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GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY, THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
For a long time, gold has been a precious core metal which is not only used in different industries but also one of the safe investment tools in the majority of people and cultures. Particularly in the field of jewelry industry, gold jewelry is said to work well with all types of outfits, allow both men and women look elegant in events from contemporary to traditional. However, the only problem with gold is that it costs more than other types of metal jewelry. This is why not many people can afford real gold jewelry. But there is a viable option to overcome this problem – gold-plated jewelry. This type of jewelry imitates real gold but comes at much lower price.
Many people cannot tell what is different between real gold and gold-plated jewelry, does gold-plated jewelry tarnish over time and which, etc. you will get the answers in this post.
GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY, ARE THEY FAKE?
No, gold-plated does not mean fake. Gold-plated jewelry uses the same gold for its golden layer as solid gold jewelry. At PNJP, we mostly use 18K and 22K solid gold for the layer dependent on the gold color that is asked by different markets.
The only difference between gold-plated and solid gold jewelry is that solid gold is made entirely of gold and alloys, while gold-plated jewelry has a metal base that is covered in gold.
However, even though the plating layer of gold-plated is real gold, there is one problem which may lead to the false notion of gold-plated jewelry being fake which is the plating thickness.
Micron is the unit of measurement for plating thickness. Dependent on the demand of different markets, PNJP is manufacturing gold plated jewelry pieces from thinnest 0.5 micron to thickest 3.0 micron.
Keep it in mind that the thicker the layer is, the more resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and fading. If it’s only 0.5 to 1.5 microns, it won’t be as durable. Additionally, if the gold plating is too thin, it will tarnish and fade quickly, giving the impression of non-precious metal made or fake gold.
WHAT IS GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY?
For gold-plated jewelry pieces, it involves gold plating. This is a process where a thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal.
What metals can be gold plated? There are various base metals of which gold-plated jewelry can be made: nickel, brass, stainless steel, copper and silver. The real gold layer will cover the base metal, seal it and protect it from all external elements.
PNJP is only working with 925 sterling silver as core material for our gold-plated jewelry with nickel and lead-free to make sure the gold-plated pieces are not easily oxidized fast as well as does not cause any allergies.
HOW LONG DOES GOLD PLATED JEWELRY LAST?
The answer is: “It depends.”
Gold plating is made to be permanent thanks to the extensive processes of creation it goes through. However, just like all types of plating, it needs to be protected from rough handling and exposure to elements and chemicals.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GOLD-PLATED PIECES?
As said, the lifespan of gold-plated jewelry depends on the thickness of the gold layer and how you take care of it. The jewelry can tarnish or even fade away without proper care.
Just as a reminder, these metals, including gold in solid-gold jewelry, are reactive to chemicals. So even solid gold can turn black or lose its shine if you apply perfume to it or certain chemicals from makeup, chlorine from pool water, or salt water.
Try to avoid exposure to salt water, sun (UV lights) and chemicals and you will have your gold-plated jewelry pieces last over years.
FINAL WORDS
We hope we were able to answer your question, “Does gold-plated mean fake?” and help you understand the difference between solid gold and gold plating and the different types of gold-plated jewelry.
Gold-plated jewelry is a tremendous alternative because it looks exactly like real gold but does not cost a fortune.
However, be reminded to pay attention to the plating thickness as well as take proper care of your gold-plated jewelry to extend its lifespan as much as possible.