What is Gold-plated Jewelry? Meaning, Pros & Cons

Do you know what is gold-plated jewelry? In order to achieve the finished look of gold-plated jewelry, a metal is coated with a thin layer of gold using a process called “electroplating.”

Although much less expensive, gold-plated jewelry has the same appearance as real gold jewelry. We define gold plating in more detail below.

If you’re certain that your jewelry is gold plated, and are looking for the pros and cons of gold plated jewelry, and how to keep it clean, we’ve got some answers for you!

Table of Contents

What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?

A piece of jewelry is said to be gold plated if another metal, in this case liquid gold, is applied on top of the metal.

Gold-plated jewelry is much more affordable than items made of actual gold because of the thin layer of gold that covers it.

Pros of Gold-Plated Jewelry

There are many benefits of using gold-plated jewelry. Some of them are:

Affordability

Since this jewelry is made of alloy materials, it is significantly less expensive than jewelry made of solid gold. In fact, it tends to cost less than all other gold alternatives like brass, silver, etc.

Durability

Gold is fairly soft when it isn’t combined with other substances. As a result, gold jewelry is made by combining gold and alloy. With less alloy present, gold jewelry is more susceptible to damage. Since gold-plated jewelry is made of a base material that has been coated with gold, it is more durable than genuine gold.

Easy Accessibility

Finding real gold jewelry may be challenging in some locations. Although purchasing it online is a possibility, not everyone enjoys doing so. The availability of gold-plated jewelry is much easier. It is additionally offered online, in grocery stores, department stores, clothing stores, and jewelry stores.

Also Read: Can I Pawn Gold-plated Jewelry?

Cons of Gold-plated Jewelry

Along with several benefits, there are several downsides associated with gold-plated jewelry like:

Less Value

A significant disadvantage of gold-plated jewelry is that it is much less expensive than genuine gold jewelry. Gold-plated jewelry cannot be pawned, is challenging to sell for a comparable price, and does not appreciate in value in tandem with the price of gold.

Thin Coating

A thin layer of gold is frequently present on gold-plated jewelry. The underlying substance will become visible as it gradually deteriorates. When this happens, you’ll need to either buy a new one or pay to have it re-coated.

Allergens

It’s important to remember that a lot of jewelry with gold plating actually has a copper or nickel base. They both cause allergic reactions and have been linked to skin irritability. Avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry if you’ve ever experienced dermatitis, hives, or other similar symptoms.

What is the Difference Between Gold Plated and Gold Filled?

The primary distinction between gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry is the thickness of the gold coating in gold-filled jewelry, which makes it more durable.

If you want to buy gold jewelry, you need to know the differences between solid gold, gold-plated, and gold-filled jewelry. Unlike gold-plated and gold-filled jewelry, which have gold exterior layers, solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold.

Furthermore, there are only a few simple steps in the straightforward process of gold plating. The surface of the metal that will be plated, also known as the base metal, must first be carefully cleaned. The base metal’s oil or dust will hinder the gold coating from effectively adhering with it. After that, jewelers apply a nickel coating to the base metal. As a result, the gold coating is more shielded from the base metal. The jewelry is then placed in gold-filled vessels, where a positive electrical charge is used to fuse the gold layer to the metal. Once the gold coating is thick enough, the jewelry is dried.

How Do I Keep My Gold-plated Jewelry Beautiful?

Several factors affect how long your gold-plated jewelry remains stunning. An illustration would be the gold plating’s thickness or outside factors like rain or even oxygen. You should be careful when handling and taking care of your jewelry. Below we share some tips, so that you keep your jewelry beautiful:

When taking a shower, swimming, or washing your hands, remove any gold-plated jewelry. The gold plating is very sensitive to water and chlorine
If you come into contact with chemical products, such as detergent or washing-up liquid, take off your jewelry and do not put it back on until your hands are dry
When applying perfume or hairspray, remove your jewelry. Additionally, remove them if you use lotion or (sunscreen) cream!
Take off your gold plated jewelry while exercising. Sweat has a negative effect on the gold plating and its colour.

Conclusion on What is Gold-plated Jewelry

Gold jewelry can make any outfit look elegant and refined! You should know what is gold-plated jewelry now.

There is nothing better than purchasing gold-plated jewelry online if you want to stand out with an elegant appearance at an event without going over budget. On the internet, you can find a ton of gold-plated jewelry retailers offering fantastic discounts.

What is Gold Plated Jewelry Made Of?

Gold-plated jewelry is a brass, copper, or low-end metal electroplated with a layer of gold.

How Long Does Gold-plated Jewelry Last?

Generally, gold-plated jewelry will last anywhere from several months to a few years, 2 years on average, depending on how often it is worn and how well it is taken care of.

Does Gold Plated Jewelry Tarnish?

However, just like solid gold jewellery, gold-plated jewellery can tarnish if not cared for properly.