QuestionWill a ring that is 18kt over 925 sterling, loose it's gold color?
AnswerCharlene, thanks for the question.
This is a good question but first I must be certain we are talking about the same thing. I found a link at random for sterling with 18k accents jewelry.
http://www.lorenzojewelry.com
This is made of sterling silver and has accents of 18 karat gold added. There are several major manufacturers of this sort of jewelry. The jewelry is often given a patina or darkening of recesses in the sterling.
If this is the sort of jewelry you are referencing, the gold will not loose its color since the gold is a solid section of 18k gold. Yes, the sterling may tarnish and will need to be cleaned once in a while. All should be kept away from swimming pools, household bleach, etc., to prevent unwanted discoloration. But as for the gold, this will not loose its color since it is a solid section of that gold metal.
VERMEIL
Charlene, vermeil is a different matter altogether. This is gold colored sterling, actually gold colored jewelry made of sterling with a thin gold plate to provide a gold color. I see a lot of CZ sterling tennis bracelets which are vermeil. The problem with vermeil is the plate is only a plate, meaning a thin layer of gold deposited over the sterling. You will note on vermeil the only metal stamp is for sterling(925). The gold is not heavy enough to be noted. The electroplated layer is quite thin and will wear rather quickly, revealing the color of silver underneath. Also, repair by soldering may not be done to vermeil since the gold color seems to vanish away with the first application of heat.
This is my answer. I hope we did address the correct subject.
Best Wishes, God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
