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Gold filled jewelry can save you money since it isn’t mostly made up of gold. It is also better quality than gold plated jewelry. Gold filled jewelry pieces contain more pure gold than gold plated pieces, but are still made with mostly metal alloys.
Metal alloys have the reputation of tarnishing over time or turning your skin green. So, does gold filled jewelry turn green?
Gold filled jewelry won’t turn your skin green. Copper is an alloy used in gold jewelry that can cause your skin to turn green, but because of its thick gold layer over the base metals, it is very durable and won’t cause your skin to turn green.
The reason why skin can turn green from jewelry is because of the copper and nickel it contains. Copper and nickel are two metals used to make cheap rings, but can also be used in expensive jewelry as an alloy for durability. These metals oxidize whenever they are exposed to oxygen and oils on your skin.
When copper and nickel oxidize, it causes a reaction and leaves a green residue on your skin. Even though some expensive jewelry pieces contain copper, it isn’t enough to turn your skin green or sometimes black.
But, gold plated pieces can sometimes have this problem. This is because gold plated jewelry is made up of base metals with a thin layer of gold to make it appear like gold. It is a good choice for those who want an affordable option for jewelry. But, after it is worn for a while, the thin gold plating will begin to wear away and expose the base metal underneath.
The copper and nickel that is exposed reacts with the air and your skin changing the areas where it touched a shade of green.
Gold filled jewelry is a type of jewelry that is a more affordable option to solid gold. It is similar to gold plated jewelry in the fact that it is made up of base metal that is layered with a gold coating. But, unlike gold plated jewelry which has a thin layer of gold, gold filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold. This means that it will take a lot of tarnish to damage the piece and expose the base metals underneath than just everyday wear and tear.
Because of its thick layer of gold, gold filled jewelry is durable and it is very rare that it will turn your skin green since none of the copper in the price will be exposed to or be touching your skin to cause the reaction. If the piece is really damaged to where the base metals are exposed, then this is likely, but if you take care of your jewelry, then it is very rare for gold filled jewelry to turn your skin green.
To see the most popular gold filled jewelry pieces just click here.
How Long Does Gold Filled Jewelry Last?
Gold filled jewelry is less expensive than solid gold, but more durable than gold plated jewelry. It looks very similar to solid gold because of its thick gold layer. Gold filled jewelry can be easily confused with gold plating, but its layer of gold is much thicker making it last a lot longer.
So, how long does gold filled jewelry last?
Gold filled jewelry actually lasts for quite a while averaging about 10 to 30 years. But, with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Although it doesn’t last as long as solid gold jewelry, it does last a lot longer than gold plated jewelry.
Because of its thick gold layer, gold filled jewelry can last for a long time. It can take 10 to 30 years for the gold layer to wear off and expose the base metals underneath. This is why it is very rare for gold filled jewelry to tarnish and turn your skin green.
Taking care of your gold filled jewelry is easy. The following steps can help you maintain your gold filled jewelry and help it to last longer:
- Avoid wearing your gold filled jewelry in water. The chlorine in swimming pools and the salt water in the ocean can damage the gold layer. The moisture from the shower and doing dishes can wear down the coating. You could also accidentally lose the ring down the drain.
- Store your gold filled jewelry properly. Keep your gold filled jewelry as dry as possible. Humidity can affect the piece. Storing your jewelry in a cool, dry and dark place is best. By keeping it separated from other pieces of jewelry or in a lined jewelry box, you can prevent the piece from losing its sheen.
- Avoid wearing your gold filled jewelry when you are working out. The salt and sweat from your skin can cause it to become dull.
- Remove your gold filled jewelry before using any harsh chemicals. This includes household cleaner, perfume, hairspray, and hand lotions. The harsh chemicals in these could tarnish your piece.
- Clean your gold field jewelry regularly. You should use a jewelry cleaner every 2 weeks and get it professionally cleaned at a jeweler every 6 months. When you need to polish the piece, gently wipe with a jewelry polishing and non-abrasive cloth every once in a while to keep it shiny.
As you can see, even though it is durable, gold filled jewelry can still get damaged. If the gold layer is worn all the way down, then it can expose the base metals causing the piece to tarnish and turn your skin green.
(Just a tip, if your skin changes to a green color from jewelry, it can be removed with some rubbing alcohol.) If you take care of your gold filled jewelry, it can last for a long time.
Final Thoughts
In general, gold filled jewelry doesn’t turn your skin green. It is actually rare for this to happen since its thick gold layer will need to be totally worn away to reveal the base metal underneath. Once the copper and nickel it contains are exposed, the oxidation leaves a green tint on your skin.
Gold filled jewelry is more durable than gold plated jewelry. Gold plated jewelry just has a thin layer of gold that can be easily worn away after a couple of years. Gold filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold and can last for several years and if well taken care of, a lifetime.
So, gold filled jewelry is a good choice for those who want gold jewelry at an affordable price. It is beautiful and durable, and gold filled jewelry won’t turn your skin green.