Not all gold-plated wire has the same protection. At KaZel, Johanny uses gold-plated wire with an additional clear polymer coating to help protect its finish and resist tarnishing.
That extra layer matters when you choose a piece you want to reach for again and again. Gold plating gives the wire its gold surface; the polymer coating helps protect that surface. Our wire has both.
Does gold-plated jewelry tarnish?
Gold-plated jewelry can dull, discolor or show wear over time. The underlying metal, the plating and the way a piece is worn all affect its appearance. Surface wear and tarnishing are different processes: rubbing can wear a finish away, while exposed metals can react with their surroundings.
Some gold-plated wire has an added protective coating; some does not. āGold-platedā by itself does not tell you whether that additional protection is present.
What makes KaZel's wire different from uncoated gold-plated wire?
Our gold-plated wire has an additional clear polymer coating. Uncoated gold-plated wire does not have that extra barrier over its plated surface.
The coating helps limit direct exposure of the finish to air, moisture and everyday handling. It adds protection while allowing Johanny to work fine wire into the woven patterns, curves and open shapes you see in her jewelry.
For you, the benefit is a finish designed to resist tarnishing and stay beautiful with thoughtful care. The protective coating supports the appearance of the wirework, so the detail you fell in love with remains something you can enjoy wearing.
This is a specific difference in construction, rather than a claim that every other maker uses uncoated wire. Other coated wires exist. When comparing jewelry, look for a description of the protective finish as well as the plating.
Protection that supports the artistry
Johanny treats fine wire much as she would thread. She can sew it through a structure, braid strands and use macramƩ techniques to build a pattern. In Alambrismo, those small connections become part of the design itself.
She chooses polymer-coated gold-plated wire that suits this handwork. Its thickness and temperāthe degree of hardnessāalso influence how it bends and holds its shape. The coating protects the finish; the choice of wire and Johanny's technique create the structure.
A pair Johanny still wears
Johanny still wears this pair, made in 2017. Their finish shows how well this wire can hold up with care. Every piece's appearance over time will depend on how it is worn and stored.
This pair is a personal example of lasting enjoyment, rather than a guarantee of an identical result for every wearer.
How does gold-filled jewelry compare?
Gold-filled and gold-plated describe the gold layer, while polymer-coated describes an additional protective finish. These labels answer different questions.
Gold-plated material has gold applied over another metal. Gold-filled material has a layer of karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. A 1/20 marking identifies a gold-alloy layer that accounts for one-twentieth of the metal's weight. Neither term means solid gold.
Gold-filled generally contains more gold than thin gold plating and offers greater resistance to surface wear. Our polymer coating does not turn gold-plated wire into gold-filled material or give it the same gold content. Its purpose is to add protection to the plated finish.
Our decorative gold wirework uses polymer-coated gold-plated wire. Some necklace designs use gold-filled chains, as specified in their individual product details.
What protection means for everyday care
The protective polymer coating helps preserve the wire's finish and resist tarnishing, so you can enjoy wearing your piece for years with thoughtful care. Scratches, repeated rubbing and harsh chemicals can affect that protection.
Keep the routine simple:
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Use a soft, dry brush to lift dust from fine wirework; avoid abrasive polishing cloths.
- Put jewelry on after perfume, lotion and hairspray. Remove it before showering, swimming or exercising.
- Store pieces separately in a dry place. Avoid soaking, chemical dips, steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
Care for the whole design, including its pearls and stones. A protective finish helps reduce maintenance; it does not make the piece waterproof or immune to wear.
And what about comfort?
Protection of the finish is one benefit. Wearing comfort also depends on weight, balance, shape and fastening. Our hypoallergenic earring posts and coated wire are selected with sensitive ears and skin in mind, but individual sensitivities vary.
Check each product's materials, weight and dimensions. If you react to a particular metal, contact us about the specific design before choosing it.
Look beyond the words āgold-platedā
When you compare wire jewelry, ask what protects its finish. With KaZel's decorative gold wirework, the answer is an additional clear polymer coating, paired with Johanny's handwork and care in construction.
Choose the shape and detail you want to wear, knowing why that protective layer is there. Explore our wire-wrapped earrings or gold necklaces, and read the materials listed for your chosen piece.
Designed and handcrafted by Johanny De Los Santos in our Florida studio.
