Gold-plated jewelry is very much in vogue these days. However, not everyone knows what gold plating is. How can you tell it from other gold-plated jewelry on the market? Most uninitiated people use the term “gold-plated” to refer to any metal coated with a layer of gold, regardless of thickness or titration. However, there is legislation and a precise definition concerning gold plating. Planetys has a fine collection of gold-plated jewelry of impeccable quality. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty and quality of our gold-plated jewelry for women.
Gold plating: definition
To know what gold plating is, you first need to understand what gold itself is. Pure gold is very soft, so it cannot be used on its own to make jewelry. To obtain a strong, resistant material, gold is mixed with metals such as copper, silver and zinc. In these alloys, the proportion of gold used can vary. The carat is the unit of measurement used to assess the quantity of this precious metal present in an alloy.
The proportion of gold in an alloy can also be expressed in thousandths. The maximum existing quality is 24 carats, equivalent to 99.9% gold. It is therefore considered pure gold, and 24-carat gold jewelry is virtually unheard of in the stores.
The highest quality in jewelry is 18-carat gold (750/1000), but 14-carat (585/1000) and even 9-carat (375/1000) are also available.
Definition, principle and legislation of gold plating
Gold plating is a term used to designate the coating of a base metal with a layer of gold. Under French law, only jewelry with a minimum gold coating of 3 microns (0.003 mm) can be gold-plated. The gold plating can therefore be thicker. But as long as it does not meet the minimum gold thickness requirement, it cannot be qualified as gold-plated in France.
As for the gold used, it must be between 12 and 18 carats. The gold used to cover the base material can be mixed with other metals. This mixture makes it possible to obtain different gold colors (rose gold plating, yellow gold plating, white gold plating, etc.). In general, gold-plated jewelry is hallmarked with a square punch bearing the number 10, 14, 18 or 20, corresponding to the grade of the gold used.
At Planetys, we offer several types of gold-plated jewelry to satisfy everyone’s desires. You can find gold-plated wedding rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Our creations come in a variety of styles to suit everyone’s taste. For example, you’ll find different models of gold-plated necklaces. They are set with stones such as amethyst or zirconium oxide. If you’re more of a necklace fan, check out our 18-carat gold-plated creations set with cultured pearls or beautiful stones such as blue topaz, zirconium oxide…
Where does the gold-plating technique come from?
Gold plating has its origins in an ancient manufacturing technique. This technique has been used by many different civilizations over the centuries. In ancient times, craftsmen used gilding. This was achieved by applying gold leaf or plating the precious metal onto another material. Mercury evaporation was the technique used in this period. Gold plating symbolized power and opulence, and was much appreciated by Greek and Roman kings. There were even gold-plated crowns embellished with diamonds and many other precious stones. The use of gold plating to make gold medals for the Olympic Games began in 1912.
The Incas were the first holders of gold-plated objects. The Romans and Greeks drew inspiration from bending and hammering techniques to work the material. Over the years, jewelry manufacturers have progressively developed a more sophisticated technique than gilding to create highly aesthetic jewelry. Even if they are not made of solid gold, these jewels offer an appearance identical to that of real gold.
How is gold plating achieved?
The technique used today by jewellers to obtain gold plating iselectrolysis, also known as galvanoplasty. The process consists of 3 stages
- priming of the precious metal deposit,
- depositing the gold on the base metal,
- finishing to obtain a perfect final finish.
To achieve this, the base metal is immersed in an electrolytic bath. This contains a solution that dissolves the gold so that it can be deposited on the metal to be coated. The principle of electroplating is to pass an electric current between two different terminals (the anode and the cathode). The jewel to be coated is attached to the cathode, and the gold to the anode.
The gold is deposited evenly on the surface of the jewel as the electric current flows between the two terminals. At the end of this chemical process, the gold-plated piece has the same appearance as one made from real gold. Many jewelers use this technique to cover their creations (bracelets, pendants, bracelets, wedding rings, etc.) with a thin layer of gold.
What metal is used for gold plating?
The base metal used in gold-plated jewelry is generally a base metal. Common metals used are brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), copper, bronze, nickel silver or tin-lead. Silver 925 (sterling silver) is also a good base for gold plating.
At Planetys, all gold-plated jewelry is 18-carat gold-plated on a 925 sterling silver base.
Why buy gold-plated jewelry?
Choosing a gold-plated ring, bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings means indulging yourself without spending too much. It is estimated that a piece of gold-plated jewelry costs around 12 times less than a solid gold piece. Gold-plated jewelry, with a layer of 3 microns or more covering the base material, has a lifespan of between 5 and 10 years. With proper care, they’ll keep their beautiful shine for all those years.
For durability and exceptional brilliance, we recommend 18-carat gold plating. Gold-plated jewelry with 750 thousandths pure gold is a real guarantee of quality. Planetys’ 18-carat gold-plated jewelry is luxurious in appearance, long-lasting and affordable in price. The manufacturer’s hallmark is present on every piece of jewelry to assure you of an excellent quality product.
Is gold-plated jewelry valuable?
Gold-plated jewelry is as aesthetically pleasing as pure gold. However, they have no real market value in precious metals. As gold-plated jewelry is simply coated with a thin layer of gold, the cost of designing it is low in relation to the price of the precious metal. Although the presence of the precious metal in the jewelry is not very important, this does not prevent gold-plated jewelry from having value and therefore a price on the market. Gold is always present in gold-plated jewelry, even if only in small quantities (3 to 5 microns). Gold-plated jewelry can therefore be resold so that the gold can be reused.
The price of gold plating depends on 3 criteria:
- the current price of precious metal per gram,
- the grade of gold used for plating,
- the quality of the plating.
In all cases, the price of gold plating is much lower than that of solid gold. Buying gold-plated jewelry is an economical choice. When it comes to gold-plating jewelry, most leading jewelers opt for 18-carat gold (75% pure gold) for its beauty, durability, appearance, purity and value. Before you buy a ring, bracelet or necklace in a jewelry store, always check that the hallmark on the piece of jewelry includes the manufacturer’s initials and the gold grade used.
Which gold plating to choose?
Gold-plated, gold-filled and vermeil are not always easy to distinguish. Vermeil is solid silver (950 or 800) with gold plating. The layer of precious metal deposited on the solid silver must be at least 5 microns thick of 18k or 24k gold. Vermeil jewelry is more hypoallergenic than gold-plated jewelry, since it is made of both silver and gold.
They do, however, require more care to maintain their original lustre. As for gold-filled, this refers to jewelry covered with a layer of gold (14 k or 18 k) whose thickness exceeds that of gold-plated pieces. Gold-filled jewelry appears to be of higher quality than vermeil or gold-plated pieces, since the gold layer is thicker.
Solid gold
Gold-Filled: the gold layer corresponds to 1/20 of the jewel’s total weight.
Vermeil: the gold layer is at least 2.5 microns thick, applied to a silver base.
Gold-plated: a 3-micron layer of gold is applied to a silver, brass or copper base.
What is Gold-filled?
Gold-filled” refers to a material used in jewelry-making. It consists of a base metal, usually brass, onto which a layer of gold is mechanically bonded. Unlike plating, where a thin layer of gold is deposited on the surface of the base metal by electrolysis, the gold-filled process involves a closer bond between the base metal and the layer of gold.
In the gold-filled manufacturing process, a sheet or layer of gold is bonded to the base metal using heat and pressure. This gold layer must represent at least 5% of the total weight of the material. In general, gold-filled is considered a more durable and higher-quality option than plating, as the gold layer is thicker and better integrated with the base metal.
Gold-filled jewelry is often more affordable than solid gold, but offers a similar appearance and greater durability than gold-plated jewelry.
However, it’s important to remember that gold-filled is not the same as solid gold, as only part of the material is gold. Gold-filled jewelry may bear markings such as “1/20 14K GF” to indicate that 1/20 (5%) of the total weight is 14-carat gold.
What is vermeil?
Vermeil is a type of plating used in jewelry-making, characterized by a layer of gold applied to a sterling silver base. To qualify as vermeil, the gold layer must be relatively thick compared to other plating methods, guaranteeing better quality and durability.
Specifically, to qualify as vermeil, an object must have a layer of gold at least 2.5 microns thick applied to a silver base. This gives the jewel the appearance of solid gold, while retaining the silver base as a structural support. The gold used in vermeil is often 10 carats or more.
The term “vermeil” is generally associated with higher-quality jewelry than other forms of plating, such as traditional plating, which uses a thinner layer of gold. Vermeil thus offers a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry, while retaining a rich, long-lasting appearance.
It’s important to note that, like all plating, wear and tear over time can affect the gold layer, although vermeil, with its thicker layer, is generally more resistant than thinner plating.
What is 3-micron gold plating?
The term “3-micron gold plating” refers to a coating process in which a thin layer of gold is deposited on the surface of another metal, often brass or stainless steel, with a thickness of around 3 microns.
A micron is a unit of measurement equivalent to one millionth of a meter, or 0.001 mm. So when we speak of “3-micron gold plating”, we mean that the layer of gold covering the base material is approximately 0.003 mm thick.
Plating is a common method used to create affordable jewelry that has the appearance of solid gold. However, it’s important to note that, compared with other plating methods, a 3-micron coating is relatively thick. This can increase the durability and longevity of the plating, but it remains important to take care of gold-plated jewelry to avoid premature wear.
Despite its increased thickness compared with thinner plating, 3-micron gold plating should not be confused with solid precious metals such as solid gold.
The gold layer is always much thinner than that of solid gold, which influences durability and scratch resistance. Gold-plated jewelry may require more careful maintenance to maintain its appearance over time.
Your Questions:
– “Does gold plating blacken?”
Yes, gold plating can blacken over time. To prevent gold plating from blackening, we recommend that you take certain precautions:
- Avoid frequent contact with chemicals.
- Remove jewelry before washing hands, swimming or applying personal care products.
- Regularly clean gold-plated jewelry using gentle, non-abrasive methods.
Although blackening may be inevitable in the long term, taking care of your gold-plated jewelry can prolong its durability and maintain its appearance. If your gold-plated jewelry does blacken, you can clean it by following the manufacturer’s instructions or using specific cleaning solutions for plated metals.
– “Is gold plating gold?”
Gold plating is not composed of solid gold per se. Instead, it is a thin layer of gold that is deposited on a metal base surface. The plating process involves coating a metal object, such as copper, brass or silver, with a thin layer of gold.
– “How does gold plating age?”
Gold-plated jewelry can undergo alterations over time due to a variety of factors. Here are some considerations on how gold plating can age:
- Erosion and wear: Over time, gold plating can wear and erode due to daily wear and tear, exposure to air, friction and contact with other surfaces. The most stressed areas, such as edges and friction zones, may show signs of wear more quickly.
- Corrosion: If veneer is of poor quality or exposed to corrosive conditions, it can corrode over time. Exposure to moisture, salt air or chemicals can accelerate the corrosion process.
- Discoloration: Gold plating can also undergo discoloration over time. This can be due to chemical reactions with the environment, such as exposure to household chemicals, body perspiration, or other elements that can alter the color of the gold.
- Frequent cleaning: Frequent cleaning can help preserve the appearance of gold plating. However, the use of abrasive cleaners or inappropriate cleaning methods can accelerate wear.
- Plating quality: Plating durability also depends on the quality of the initial plating. Better quality gold plating can resist the effects of aging longer.
- In general, gold plating can retain its lustre and appearance for a long time with proper care. Avoiding exposure to extreme conditions, cleaning plated items regularly and storing them properly can help slow the aging process. However, it’s important to note that even with proper care, gold plating will eventually show signs of wear over time.
