The Truth About Gold Plated Jewelry

Gold plated jewelry is a trendy and affordable alternative to gold jewelry, allowing consumers to enjoy the beauty of gold jewelry at a normal purchase price and offering a variety of styles. In this process, a thin layer of gold is plated on a base metal (usually copper, brass or sterling silver) to make it perfectly adhere to the metal jewelry. This technique gives fashion jewelry a luxurious golden look while keeping costs low, which can well control your jewelry brand or jewelry store’s budget. However, gold-plated jewelry has a much thinner layer of gold than pure gold jewelry, which means it will wear away with wear and over time.

Different Types of Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry has many color options, but it is usually plated with 18k gold, rose gold, or white gold; there are many ways to plate gold, depending on the underlying metal and the thickness of the gold layer. The thicker the thickness, the longer the color retention period. Here, we focus on popular gold-plated jewelry, such as gold vermeil jewelry, gold filled jewelry, and simple gold-plated items.

Gold Vermeil Jewelry

This type uses a pure silver base and a thicker gold coating, usually at least 2.5 microns thick. Vermeil jewelry is usually higher quality and more durable than standard gold plated jewelry.

Gold Filled Jewelry

Gold filled jewelry is known for its high quality and high-end, and the coating thickness depends on the weight of the corresponding product (according to US standards, the gold filled layer accounts for at least 5% of the weight of the product). Generally, the cost of gold filled jewelry is cheaper than pure gold jewelry, but it is more expensive than gold vermeil jewelry and gold plated jewelry. More jewelry brands use it for custom high-end jewelry.

Gold Plated Jewelry

This type of gold layer is very thin and inexpensive, but it is more prone to wear and tarnishing. If you are pursuing fashionable styles and daily matching, and you want to choose gold jewelry, then gold plated jewelry will be a perfect winner.

Drawbacks of Gold-Plated Jewelry

Although gold-plated jewelry is affordable and beautiful, it also has some corresponding disadvantages. The thin layer of gold can easily cause wear and tear, especially for jewelry worn every day, exposing the base metal underneath, which can cause allergies for some people with sensitive skin. Skin acidity, water, and exposure to chemicals, such as perfumes and lotions, can also speed up the process.

Q&A About Gold Plated Jewelry

Sample Questions and Answers:

How long does gold-plated jewelry last?

Generally, the lifespan of gold-plated jewelry is not a very stable period, ranging from a few months to a few years, depending on factors such as the thickness of the gold layer, the base metal, and how it is maintained.

How should I care for gold-plated jewelry?

Avoiding moisture, chemicals, and rough surfaces can extend the life of gold-plated jewelry. It is recommended to remove jewelry before showering, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes.

Can I re-plate gold-plated jewelry?

Yes, re-plating is a common service provided by jewelers to restore the appearance of worn jewelry. It is usually affordable and can make your beloved jewelry last longer.

Why is gold-plated jewelry so much cheaper than solid gold jewelry?

Gold-plated jewelry requires much less gold than solid gold jewelry or gold-filled jewelry, making it more affordable. The cost depends largely on the amount of gold and base metal used.