what is gold polished jewelry 2

When shopping for new pieces for your jewelry box, you’ll likely ask, “What is gold polished jewelry?” As a seemingly luxurious term for high-gloss gold pieces, it has a more unique definition than you’d think. This guide explores what gold polished jewelry is and the differences between brushed and traditional polish gold accessories.

What Is Gold Polished Jewelry?

Gold polished jewelry is not to be confused with polished gold jewelry. As its name suggests, this piece of jewelry is created by polishing a base metal with high-purity gold. It’s traditionally crafted using 24-karat gold 3N and applying the polish to another metal, typically a polished nickel underlay.

In many instances, the polished finish is 2µm thick, depending on what the piece is used for. Unlike real gold jewelry, the nickel underlay is used to create the base design, and the gold is applied on top. You’ll find that gold polished jewelry is a high-end way of describing gold plated jewelry.

Is Gold Polished Jewelry Luxury Quality?

There’s no doubt that a gold polished finish is beautiful and can resemble the prestigious finish of solid gold pieces. However, its integrity is nowhere near solid gold, causing its value to be significantly less. Remember, the base metal is typically nickel, a cheap and easily sourced material.

With that said, these gold items are not considered luxury quality but can look luxurious like real gold. Gold polishing can be a great choice if you’re on a budget and need a spectacular addition to pair with an outfit. Also, with proper maintenance, they can last a lifetime, helping them maintain their sparkle.

What Are the Properties of Polished Metal Jewelry?

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for jewelry is its list of properties. You’ll want to consider how easy it is to keep clean, its maintenance steps, and general durability. Let’s look at some of the most important things to know about gold polished pieces.

Durability

As mentioned, gold polishing isn’t as durable as solid gold. However, it does have a relatively high level of durability when appropriately worn and cared for. The most crucial factor to consider is the thickness of the polishing.

The thicker the gold plating or polishing, the more durable the jewelry. With that said, it’s best to find pieces that have more than 2µm worth of plating. Otherwise, you might find the polish wears down and could flake over time.

Cleaning

As with any other piece of jewelry you own, it’s best to remember cleaning gold polished jewelry should be done delicately. You’ll want to avoid astringents and harsh chemicals, as this can significantly affect the surface and base metals. Instead, clean your jewelry with warm water and mild dish soap.

Another fantastic tool to have when cleaning your favorite pieces is a jewelry polishing cloth. These pieces of cloth are crafted from high-end, soft materials. As you rub them along the surface, they remove oils, dirt, and grime without causing any scratches or other defects.

Scratch Resistance

One of the largest disadvantages to gold polished jewelry is its scratch resistance. The plated material is often softer since you’re not working with solid gold through and through. You can expect the metal to scratch the more often the piece is worn.

Much like durability, the thicker the plating, the less likely you’ll deal with scratches. However, thicker gold polished jewelry is often more expensive but could be worth the added investment. If you want a long-lasting accessory, always opt for thicker surface coatings.

Tarnishing

It’s common for jewelry lovers to be on the hunt for metals that never tarnish and maintain their original luster. With gold polished jewelry, you’ll have a 24K gold plating on the surface, a non-reactive substance. Over time, you’re not going to notice tarnishing as long as the surface gold layer remains intact.

With that said, this doesn’t mean that yellow gold polished jewelry is as strong as solid gold. Once the surface experiences any scratching or a loss of its sheen, its protective layer has likely worn down. In these instances, you may need to get the jewelry re-plated to return it to its original condition.

Coloring

Uniquely, polished gold jewelry comes in both yellow gold and white gold. White gold is often a more popular option, as the plating looks more modern than a yellow finish. Like yellow gold, white gold will glisten effortlessly with high-quality polishing, similar to platinum chains and other high-class accessories.

Gold Polished vs. Brushed Gold Finishes

There’s no doubt that yellow gold polished jewelry has a more traditional finish. It has the luster you would expect from a high-end piece, capturing the eye of everyone in a room. That said, brushed gold can often be preferred, especially regarding durability.

Let’s explore the difference between gold polished and brushed gold finishes.

Construction

Brushed gold and yellow gold polished pieces are crafted using two very different methods. With brushed gold, the jewelry is often made from solid gold and then buffed to get rid of its shine. Most jewelry stores will use a fine-grit belt, brushing it in one direction for a unidirectional satin finish.

Alternatively, polished finishes are designed to be bright and opulent. You’ll find companies will use a fast-spinning brush that brings out the natural luster of the material. Also, polishing compounds are typically applied to the surface to help boost its shininess.

Durability

Over time, gold polished pieces are more likely to show wear and tear than brushed gold jewelry. Wearing them daily can attract body oils and dirt, creating a dull layer. It’s also more common for gold polished jewelry to need cleanings than brushed gold to maintain its shiny layer.

Interestingly, the more you wear brushed gold jewelry, the more likely it’ll get shiny. The brushed gold surface can wear down when worn, exposing the under layers of shininess. However, it’s far more resistant to showing signs of wear, which makes it an excellent long-term investment.

It’s highly recommended you research quality cleaning methods to maintain your jewelry’s quality. A gold chain cleaner or gold concentrate can get rid of dirt while protecting the metal. Also, gold earring cleaner helps to disinfect and shine your accessories.

Style

If you’re the type of person that prefers subdued accessories, brushed yellow gold pieces can often be preferred. They stray away from the traditional shininess of gold and have a more subtle, contemporary flair. They are also known to hide scratches and typical signs of wear far better than polished pieces.

On the other hand, gold polished jewelry has a traditional style that will transcend through the ages. There’s nothing more timeless than a beautifully kept piece of polished jewelry. With proper maintenance, you can have an accessory that will last you years and years.

An Affordable Piece of Jewelry To Own

If you’re wondering, “What is gold polished jewelry?” the answer is simple, it’s much like gold-plated jewelry. With a remarkable shine and average durability, it’s an affordable option for jewelry lovers. As long as you protect and care for your jewelry, it can last a few years before showing signs of wear and tarnishing.

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