What gold looks more yellow?

What looks like gold, but doesn't Oxidize?

• Here is the skinny! I am making my own charm bracelets because I honestly haven’t seen anything that has stricken my fancy lately in stores. Now, I bought this cheap metal chain for my bracelet. It was gold coloured and beautiful when I first made my bracelet—NOW it’s become oxidized just from wearing it for a week!! So, I went to my local jewelry making store and the only thing the man had that wouldn’t oxidize was “gold filled” chain, which was 46 dollars a foot!! I asked him if he had anything that looked like it was gold, but didn’t oxidized that quickly and he told me no. Granted he only specialized in beads. So this is why I am writing this question. Maybe there is someone out there who can tell me what kind of metal to use that looks like gold, but don’t cost as much and doesn’t oxidize. Thanks a Bunch!

• Answer:

  It depends. I'm a jewelry maker, so I can sort of tell you what happened. You probably bought a chain that was gold colored, but it was sterling silver or some other metal underneath. If you want the look of yellow gold, I'm afraid the only substitute for a pure yellow gold chain would be gold over sterling silver, which will still cost a lot. Sterling silver and most metals oxidize and tarnish, which is why they need to be kept in special bags to keep the metal from oxidizing. I can recommend stainless steel because it won't oxidize, but it will still cost a bit. Where in nyc do you live and what shop did you buy the chain from? I could probably tell you if he was just trying to get a bigger sale from you or not. (I live in nyc, too.) feel free to email me with anything else you'd like to ask.