Protecting Gold Plated Jewelry from Tarnish: Expert Advice

Question
Hi Thomas,
Is there something I can use to coat my gold plated earwires and findings to prevent them from changing color on me. Thanks

Answer
lje, the simple answer is no. Why? Any coating on earwires will wear away quickly.  With other findings, the wear may not affect a coating much but will not help in the long run. About the only reasonable coating is a clear lacquer like clear nail polish.  This will not be attractive but will protect something that "does not" go though the ear for at least a little while.

The real culprit in discoloration of gold plated items is that the plate is very, very thin. The metal from below is causing the change of color. Chemicals from the body and the environment are penetrating the plate or finding areas where the gold plate is worn through. Then, the reaction takes place and discoloration happens.

The best option is to have gold filled instead of gold plated.

My wife purchases lots of costume jewelry and once it starts to discolor, it is time to give it up. There is little left to correct the problem.  

Oh my, I do wish I had a magic answer but do not in this case. Enjoy as long as you can, clean ever so often in mild dish detergent and rinse and pat dry. Do not use a polishing cloth which will tend to remove some of the gold layer. These efforts will possibly add some time the the wearability of your plated jewelry.

God Bless and Peace. Thomas.  November 7, 2007  7:41pm