I've always loved the look of gold jewelry, but the price can be a real barrier. Like many, I started exploring gold-plated options to get the look without breaking the bank. But I had a nagging question: would my skin turn green? It's a common worry, and I decided to dive into researching and experimenting to find out for myself. This is what I learned about 18k plated gold and its potential to cause skin discoloration.
I remember being tempted by a beautiful necklace. It looked stunning, but the price seemed too good to be true. That's when I realized it was gold-plated stainless steel. My immediate thought was, "Is this even worth it?". I knew stainless steel was one of the more affordable metals out there – I even heard some say it's cheaper than brass or copper. I was hesitant to spend a significant amount on something that seemed so inexpensive at its core.
I also questioned if it would hold its value. Could I justify spending money on costume jewelry? Would it retain any worth over time? These were all important factors for me to consider before making a purchase. I wanted something that not only looked good but also offered some longevity.
The biggest concern, of course, was the dreaded green skin. I did some digging and found out that the green discoloration is usually caused by the base metal reacting with sweat or lotions. But what about stainless steel with gold plating? Here's what I discovered:
Stainless steel itself is pretty inert. It doesn't react easily, which is why it's used in so many applications. The gold plating is what gives it the aesthetic appeal, but it's also the part that's most vulnerable to wear and tear. The key is to understand how long the plating will last and what to expect when it starts to fade.
I decided to take the plunge and bought a few pieces of 18k gold-plated jewelry. One piece I was particularly drawn to was the Men Women Hip Hop Iced Out Bling Bling Heart Pendant Necklace from Blingcharming's homepage. I was looking for something bold and stylish, and this necklace caught my eye.
I loved the look of the iced-out heart pendant and the thick Miami Cuban chain. I've been wearing it regularly for a few weeks now, and so far, so good! No green skin, and the gold plating still looks vibrant. I'm also careful about avoiding contact with harsh chemicals and lotions, which I think helps.
Through my research and experience, I've gathered some tips to help your plated jewelry last longer: