Gold Plated vs Gold Plated – What's the Difference?
Many confuse the terms gold-plated and gilded - and that is completely understandable. But the difference actually makes a lot of sense both price, durability and how to care for your jewellery. Here you get a straightforward explanation, so you can easily choose the one that best suits you and your budget.
What does gold plated mean?
A gold-plated piece of jewelery has a layer of real gold on top of another metal – often sterling silver. The layer can be anything from quite thin to thick, and you often see designations such as 18k gold-plated silver, where the carat number tells how pure the gold is.
How is it produced?
The most common method is electroplating, where gold is applied using electricity. It provides an even, smooth surface. If you want a thicker coating, the process takes longer and requires more gold.
Advantages and disadvantages of gold plating
Advantages:
- Real gold look and warm glow
- Often high quality – especially if the base is sterling silver
- More durable if the coating is thick
Disadvantages:
- The layer can wear off over time
- Requires careful handling
- Not the same lifespan as solid gold
What does gold plated mean?
Gold-plated is often used as a more general term for jewelery with a thin layer of gold. It is the affordable way to a piece of jewelery that looks like real gold – but with a shorter lifespan. Perfect for those who want to follow the trend without investing too much.
Typical base materials
Brass, copper or other metals are often used here. The advantage is the price, but the disadvantage can be that the jewelery loses its color more quickly if the coating wears out. Therefore, the quality of matters both the base and the coating somewhat for how long the piece of jewelery will last.
Gold-plated vs Gold-plated - which lasts better?
Durability
The thickness of the gold layer (measured in microns) is decisive. The thicker the layer, the longer it lasts. Gold-plated sterling silver – which resembles what is called vermeil – is typically more durable than gilding on cheaper metals.
Appearance
Both have the same gold glow, but a gold-plated piece of jewelery in, for example, 18 carat often takes on a slightly warmer, richer colour. Gold-plated jewelery can lose its luster faster if the layer is very thin.
Price
Gold-plated jewelery is usually on the cheap end. Slightly higher quality gold-plated ones are more expensive, but it's often worth it if you want something that will last more than one season.
Materials and carats – what do 18k, 24k and sterling silver mean?
- 18k / 24k: Shows the purity of the gold. 24 carat is completely pure and therefore very yellow, while 18k is more durable and has a slightly softer color.
- Sterling silver: A popular base because it provides a stable and neat surface. Used especially in quality coatings such as vermeil.
- Brass or copper: A cheaper choice, but the metals can react with the skin if the gold layer wears away.
What type of jewelry lasts the longest?
Necklaces and earrings in gold-plated sterling silver typically last the best. Rings wear out faster because they are in daily contact with hands, water and surfaces.
How much does gold-plated jewelry typically cost?
The price depends both base and coating thickness. The cheapest models are at the low end and are often gold-plated. Gold-plated sterling silver jewelery costs a little more, but offers a noticeable leap in quality.
How to care for your gold-plated and gold-plated jewellery
Proper care makes a big difference to how long the jewelery keeps its shine.
Daily care
- Remove jewelery before bathing, swimming and exercising
- Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions and cleaning agents
- Wipe lightly with a soft cloth after use
Cleaning and storage
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water if necessary - and dry immediately afterwards
- Avoid toothpaste and harsh cleaning agents
- Store the jewelry separately in a bag or box to prevent scratching
Repair and replating
If the coating is worn, you can have the jewelery coated again at a jeweller. It rarely costs much and can give your favorite piece of jewelery new life.
When should you choose gold-plated and when is gilding enough?
- Select gold plated, if you want a piece of jewelery that lasts longer and feels more exclusive
- Select gilded, if you are looking for a fashionable piece of jewelery at a good price
- If you have delicate skin, gold-plated over sterling silver is usually the safest choice
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a piece of jewelery is gold plated?
A thin layer of real gold is applied to another metal or silver. The thickness and karat determine how it looks and how long it lasts.
What is the difference between gold plated and gilded?
Gold-plated typically has a thinner layer of cheaper metals, while gold-plated is often a bit stronger and layered on top of sterling silver.
Is gold plated jewelry real gold?
No, only the coating is gold. But it gives you the look and feel of gold at a much lower price.
How long does gold-plated jewelry last?
It can vary from six months to several years - depending on the coating and how you look after them.
Can you bathe with gold-plated jewellery?
It is not recommended. Water, soap and chlorine corrode the surface and cause the coating to disappear faster.
How do you clean and care for gold-plated jewellery?
Wipe them with a soft cloth. Use possibly mild soap and water, but avoid chemicals and hard brushes.
Which jewelery loses its color the fastest - gold-plated or gold-plated?
Gold-plated jewelry usually loses its luster more quickly, especially if it is made of brass or copper. Gold-plated silver stays nice for a longer time.
Find your style in gold look
Not sure what suits you best? Contact our customer service or explore our range of gold-plated and gold-plated jewellery. We are happy to help you find the quality and color that matches your style.