Gold plated jewelry has become increasingly popular in recent years as an affordable alternative to solid gold pieces. But is gold plated jewelry really gold? How is it different from items made of pure gold? This article will uncover the truth about gold plated items, how they’re made, and their pros and cons compared to solid gold jewelry.
What is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry refers to items that have a thin layer of gold applied to the surface of a base metal underneath. This base metal is usually copper, brass, silver, or other inexpensive metal. Electroplating deposits a thin layer of gold onto the base item.
The gold layer is very thin, typically measured in microns. One micron is one-millionth of a meter. For comparison, a human hair is around 100 microns wide. So the gold plating is just a tiny fraction of the thickness of a hair!
This thin gold coating gives the item a gold appearance at a much lower cost compared to solid gold. The thickness of the layer can vary, but generally falls in the range of 0.05 to 2 microns. Thicker plating of 5 microns or more is considered “heavy gold plating”.
How is Gold Plated Jewelry Made?
Electroplating is the primary process used to make gold plated jewelry. The item to be plated is immersed in a gold plating solution along with a cathode and anode. When an electric current is applied, the gold in the solution forms a thin uniform coating over the item’s surface.
The item is prepared first by cleaning and polishing to create a smooth surface for plating. Intricate details and patterns can be plated this way to create a variety of gold plated jewelry designs.
Different base metals are used depending on the desired appearance and cost. Brass, copper, and silver are commonly plated. Nickel and zinc alloys are also options for the base metal.
24K pure gold is typically used for the plating solution. But 14K or 18K gold can also be used to cut costs while maintaining a bright gold color.
The Pros of Gold Plated Jewelry
Cost Savings
The biggest advantage of gold plated jewelry is it costs a fraction of solid gold pieces. You can get the desirable gold look without paying for solid gold. The base metal and thin layer of plating is far less expensive.
Attractive Look
Gold plated items have the shine and appeal of real gold. The plating can be applied smoothly and evenly to create an eye-catching finish. Gold’s warm glow and brilliance is maintained.
Versatility
A range of jewelry styles can be plated, from modern to classic designs. Different colors like rose gold and white gold plating are also options. This allows for versatile styling.
Hypoallergenic
Many people experience skin irritation from nickel used in costume jewelry. Gold plated items generally won’t cause this reaction, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Easy Maintenance
Gold plated jewelry is relatively easy to care for compared to pure gold. It can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals and abrasives should be avoided to prevent wearing down the thin plating.
The Cons of Gold Plated Jewelry
Not as Durable as Solid Gold
The biggest drawback is that the gold plating can wear off over time. As a very thin layer on the surface, it is less durable compared to solid gold jewelry. Day to day wear, exposure to chemicals in soaps and perfumes, and impacts can cause plating to fade.
Shorter Lifespan
The plating may only last 1-2 years with regular use. Eventually it will wear thin in spots exposing the base metal underneath. This gives it a much shorter lifespan vs. solid gold.
Lower Purity Than Solid Gold
Solid gold is available in various purities like 10K, 14K, 18K, etc. Gold plated items have plating that is close to 24K, but the base metal brings down the overall purity.
Lower Resale Value
Gold plated jewelry has little inherent resale value since gold is only a tiny plating layer. This makes it a poor investment compared to solid gold pieces.
Can Still Cause Reactions
While less common, some people can react to the metals underneath the plating. Solid gold is least likely to cause skin irritation.
Signs of Wear on Gold Plated Items
Here are some signs to watch for that indicate gold plated jewelry may be wearing thin:
- Visible fading, discoloration, or missing plating revealing base metal underneath
- Scratches penetrating through plating to the base metal
- Rougher, duller texture in spots where plating has thinned
- Tarnishing and loss of shine indicating oxidation of base metals
- Green or black discoloration due to oxidation under the plating
Heavily worn areas, edges, and joints often show wear first since these parts experience the most friction. Examining items carefully under good lighting shows early signs of wear.
How to Make Gold Plated Jewelry Last Longer
Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of gold plated jewelry:
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, perfume, hairspray which can interact with the plating. Take jewelry off before these exposures.
- Clean with mild soap and water only. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. For polishing, use a soft cloth.
- When storing, place in separate bags or compartments to prevent scratches and friction damage.
- Apply lotion and perfume first before putting on gold plated rings, bracelets, etc to keep chemicals away from metal.
- Take jewelry off before physical activities to prevent damage from impacts.
- Remove before showering or bathing to keep plating from interacting with soap chemicals.
- Have items replated periodically to restore thinning gold layer.
Is Gold Plated Jewelry a Good Value?
Gold plated jewelry provides the look and feel of gold at an affordable price point. It offers cost savings compared to solid gold. With proper care, gold plated items can last and look good for 1-2 years of regular use.
For inexpensive fashion jewelry worn occasionally, gold plating is a great value option. The plating provides beauty and versatility without a large upfront cost. It allows enjoying on-trend gold jewelry styles for less.
However, for fine jewelry worn daily or heirloom pieces meant to last decades, solid gold is worth the higher investment. Gold plated jewelry can’t match the purity, longevity, or resale value of solid gold fine jewelry.
Verdict: Gold Plated Jewelry Offers Temporary Gold Style
Gold plated jewelry is an appealing, budget-friendly alternative to solid gold. It offers eye-catching gold style that looks and feels luxurious. However, because the layer of gold is very thin, it does not have the lasting permanence or intrinsic value of gold fine jewelry. With care, gold plated items can maintain their beauty for a year or two before needing replacement. For temporary gold style on a budget, gold plated jewelry can be a good choice. But for investment and heirloom pieces, solid gold is more prudent.
