Gold plated jewelry has become an option for those looking to add glamorous gold accessories to their wardrobe on a budget. But why exactly is gold plated jewelry so much more affordable than solid gold jewelry?

The lower price point of gold plated pieces compared to their solid gold counterparts can be attributed to several key factors related to how these two types of jewelry are made. By understanding the manufacturing processes and gold content differences between gold plated and solid gold jewelry, it becomes clear why plated gold provides that sought-after gold shine at a fraction of the cost.

Why Solid Gold Jewelry Is More Expensive

In contrast to gold plated pieces, solid gold jewelry is constructed from gold alloyed with other precious metals like silver, copper, and zinc to increase its durability. The gold content of solid gold jewelry typically ranges from 10K to 24K. The karat measurement indicates the purity of the gold, with 24K representing 100% pure gold.

To create solid gold jewelry, gold is first melted down and mixed with alloying metals to reach the desired karat. This purified gold alloy is then manufactured into jewelry using various fabrication techniques. The entire piece is made from this valuable gold blend, rather than just having a plating on the surface.

The amount of pure gold in solid gold jewelry results in a significantly higher intrinsic value and price. Even at lower 14K or 18K gold levels, solid gold pieces have a much higher gold content than the micron-thin plating of gold over base metals in gold plated jewelry.

Key Differences Between Production Costs

There are a few vital differences between how gold plated and solid gold jewelry is made that contribute to the vast pricing variations.

Amount of Gold Used

The biggest factor in the lower cost of gold plated jewelry is the miniscule amount of gold used compared to solid gold pieces. With such a microscopic layer of gold atoms applied, just a few ounces of gold can coat thousands of gold plated jewelry pieces. In comparison, solid gold jewelry requires significantly more gold to construct an entire piece at the desired karat purity.

Base Metal Costs

Gold plated jewelry utilizes inexpensive base metals like brass, copper, and silver to compose the core of the piece before the gold plating is applied. These base metals have much lower inherent costs than precious metals like gold. Solid gold jewelry has higher material expenses because it must be alloyed from precious metals to create durable, long-lasting karat gold alloys.

Manufacturing Process Efficiency

The process of electroplating gold onto base metals is less time and labor intensive compared to forming jewelry from solid gold alloy. Gold plated pieces can be plated then quickly assembled. Solid gold jewelry requires careful alloy preparation, melting, molding, casting, soldering, polishing, and finishing – adding to the overall production costs.

Customization and Design Intricacy

The molding and shaping process used for making solid gold jewelry allows for intricate, customized designs. Gold plated jewelry design options are more limited since the base pieces must be able to conduct electricity to allow for plating. The extra time and skilled craftsmanship required for detail-oriented solid gold also drives the costs up.

How Base Metals Impact Gold Plated Jewelry Costs

Not all gold plated jewelry has the same price tag. The base metal used underneath the plating can also influence the overall cost of the final pieces. Some common base metals include:

Brass

Brass is one of the most popular base metals for gold plated jewelry due to its affordability and ability to create detailed designs. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass provides an ideal surface for bonding gold plating. Gold over brass provides a warm, golden shine for an attractive look.

Copper

Copper has an appealing natural golden-pink hue that coordinates well with gold plating. As an affordable, electrically conductive metal, copper is a convenient base for gold plated jewelry. The combination of copper with a gold coating results in durable, radiant jewelry.

Silver

Silver is a precious metal that is more expensive than copper or brass. But because less silver is required under gold plating, it can still be used affordably. Silver enhances the shine of the gold plating with its reflective properties. Gold over silver creates jewelry with a bright, light gold color.

Nickel

Nickel provides a smooth, hypoallergenic surface for gold plating and costs less than precious metals like silver. However, it can cause tarnishing under the gold layer over time. Nickel is commonly combined with brass in an affordable nickel-brass alloy base.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is sometimes used as a base metal for gold plated jewelry that requires extra hardness and durability. But stainless steel is more challenging to plate evenly and is less conductive. This makes it one of the less common base metal options, so gold over stainless steel will have a higher price tag.

Factors That Impact Gold Plated Jewelry Costs

While gold plated jewelry is dramatically more affordable than solid gold in general, prices can still vary widely depending on these other factors:

Labor Costs

Gold plated pieces that require more manufacturing steps, time, craftsmanship, and attention to detail will increase the labor costs involved in producing the jewelry. More complex designs require additional shaping, soldering, and tooling expertise. Handmade artisan pieces will be priced higher than mass-produced ones.

Plating Thickness

On average, most gold plated jewelry has a plating thickness between 5-50 microns. But some specialized jewelry may have a thicker plating up to 100 microns, which will contain a higher gold content and therefore cost more. Minimum plating levels are enforced to ensure durability.

Karat of Plating

For a higher perceived value, some gold plated jewelry will use plating alloys with higher gold purity. 18K and 22K gold platings will appear richer but cost more than lower 14K gold plating. The karat denotes the gold content purity in the plating blend.

Brand Reputation

Well-known jewelry brands can demand higher prices for their gold plated pieces than generic manufacturers. Consumers expect higher standards and are willing to pay extra for a brand with a reputation for quality plating and excellent craftsmanship.

Origin Country

Gold plated jewelry manufactured in countries with higher labor costs and standards of living will tend to have higher price points. For example, a piece made in the USA will often be priced higher than one plated overseas.

Design Complexity

Gold plated items with intricate filigree patterns, gemstone accents, engraving, embossing, cutouts, hinged parts, etc. require extra manufacturing steps and skills which increase the pricing. Simple gold plated pieces tend to be more budget-friendly.

Plating Durability

High quality gold plating processes allow for hard, long-lasting plating. Lower grade plating can wear down quickly with regular use. The extra steps required to ensure a durable plating that resists tarnishing and wear will raise costs.

Benefits of Choosing Gold Plated Jewelry

Despite the low price, gold plated jewelry comes with many excellent benefits that make it a great jewelry choice:

Glamorous Gold Look

Even with just a microscopic layer, gold plating gives jewelry a lustrous and radiant gold shine for an elegant, opulent look. The plating allows anyone to accessorize with stylish gold jewelry.

Great Value for Money

Gold plated jewelry provides the appearance and feel of gold for only a fraction of what solid gold costs. Consumers can get far more for their budget with gold plated pieces.

Wide Range of Styles

Gold plating can be applied to all different jewelry designs and base metals. This allows for endless creative styles from modern to vintage. Gold plated offers flexibility in jewelry choices rather than being limited by high solid gold costs.

Low Maintenance

Provided the plating is high-quality and durable, gold plated jewelry requires minimal special care. It can be cleaned and stored like regular jewelry without risk of damage compared to delicate solid gold.

No Allergy Issues

The base metals used for gold plated jewelry like brass, copper, stainless steel, etc. do not cause allergic reactions for most wearers like nickel. Solid gold alloys sometimes contain nickel.

Unique Looks

Layering gold plated rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. allows you to create customized mixed metal looks that combine gold with silver or rose gold plating. These unique style combinations aren’t possible with solid gold.

Caring for Gold Plated Jewelry

While gold plated jewelry doesn’t require extensive maintenance, following these basic care tips can help keep your pieces looking shiny and new for longer:

Avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals like perfume, hairspray, chlorine, and cleaning products which can damage the plating over time.
When not being worn, store gold plated jewelry in a soft fabric pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Clean regularly with a gentle jewelry polishing cloth to keep the gold finish bright and prevent buildup of dirt and grime.
Avoid having gold plated jewelry come in contact with other metals or jewelry to prevent surface scratching. The plating is softer than other alloys.
Remove gold plated rings, bracelets, and other jewelry before doing housework, yardwork, exercising, swimming or other activities that could cause dents, chips, or excessive wear.
Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or jewelry steamers on gold plated pieces which can loosen the plating bond over time. Use soft cloth cleaning instead.

Is Gold Plated Jewelry a Wise Investment?

For those shopping for gold jewelry strictly as an investment, solid gold is the better option. Solid gold jewelry pieces will always have inherent resale value close to the current price of gold bullion. They can be melted down and re-cast into new designs.

Gold plated jewelry has very little scrap metal value because of the negligible gold content. Most gold plated pieces have no guaranteed resale value. The plating may wear down over time, leaving little gold left.

However, for shoppers who prioritize affordability and fashionable style over investment value, gold plated jewelry can be a smart purchase. The ability to stay on trend with the latest jewelry looks for under $100 per piece makes gold plated a far wiser “investment” for the average consumer’s fashion jewelry collection than pricier solid gold.

Gold Plated Jewelry Provides Glamour on a Budget

Gold plated jewelry makes it possible for everyone to expand their accessories collection with eye-catching gold pieces without having to overspend. Compared to solid gold, gold plated jewelry features just a microscopic layer of gold applied over inexpensive base metals, keeping costs low. While not as intrinsically valuable as solid gold, gold plated jewelry’s affordability, beauty, and design versatility give consumers around the world the ability to stay on-trend while sticking to their budgets. So next time you’re looking to add some new golden glamour to your wardrobe, don’t overlook the stylish possibilities of gold plated jewelry.

References

Saji, V.S., & Riedel, R. (2018). Electroplating and electroless plating. In Materials Science and Engineering of Carbon: Characterization (pp. 293-316). Butterworth-Heinemann.
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. (n.d.). Gold plating. From http://www.assayofficelondon.co.uk/help-with-hallmarking/guidance-notes/gold-plating.html
Christie, A. (2018). Why is solid gold so expensive compared to plated gold? Retrieved from https://jewelrynotes.com/why-is-solid-gold-so-expensive-compared-to-plated-gold/
International Jewelry Association. (n.d.). How gold-plated jewelry is made. Retrieved from https://myjewelersclub.com/pages/how-gold-plated-jewelry-is-made
The Natural Sapphire Company. (2013). Gold-plated jewelry care guide. Retrieved from https://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/education/gold-plated-jewelry-care-guide/