When shopping for new gold jewelry, you might think all gold jewelry is the same (gold is gold, right?). Not quite. While all types of gold jewelry contain some gold, gold jewelry can refer to jewelry made from solid gold, gold alloys, gold-filled jewelry, gold vermeil or gold-plated jewelry. Let’s take a closer look at gold-plated jewelry, known for its budget-friendly beauty.
What does gold-plated mean?
Gold-plated jewelry is jewelry in which a base layer (typically of lower quality, less durable metals, such as copper or brass) is coated with a thin layer of gold using a process known as electroplating. The exterior gold plating gives the piece a lustrous appearance and adds a layer of durability.
Solid gold jewelry, consisting of pure gold or a gold alloy, tends to be more expensive due to its higher gold content. Since many people cannot distinguish between solid gold and gold-plated jewelry at first glance, gold-plated jewelry provides an affordable alternative if you want a gold-like look without breaking the bank.
There are a few specifications that define gold-plated jewelry. First, the gold plating must be at least seven millionths of an inch thick (that’s quite thin!). The gold plating must also be at least 10-karat gold (41.7% gold). Thicker plating may result in a more durable piece that tarnishes more slowly, but it's also generally pricier due to the increased gold content. Thinner gold plating may tarnish more quickly, affecting the appearance and exposing the base metal beneath, potentially irritating those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
How to know if your jewelry is gold-plated
Identifying types of gold jewelry can be difficult, especially if you’re not a jeweler. Here are a few methods that can help you narrow down the type of gold jewelry you’re viewing:
- Hallmarks and stamps: Jewelers often stamp their pieces with markings such as “14K” or “18K” to indicate the gold content. For gold-plated jewelry, you might see stamps such as “GP” or “G.P.” An "18K GP" stamp does not mean the piece is 18K gold; instead, it means the item is made of a base metal that is plated with 18K gold. Look for these stamps on the clasp of bracelets or necklaces or the inside of a ring band.
- Magnetic testing: While not a foolproof method, magnetic testing can initially identify (or rule out) gold-plated jewelry. Since gold is not magnetic, solid gold pieces won’t be attracted to a magnet, while gold-plated pieces may be if the base metal is magnetic. However, it’s important to note that gold alloys with lower gold content (such as 10K gold), which may contain more magnetic metals like iron or nickel, can still exhibit magnetic properties.
- Color examination: Pure gold or gold alloys tend to have a rich, deep hue, while gold-plated pieces might appear slightly less vibrant or have a brassier tone, depending on the underlying base metal.
- Professional analysis or testing: When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler. Jewelers use specialized tools such as acid tests and electronic testers* to determine the metal content of jewelry. They can also examine hallmarks and other markings to identify the type of gold used. A professional can provide accurate and reliable information about your jewelry’s authenticity and quality.
*NOTE: While you can purchase specific testing tools yourself, it’s best to leave things like acid tests to the professionals, as improper execution can damage your jewelry.
Caring for gold-plated jewelry
Whether you want to purchase new gold-plated jewelry or are already a proud owner, it's important to care for your pieces properly. Here are a few things you can do to help keep your gold-plated jewelry wearable for years to come.
- Proper storage: Storing your gold-plated jewelry, preferably in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, may help slow tarnishing or discoloration. As the plating on gold-plated jewelry can be quite thin, it’s recommended that you store pieces in separate compartments of a jewelry box or in individual pouches to prevent clinking and clanking with other jewelry, which can lead to scratches.
- Cleaning gold-plated jewelry: As with any jewelry, regular and proper cleaning allows the piece to shine and sparkle in all its glory and may also help increase its longevity. There are a few gold-plated jewelry cleaning methods to consider, but in general, you should always keep your gold-plated jewelry away from certain chemicals and harsh environments to help protect it from damage, wear, and tear. Harsh chemicals, such as those found in some soaps, lotions, perfumes, sunscreens, hand sanitizers and chlorine can accelerate the rate of tarnishing and can corrode the metals within your gold-plated jewelry pieces. While a few drops of water will not generally damage your gold-plated jewelry, extended exposure to water can weaken the adhesive bond between the gold-plating and the base metal.
Protect your gold-plated jewelry with insurance from Jewelers Mutual
Despite gold-plated jewelry typically holding less value than their solid-gold counterparts due to their lower gold content, they can still have value worth being protected. Consider a personal insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual to protect your jewelry. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage, and disappearances. See how it compares to homeowners insurance here, and check your rate by clicking the button below.
