Platinum is often touted as a durable and long-lasting precious metal, but does this hold true for platinum plating as well? Many people believe that anything coated with platinum is impervious to tarnishing or wear, but this is not always the case. In fact, platinum-plated jewelry can tarnish and even cause discoloration on the skin if the plating is too thin or worn away.
The Truth About Platinum Plating
Platinum plating is a process where a thin layer of platinum is applied to a base metal, such as silver or copper, to give it the appearance and properties of platinum at a lower cost. However, this plating is not as durable as solid platinum and can wear off over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to chemicals, water, and sweat.
When the platinum plating wears off, it can expose the base metal underneath, which may tarnish or cause skin discoloration. This is because the base metal is not as resistant to oxidation and corrosion as platinum.
Factors That Affect Platinum Plating Durability
Several factors can influence how long platinum plating lasts, including:
Thickness of the plating: Thicker plating generally lasts longer than thinner plating.
Frequency of wear: Jewelry worn daily will experience more wear and tear than jewelry worn occasionally.
Exposure to chemicals and water: Frequent exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products, and water can accelerate the wear of the plating.
Proper care and maintenance: Gently cleaning and storing platinum-plated jewelry can help extend the life of the plating.
It’s important to note that while platinum plating can be durable, it is not as long-lasting as solid platinum. Over time, the plating will wear off, and the jewelry may need to be re-plated or replaced.