Gold plating—what is it, and how does it differ from real gold?

What is gold plating?

Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold to the surface of a piece of jewelry made of another metal. In English, this is often referred to as “gold plated.”

Underneath the gold, for example, there may be brass, copper, steel, or silver. The plating gives the jewelry the appearance of gold, but the majority of the material is actually something else.

The thickness of the gold plating varies, but since it is thin, it can wear away over time. Rings and bracelets are particularly vulnerable because they are subject to a lot of friction. Water, soap, perfume, and skin creams can also affect the surface.

When the plating begins to wear off, the metal underneath becomes visible and the jewelry may change color.

Gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil—what’s the difference?

There are several different terms for jewelry with a gold finish:

• Gold-plated: A thin layer of gold on top of another metal.
• Gold-filled: A thicker layer of gold that is mechanically bonded to a base metal.
• Gold vermeil: Silver plated with gold. It differs from regular gold plating because the base metal is silver.
• Gold plating: An older term for jewelry in which a layer of gold is applied to another metal.
• Genuine gold jewelry: Made from a gold alloy, such as 14- or 18-karat gold.

A gold-plated piece of jewelry may therefore contain real gold, but that does not mean the piece is made entirely of gold.

What is real gold?

Pure gold, 24 karat, is too soft for most jewelry. That is why gold is alloyed with other metals to make it more durable.

18-karat gold contains 75 percent gold and is common in Swedish gold jewelry. It is often marked with the stamp 750. 14-karat gold contains 58.5 percent gold and is usually marked 585.

However, a hallmark is not a guarantee that the piece of jewelry is genuine. To determine the gold content with certainty, it must be tested.

Here’s How to Tell the Difference Between Gold Plating and Real Gold

There are a few things you can check at home:

Look for hallmarks. Markings such as 750, 585, 18K, or 14K may indicate genuine gold. On gold-plated jewelry, for example, you might find “GP,” which stands for ” Gold Plated.”

Look for signs of wear. Check the edges, clasps, and other parts that are subject to a lot of friction. If another metal begins to show through the gold-colored surface, it may be a sign of plating.

Don’t rely solely on a magnet to test it. Gold isn’t magnetic, but a magnet test can’t prove that a piece of jewelry is genuine. Even plated jewelry may have a base metal that doesn’t react to a magnet.

If you want to be sure, it’s best to have the jewelry examined using professional equipment.

Does gold-plated jewelry have any value?

A gold-plated piece of jewelry can, of course, have value as a piece of jewelry, but the amount of gold in the plating is usually so small that it does not have the same scrap gold value as a piece of jewelry made of 14- or 18-karat gold.

For genuine gold jewelry, the value is determined by factors such as the gold content, weight, and current gold price. You can compare it to the current gold price at Tavex.

Do you have any old gold jewelry at home?

Many jewelry boxes contain a mix of plated jewelry, costume jewelry, and real gold. It can be difficult to tell the difference with the naked eye.

At Smyckesguld, gold jewelry is inspected to verify its authenticity and gold content. You can also view Smyckesguld’s products and find pre-owned jewelry in 14- and 18-karat gold, among other options.

If you have old jewelry at home that you’re unsure about, it might be worth checking it out before you throw it away. Items that look old or outdated may still contain gold that’s worth a good amount.