Does gold stainless steel tarnish? Without mincing words, gold stainless steel is tarnish-resistant and can last for years. However, there have been misconceptions and myths about gold colored stainless steel jewelry, particularly because most gold-plated pieces tend to tarnish easily.
But unlike traditional gold-plated pieces, gold stainless steel jewelry combines the strength of stainless steel with the beauty of gold. In this post, we will shed more light on why this jewelry is an excellent choice and guarantee to last long.
Does Stainless Steel Gold Tarnish Over Time?
Gold-plated stainless steel is highly tarnish-resistant but not 100% tarnish-proof. Thanks to the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and the TiN layer used in PVD gold coatings, it does not tarnish easily and can last at least 2 years. However, it can tarnish over time, especially with heavy wear or exposure to chemicals and moisture.
Tarnish Resistance of the Stainless Steel Base
Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant and it contains chromium, which creates a protective oxide layer that prevents oxidation and tarnishing. This makes it one of the common types of tarnish free jewelry available today. And when plated with gold, it becomes stronger and more beautiful.
The question “is stainless steel gold fake” often arises. The answer is NO. Both the base metal (stainless steel) and the gold layer are real. And does gold surgical steel tarnish? The answer is NO. Surgical steel is a strong base metal that protects the jewelry from oxidizing or tarnishing.
Enhanced Durability of the PVD Gold Coating
Another way to address the question “does gold plated stainless steel tarnish?” is to consider the quality of the plating process. The gold is plated to the stainless steel through PVD coating jewelry technique, which forms a strong adhesion between both materials.
The PVD process (with a durable TiN layer) creates a more durable finish than if the gold stainless steel jewelry was electroplated. This makes the gold stainless steel jewelry more resistant to wear and abrasion.
Will 14K/18K Gold Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish?
No. 14K and 18K gold-plated stainless steel jewelry is very resistant to tarnishing. Higher karat gold contains more pure gold, which does not corrode or react easily. The stainless steel base also prevents oxidation, keeping the jewelry bright and stable for a long time. With simple care like avoiding harsh chemicals and wiping after wear, the shine can last even longer.
Does Yellow or Gold Ion Plated Stainless Steel Tarnish?
No, when properly ion-plated, yellow or gold ion plated stainless steel maintain its color and luster for extended periods without tarnishing. The ion plating process bombards the stainless steel surface with gold ions, resulting in a dense, adherent coating that can resist tarnishing.
Does Gold Stainless Steel Fade or Change Color?
If the PVD coating process is done professionally, the jewelry won’t fade easily. However, factors like exposure to extreme conditions for a long time can begin to affect its appearance.
Does gold stainless steel change color? High-quality gold stainless steel does not change color within a short period. Titanium Nitride (TiN), the secrets in long-lasting gold color, allows the jewelry to maintain its original luster and shine.
How Gold Stainless Steel Compares with Other Jewelry Materials
Here is a breakdown of how the 2 gold stainless steel plating techniques compare to each other and how gold performs when plated with other metals (like silver and brass).
| Jewelry Material | Tarnish Resistance | Color Longevity | Recommended For |
| PVD/Ion-Plated Gold Stainless Steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Daily wear, active use, waterproof fashion jewelry |
| Electroplating Gold Stainless Steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Waterproof fashion jewelry |
| Gold-Plated Silver | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Seasonal collections |
| Gold-Plated Brass | ⭐ | ⭐ | Low-cost, trend pieces |
Is gold plated stainless steel jewelry waterproof? Yes. Regardless of the plating technique, they can resist moisture. Gold plating stainless steel is one of the best waterproof jewelry among all gold colored jewelry pieces.
What Causes Gold Stainless Steel to Tarnish or Fade?
Understanding the factors that causes gold stainless steel to deteriorate can help you prevent tarnishing and fading:
- Poor-quality Manufacturing or Thin Plating
When the plating process is not properly done or if the applied gold layer is very thin, there are high chances of the jewelry tarnishing or fading. High-quality manufacturing involves applying adequate gold thickness to ensure longevity.
- Sweat, Humidity, Chemicals, Skincare Products
Body waste (including sweat), environmental moisture, and all forms of chemical can accelerate wear on gold plating. Chlorine (in pools) and skincare products like lotions and perfumes can also break down the gold layer, making the color fade. Thus, it is crucial to choose jewelry that are safe to wear in the pool and ocean.
How to Keep Gold Plated Jewelry from Tarnishing?
Whether you own a jewelry brand or you are a jewelry enthusiast who likes gold plated items, here are key notes to prevent your jewelry from tarnishing:
What Brands Can Do to Reduce Returns
- For stainless steel jewelry, PVD coating is better than electroplating. So choose PVD coating technique over electroplating for better longevity.
- Include care guide cards in product packaging.
- Educate consumers through product descriptions and FAQ sections.
Best Practices for Consumers
- Wipe with a soft cloth after wear.
- Avoid long exposure to perfumes, skincare, and swimming pool chlorine.
- Store in dry, separate pouches.
Conclusion
Does gold stainless steel tarnish? No, it doesn’t tarnish easily. Gold stainless steel offers great resistance to tarnishing and wear, making it an excellent option for people who want long-lasting, beautiful jewelry. The most important thing, however, is to buy from a professional custom jewelry manufacturer with verifiable manufacturing capabilities and quality assurance.
