skin And Gold Plated Brass
People with sensitive skin should not use gold plated. Brass can oxidize easily, which in result affects the skin. This may cause some allergic reactions, like irritation , burning or itching. If it happens, remove the jewelry piece from your skin with clean water and consult a doctor immediately.
How Often Should You Use Gold Plated?
It contains a thin layer of gold so it is good that you wear it with care. If you wear it oftenly, it will tarnish very shortly. Beware that it can easily get affected by chemicals like perfume and cosmetics. You should thoroughly clean it with water and soft tissue after every use.
Keep It Away From Water
It can tarnish. The deposited gold layer can gradually wear off if exposed to water. So it is not a good thought to enter a swimming pool or hot tub wearing gold plated jewelry. The chemical present in the swimming pool can damage it badly, moreover during shower soap or shampoo also affect it.
Gold Plated Brass Vs Gold Vermeil
Gold Plate
- Cheap, and affordable
- Looks elegant
- Base metal is Brass
- Tarnish very easily
- Need proper care
Gold Vermeil
- Comparatively cheaper than solid gold
- Look amazing and beautiful
- Base metal is sterling silver
- Have a long life span
- Care will increase its lifespan
Pros and Cons Of Gold Plated Brass
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Easily available
- Variety of designs
- Layer of real gold is present
- Look beautiful
Cons
- Thin gold layer
- Short lifespan
- Tarnish quickly
- Can cause allergic reaction
- Leave green spots on users skin
People Also Ask about Is Gold Plated Brass Good?
Conclusion
Many people are attracted to gold plated jewelry. However, during their purchase they ask one question: is gold plated brass good? Well it is not as good as gold vermeil or gold filled. It is good for only a few years. After that the layer of gold will start wearing off. It can react to sensitive skin and cause an allergic reaction.
You should buy gold vermeil or gold filled jewelry instead of gold filled brass. The gold layer is very thick, which means a lot more gold is present. However, it is cheaper than both gold vermeil and gold filled and would be a good choice for a short time period.