To keep fake gold jewelry from turning green, focus on minimizing exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction, and proper storage.
Fake gold jewelry, often made of base metals like copper, nickel, or brass with a thin plating, can react with moisture, sweat, lotions, perfumes, and other chemicals. This reaction, known as oxidation, can cause the underlying metal to corrode and leave a green residue on your skin or turn the jewelry itself discolored.
Here are key steps you can take to prevent this:
Practical Tips to Prevent Discoloration
Preventing your fake gold from turning green involves careful handling and storage. By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the life and appearance of your jewelry.
Minimize Contact with Chemicals and Moisture
One of the primary causes of discoloration is contact with common substances.
- Avoid Lotions, Perfumes, and Sprays: Apply lotions, sunscreens, perfumes, and hairspray before putting on your jewelry. Let these products dry completely to prevent chemical reactions with the plating.
- Remove Before Water Exposure: Take off your jewelry before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Moisture accelerates oxidation and tarnishing.
Handle with Care
Reducing friction and exposure to sweat is crucial.
- Remove Before Workouts: Always remove your jewelry before a workout or any activity that causes excessive sweating. Sweat contains salts and oils that can react with the metal.
Proper Storage
How you store your jewelry significantly impacts its longevity.
- Use Anti-Tarnish Solutions: You can also order anti-tarnish bags that will prevent your jewelry from oxidizing and getting discolored. These bags create a protective environment.
- Store Separately: Store your fake gold pieces in individual pouches, bags, or boxes to prevent them from scratching each other and to limit their exposure to air and humidity.
Why Does Fake Gold Turn Green?
The green discoloration is typically not the gold itself, but the oxidation of the underlying base metal used in the jewelry. This often happens when the plating wears off, exposing metals like copper, which turns green when it reacts with moisture and chemicals.
- Base Metal Oxidation: The thin layer of gold plating wears away over time, exposing metals like copper or brass.
- Reaction with Sweat and Products: Sweat, lotions, perfumes, and other substances contain chemicals that react with these exposed metals, leading to tarnish and the green color.
Summary of Preventative Measures
Here’s a quick overview of essential practices:
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use Anti-Tarnish Bags | Prevents oxidation and discoloration |
| Avoid Lotions/Sunscreens | Stops chemical reactions with plating |
| Apply Products First | Ensures jewelry doesn't contact wet sprays |
| Remove Before Workout | Avoids reaction with sweat |
| Remove Before Water | Prevents moisture-induced tarnish |
| Store Separately & Dry | Reduces air exposure and friction |
By consistently applying these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your fake gold jewelry turning green and keep it looking better for longer.
