Notizie di gioielli

Come garantire che gli orecchini argentati personalizzati in oro 18K non si sbiadano

Pubblicato il da Kingjy

Come garantire che gli orecchini argentati personalizzati in oro 18K non si sbiadano

Introduzione

Custom silver earrings plated with 18k gold are a popular choice for jewelry lovers due to their luxurious appearance and affordability. Tuttavia, one common concern is the potential for the gold plating to fade or wear off over time. Ensuring the longevity of gold-plated jewelry requires understanding the plating process, proper care, and selecting high-quality materials.

This article explores the key factors that influence the durability of 18k gold-plated silver earrings and provides actionable tips to prevent fading.

1. Understanding Gold Plating on Silver Jewelry

1.1 Cos'è la placcatura d'oro?

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is electrochemically bonded to a base metal (in this case, argento sterling). The thickness of the gold layer, measured in microns (µm), determines how long the plating will last before wearing off.

  • Flash plating (0.1–0.5 µm): Very thin, prone to quick wear.
  • Standard plating (0.5–1,0 µm): Moderate durability, suitable for occasional wear.
  • Heavy plating (2.5–5.0 µm or more): Di lunga durata, ideal for everyday jewelry.

For 18k gold-plated silver earrings, a thicker plating (at least 2.5 µm) is recommended for better resistance to tarnish and fading.

1.2 Why Does Gold Plating Fade?

Several factors contribute to the deterioration of gold plating:

  • Friction & abrasion (from clothing, contatto con la pelle, or cleaning)
  • Esposizione a sostanze chimiche (profumo, sudore, cloro, cosmetici)
  • Improper storage (leading to oxidation and scratches)
  • Low-quality plating techniques (uneven or insufficient gold layer)

2. Choosing High-Quality Materials & Artigianato

2.1 Selecting the Right Base Metal: Argento sterling

argento sterling (92.5% argento puro + 7.5% lega) is an excellent base for gold plating because:

  • It is durable and less prone to corrosion than other metals.
  • It provides a smooth surface for even gold adhesion.

Avoid lower-quality silver alloys, as impurities can weaken the plating bond.

2.2 Ensuring Proper Gold Plating Thickness

When ordering custom gold-plated earrings, request:

  • Minimum 2.5–5.0 µm thickness for long-lasting wear.
  • Multiple plating layers (PER ESEMPIO., a nickel or rhodium undercoat) to enhance adhesion.

2.3 High-Quality Plating Techniques

  • Elettroplazione: The most common method, ensuring an even gold layer.
  • Pvd (Deposizione di vapore fisico): A more advanced technique that bonds gold at a molecular level, increasing durability.

3. Proper Care & Maintenance to Prevent Fading

3.1 Avoid Exposure to Harsh Substances

  • Remove earrings before:
    • Swimming (chlorine damages gold plating)
    • Applying perfume, lotion, or hairspray
    • Exercising (sweat accelerates tarnishing)
  • Clean gently with a microfiber cloth instead of harsh chemicals.

3.2 Cleaning Gold-Plated Silver Earrings

  • Usa un mild soap solution (dish soap + warm water) and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Evitare abrasive polishes or ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip the gold layer.
  • Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

3.3 Memoria adeguata

  • Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or jewelry box with a soft lining.
  • Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight.
  • Avoid stacking jewelry to prevent scratches.

4. Additional Protective Measures

4.1 Applying a Protective Coating

Some jewelers offer:

  • Clear lacquer sealant to slow down oxidation.
  • Rhodium plating over gold for extra shine and protection.

4.2 Replating When Necessary

Even with proper care, gold plating will eventually wear off. Professional jewelers can replate earrings to restore their original luster.

5. Conclusione

To ensure 18k gold-plated custom silver earrings remain vibrant and fade-resistant:

  1. Choose high-quality materials (placcatura spessa, base in argento sterling).
  2. Follow proper care routines (avoid chemicals, clean gently).
  3. Store correctly (sacchetti anti-targhe, dry environment).
  4. Consider protective coatings or replating when needed.

Implementando queste pratiche, your gold-plated earrings can maintain their luxurious appearance for years.