Gold-plated jewellery can be a more cost-effective and versatile alternative to solid gold jewellery. There are significant distinctions between the two, and you should do your research to determine which is best for you. Electroplating, of which gold-plating is a subset, is the application of a thin layer of gold to the surface of another metal. This technique is commonly used to create low-cost costume jewellery that gives the illusion of being made of solid gold.
How Is Gold Plating Done?
The first step in gold plating is to thoroughly clean and polish the object. The plater typically uses an acid or ultrasonic bath to clean the base metal before plating. After a thorough cleaning with steam or ultrasound, the piece is polished using a high-RPM rouge wheel.
The plater then applies a thin layer of nickel to the base metal after cleaning and polishing the surface. A “strike layer” or “flash layer” prevents the base metals from reaching the gold in the storage tanks below. Because the underlying metal can’t escape, the piece lasts much longer with the gold overlay.
A foundation coat can be applied now if desired. At last, the object is submerged in a solution of gold ions with a positive charge. A thin layer of gold is applied to the jewellery because its negative charge attracts the positively charged bits of gold.
Do Gold-plated Metals Fade Or Tarnish?
Yes, gold-plated metals will tarnish and fade more quickly than solid gold alloy. When not combined with harder metals, gold quickly wears down and becomes useless. The gold will not tarnish, but the layer protecting it will eventually wear away, exposing potentially tarnishable base metal.
Gold Plated Jewelry: What You Need To Know
Gold plating is commonly used in the production of low-priced costume jewellery. Pieces that would otherwise be out of reach due to cost can now be given the appearance of greater value thanks to the use of gold plating. Find out if gold-plated jewellery is right for you and all the details are right here.
How Much Is Gold-plated Jewelry Worth?
In most cases, gold-plated jewellery will be more cost-effective than its solid gold counterpart. However, its value is not likely to hold up well, so you won’t recoup much of your initial outlay if you decide to sell it later.
What To Look For In Gold Plated Jewelry?
You don’t need any special chemicals or testing equipment to determine if an item is gold-plated. For one, it will be less expensive than equivalent solid gold pieces. A logo or initials such as “GP,” “HGP,” “GEP,” or “HGE” may also be present. The hallmark may also reveal additional information about the gold layer, such as whether it is 14k gold, 18k gold, etc.
Since not all gold-plated jewellery must have hallmarks, a visual inspection is also necessary. Gold plating, as opposed to solid gold, can be identified by telltale signs such as uneven colouring, flaking metal, discoloration, or an unusually yellow brightness.
Is Gold-plated Jewelry Hypoallergenic?
Most gold-plated jewellery has a layer of nickel underneath the gold plating, and this nickel can irritate the skin if it wears away. Nickel and rhodium plating can be used to make white gold appear even whiter. Hypoallergenic jewellery, then, is strictly limited to gold plating made entirely of hypoallergenic alloys. If you wear a gold-plated necklace and earrings set and develop any kind of metal allergy, you should know this.
How Long Does Gold Plated Jewelry Last?
There are many variables that affect the longevity of a gold-plated item. However, regardless of the material, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your jewellery.
Tarnished gold-plated jewellery can be made to look better, but it cannot be repaired except by replating. An expert jeweller may be able to help you with this, but you should verify that they are familiar with repairing the underlying metal. Keep in mind that gold won’t rust, but the underlying metal could.
Your jewellery will last longer if you use it carefully and maintain it on a regular basis. If you follow the advice given below, you should be able to get a lot of use out of your items.
Care And Maintenance Advice For Gold-plated Jewellery
Taking good care of your gold-plated jewellery will extend its useful life. Here are some ways to maximise the worth of your collection:
To prevent your gold-plated jewellery like gold plated bracelet ring set from becoming tarnished, always wash your hands before putting it on or taking it off.
Keep your jewellery from scratching against anything. Surfaces, other jewellery, and fabrics that rub against your jewellery can speed up the process of flaking and wearing down the gold layer.
Don’t get anything oily or chemically treated near your gold jewellery.
Clean your jewellery on a regular basis with a mild liquid soap or a specialist jewellery cleaning solution.
When cleaning jewellery, don’t use brushing motions or abrasive chemicals.
When you take off your jewellery, wipe it down to get rid of oils, sweat, and makeup.
Before getting into chlorinated or salt water, remove your jewellery and put it somewhere secure.
Would You Be Wise To Buy Gold-plated Jewelry?
Buying gold-plated items has many benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks. Avoid gold-plated items unless you are certain they are made of hypoallergenic metals if you have metal sensitivities or allergies. Solid gold is the best bet if you want a fine jewelry for women to last a lifetime and beyond, perhaps even becoming a family heirloom.
However, gold-plated pieces can be a great compromise between price and variety if you’re a jewellery fan who likes to accessorise with a wide range of looks. Selecting jewellery that is both fashionable and affordable is essential. With proper maintenance, your furniture should last for many years and give you much pleasure.