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Stainless steel gold jewelry consists of a durable stainless steel base coated with a thin layer of real gold through methods like PVD or electroplating.
This hypoallergenic jewelry offers the appearance of solid gold at lower prices and resists tarnishing. While water-resistant, showering isn’t recommended as it can wear down the thin gold plating (.5 microns). Lifespan varies from 1-5+ years depending on plating method and care, with PVD lasting longer than electroplating.
Rose gold variants exist, but white gold stainless steel doesn’t since natural stainless steel already resembles white gold in appearance.
What is Stainless Steel Gold Jewelry (Definition and Meaning)?
Stainless steel gold jewelry is a piece of jewelry with a base of durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel that has a thin layer of real gold applied to its surface.
The gold is applied using methods like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or electroplating.
Stainless steel jewelry is immensely popular because it’s tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and offers the look and feel of true solid gold at a much lower prices point.
Is Stainless Steel Gold Jewelry Hypoallergenic?
Yes, stainless steel gold jewelry is hypoallergenic and safe for people with metal sensitivities.
The most common metal allergy is to nickel. High-quality stainless steel, especially surgical-grade 316L, is very low in nickel, minimizing the risk of an allergic reaction.
Can Stainless Steel Gold Jewelry Get Wet? Can You Shower With it?
Yes, stainless steel gold jewelry can get wet and not change in appearance because of it.
Little water exposure won’t hurt your stainless steel gold jewelry but I don’t recommend you make it a habit of showering with it.
It’s because the gold plating over stainless steel is usually very thin (often just .5 microns) and the water and especially chlorine in water will eat away at it pretty quickly.
To be on the safe side I recommend you don’t shower with stainless steel gold jewelry. Or just prepare the gold re-plating money in advance:)
How Long Does Stainless Steel Gold Last?
Stainless steel gold jewelry can last from a few years to potentially decades, depending on the gold plating method, quality of the stainless steel base, and care you put into your jewelry.
PVD gold plating is more durable than electroplating, lasting 2-5 years or more with daily wear, while electroplated pieces typically last 1-3 years. The stainless steel core can last for years without tarnishing or rusting, but the gold layer will eventually wear off with regular use.
To maximize the lifespan of your stainless steel gold jewelry avoid harsh chemicals, water, and excessive moisture, and practice proper cleaning and storage.
Is There Stainless Steel White Gold Jewelry?
No, there’s no stainless steel white gold jewelry. Stainless steel is only plated with yellow gold for jewelry purposes.
Note: stainless steel and white gold are nearly identical in appearance.
Also, white gold over stainless steel is similar to white gold vermeil. The main difference is that in white gold vermeil white gold coating goes over sterling silver, and not over stainless steel.
Is There Stainless Steel Rose Gold Jewelry?
Yes, there’s stainless steel rose gold jewelry.
Stainless steel rose gold jewelry is a variant of yellow gold stainless steel created to appease people who prefer rose gold over yellow gold.
See example below.
Note: rose gold over stainless steel is similar to rose gold vermeil. The main difference is that in rose gold vermeil rose gold coating goes over sterling silver, and not over stainless steel.
What is Stainless Steel Gold Jewelry? Is it Real Gold? Conclusion
Stainless steel gold jewelry consists of a durable stainless steel base coated with a thin layer of real gold through methods like PVD or electroplating.
This hypoallergenic jewelry offers the appearance of solid gold at lower prices and resists tarnishing. While water-resistant, showering isn’t recommended as it can wear down the thin gold plating (.5 microns). Lifespan varies from 1-5+ years depending on plating method and care, with PVD lasting longer than electroplating.
Rose gold variants exist, but white gold stainless steel doesn’t since natural stainless steel already resembles white gold in appearance.
References:
- Stainless Steel Gold Jewelry: A Better Choice- https://kesheen.com/on-stainless-steel-gold-jewelry/
- Exquisite Rose Gold Necklace With Pink Quartz Pendant- https://justopjewelry.com/product/exquisite-rose-gold-necklace-with-pink-quartz-pendant/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is the owner of Nikola Roza- Everything You Can Learn About Precious Metals. He writes for people who love precious metals and jewelry and who're interested in adding gold, silver platinum and palladium to their retirement portfolios. Nikola is passionate about gold IRAs and investing in multiple asset types for a safer financial future. He also runs a successful online jewelry store where you can buy precious metal jewelry and various replicas of famous coins and bars. Learn about Nikola here.
