Gold plated jewelry has become an increasingly popular option for those looking for the luxurious look of gold without the high price tag. But how much does it actually cost to make gold plated jewelry? The cost to make gold plated jewelry can vary depending on several factors such as the base metal used, the thickness of the gold coating, and the complexity of the design.
What is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is made by bonding a thin layer of gold to the surface of a base metal through a process called electroplating. This gives the jewelry a gold finish and appearance while keeping costs lower than solid gold jewelry.
Some key facts about gold plated jewelry:
- The gold plating is typically measured in microns or millionths of a meter. Common plating thicknesses range from 5-50 microns.
- The base metal is often brass, but can also be stainless steel, sterling silver, copper, or other metals.
- The gold plating is not permanent. It will eventually wear off over time with regular use.
- Gold plated jewelry will not have the same resale value as solid gold jewelry.
Factors That Impact Cost
Several factors contribute to the overall cost and price of having jewelry gold plated. These include:
Base Metal
The base metal makes up the majority of the gold plated jewelry piece. Less expensive metals like brass keep costs lower. More expensive metals like sterling silver raise the base price. Here are common base metals and their relative costs:
- Brass – Inexpensive, from $2-$10 per jewelry item
- Stainless Steel – Moderate, from $10-$30 per jewelry item
- Sterling Silver – Expensive, from $30-$100 per jewelry item
Thickness of Gold Plating
The thicker the layer of gold plating, the more gold is used in the process and the higher the cost. Typical gold plating thickness ranges from 5 to 50 microns. To put this into perspective:
- 5 microns is very thin and will wear off more quickly. Jewelry costs are lower.
- 10 microns provides good durability for daily wear jewelry.
- 20 microns is a moderate thickness that provides even longer wear.
- 50 microns is considered heavy plating, but also higher cost.
At the lower end, expect to pay $20 more for 5 micron plating up to $100 more for 50 micron plating.
Design Complexity
The complexity of the jewelry design also impacts the difficulty and time required for plating. Intricate filigree patterns, engraved areas, and textured surfaces make the plating process more challenging. This can increase the plating labor costs by $20 to $100 per jewelry piece.
Simple smooth designs are quicker to plate while detailed patterns take longer. Handset stones and engraving also add effort and costs for hand masking areas before plating.
Additional Jewelry Features
Other features like gemstones, engraving, enameling or decorative techniques will add to the base cost of gold plated jewelry. These features require additional time, labor, and materials:
- Gemstones – $5-$500+ per stone depending on type
- Engraving – $20-$100+ depending on intricacy
- Enameling – $50-$150+ per jewelry item
- Filigree – $20-$50+ for intricate patterns
Price Ranges
Taking into account the different factors above, here are some typical price ranges for custom gold plated jewelry:
- Simple gold plated rings or pendants – $50 to $150
- Gold plated bracelets or necklaces – $100 to $300
- Gold plated earrings – $75 to $200
- More complex or engraved jewelry – $200 to $500
- Jewelry with gemstones – $300+
There are also economy options for very inexpensive gold plated jewelry from overseas manufacturers. This often has thinner plating around 5 microns. You can find this type of jewelry from $5 to $50 on sites like AliExpress and Alibaba. Quality and durability are lower, but so is the price.
Tips for the Best Value
To get the best bang for your buck with gold plated jewelry, keep these tips in mind:
- Select a simple, smooth design without a lot of detail for the most affordable option. Intricate patterns will increase the cost.
- Go for a moderately thick 10-20 micron gold plating to find a good balance between durability and price.
- Choose brass as the base metal if cost is the most important factor. Sterling silver will look nicer but also costs more.
- Buy gold plated jewelry from a reputable designer, jeweler, or boutique for better quality control and materials.
- Clean and store gold plated jewelry properly to extend the lifespan of the plating. Avoid submerging in water.
- Look for sales around the holidays to save on gold plated pieces. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often have good deals.
Caring for Gold Plated Jewelry
While gold plated jewelry has a lower upfront cost than solid gold, it requires some care to maintain its shine and extend the life of the plating. Here are some tips:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to water, like swimming or bathing with your jewelry on. The chlorine or soap can wear down the plating faster.
- When cleaning, use a soft cloth or jewelry polishing cloth. Avoid harsh jewelry cleaners or chemicals.
- Store pieces separately, not touching, in a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
- Remove gold plated jewelry before physical activities like exercising, gardening, cleaning, etc. to prevent damage from impacts.
- Avoid overpolishing gold plated jewelry when cleaning. The friction can gradually erode the thin layer of gold.
- Take gold plated jewelry to a jeweler for periodic replating once the gold finish begins wearing down. This costs around $40-$100.
Common Questions
How long does gold plated jewelry last?
With proper care and maintenance, gold plated jewelry can last 1-3 years before needing replating. Thinner plating around 5 microns will wear fastest, while heavy plating above 20 microns can last 5+ years.
Is gold plated jewelry good quality?
Gold plated jewelry can be good quality when produced by reputable manufacturers with attention to detail in the plating process. While not as durable as solid gold, plated gold provides a luxurious gold finish at an accessible price point.
Can gold plated jewelry turn your skin green?
Skin discoloration from wearing gold plated jewelry is uncommon, but possible if low-quality materials are used. Look for nickel-free gold plated pieces to avoid potential skin reactions. Higher karat gold plating is also less likely to cause issues.
Does gold plated jewelry fade?
Yes, the gold plating will gradually fade and wear down over time with regular wear and exposure to water, lotions, chemicals, etc. Higher micron plating will maintain its shine and color longer before needing replated.
Can you solder gold plated jewelry?
It’s not recommended. The heat from soldering can damage, burn off, or discolor the thin gold plating around the soldered area. For repairs, it’s best to replace any damaged gold plated parts entirely.
The Bottom Line
Gold plated jewelry allows you to achieve a stylish gold finish at an affordable cost. When produced properly, gold plated pieces can be good quality and offer value for money. Focus on well-made jewelry with quality plating thickness, materials, and design details to get the best bang for your buck. With proper care and maintenance, gold plated jewelry can stay beautiful for many years of wear.
