Plating-turn-off is a main problem when wearing in normal life, why? And how to prevent it?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) jewelry often features a base metal, usually brass or another alloy, which is then plated with precious metals like gold or rhodium to enhance its appearance and protect the base metal from tarnishing. The issue of plating color fading or wearing off relatively quickly can occur due to several reasons:
- Quality of Plating: The thickness and quality of the plating play a significant role. Thinner plating layers are more prone to wear and tear, exposing the base metal faster. High-quality plating, usually with better techniques and thicker layers, lasts longer…but thicker plating, also bring you much higher production cost, where the 0.03 micron to cost you $1.0 and 1 micron will cost you over $5 for each piece for the same design.
- Chemical Exposure: Daily exposure to chemicals like perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, or even sweat can react with the plating, causing it to deteriorate more rapidly. Chlorine, found in swimming pools, is particularly damaging.
- Physical Wear: Frequent contact with hard surfaces or friction against clothing can scratch or wear away the plating over time, especially on areas like rings that experience more daily abrasion.
- pH Level of Skin: The pH level of an individual’s skin can also affect plated jewelry. More acidic skin can corrode the plating faster.
- Storage Conditions: Improper storage, such as leaving jewelry in humid environments or exposed to air, can speed up the oxidation process of the base metal beneath the plating.
- Base Metal Quality: The type and quality of the base metal can influence how well the plating adheres. Lower quality metals may cause the plating to peel or flake easier.
Yeah! Taking proper care of silver and brass jewelry can prevent tarnishing and keep them looking bright and beautiful for a long time. Here are some tips to maintain your silver and brass jewelry:
Silver Jewelry Care:
- Regular Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe your silver jewelry after each wear to remove oils, dirt, and perspiration. For deeper cleaning, you can use a mild soap solution and warm water. Dry thoroughly afterward.
- Polishing: For tarnished silver, use a silver polish or a polishing cloth specifically designed for silver. Avoid using toothpaste or baking soda as they can be too abrasive.
- Storage: Store silver in a cool, dry place, ideally in a soft cloth pouch or an airtight container. This helps reduce exposure to humidity and air, which cause tarnishing. Anti-tarnish strips can also be placed in the storage container to absorb harmful gases.
- Separate Storage: Keep silver pieces away from other metal jewelry to avoid scratches and chemical reactions.
- Avoid Chemicals: Remove silver jewelry when using harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine (in pools), or perfumes and lotions.
Brass Jewelry Care:
- Cleaning: Brass can be cleaned using a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub the piece, then rinse and dry completely. Avoid soaking for extended periods, as this could lead to water spots.
- Polishing: For a shine, you can use a specialized brass cleaner or make a paste from lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste with a soft cloth, rub gently, then rinse and dry. A vinegar and salt solution can also work but should be used sparingly.
- Protective Coating: After cleaning and drying, you can apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or a commercially available protective coating to slow down future tarnishing. Remember to reapply periodically as the coating wears off.
- Storage: Similar to silver, store brass jewelry in a cool, dry location, preferably wrapped in acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth to reduce exposure to air and moisture.
- Daily Habits: Remove brass jewelry when showering, swimming, exercising, or using cleaning products to minimize tarnish and damage.
By following these care instructions, you can significantly prolong the life and luster of your silver and brass jewelry, preventing them from turning dark or tarnished.
To minimize plating degradation, consider the following:
- Choose high-quality CZ jewelry with thick plating from reputable sellers, just choose HALIFE JEWELRY COMPANY.
- Remove jewelry during activities that expose it to chemicals or physical strain.
- Apply cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions before putting on your jewelry.
- Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove sweat and oils.
- Store jewelry in a dry, cool place, preferably in a soft cloth pouch or airtight container.
- Consider replating pieces that start to show wear to restore their original luster.
