by Jesús Zabala - 6 min read

Is Gold Plated Jewelry Good?

Gold has been one of the most used noble metals in jewelry-making since the early stages. With the price of gold spiking, gold-plated jewelry has emerged as a cost-effective alternative with a similar appearance to solid gold. But is gold plated jewelry good?

As experienced metalsmiths, we know the ups and downs of every jewelry material, including gold-plated ones. If you want to purchase gold-plated jewelry, you should ensure it is the right choice.

Let's weigh the pros and cons of gold-plated jewelry together and make the right decision, considering your preferences and needs!

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Marco Centeno

Understanding Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is a highly sought-after type. Its pieces have a solid base from a cheaper metal to which a thin layer of gold is applied. Jewelers use various metals as a base, such as nickel, brass, copper, silver, tungsten, titanium and stainless steel.

The base metals are covered with a thin layer using a special electroplating process. The gold layer is not added just to achieve a gold-like look; it also seals and protects the base metal.

The thickness of the gold layer can vary depending on the jewelry design and manufacturer. Based on this, you can distinguish lower-end and higher-end plated jewelry.

Gold plating can be done either by flash plating or micron plating. Flash plating is just a quick recoloring that adds a thin layer of gold, typically less than 0.175 microns.

On the other hand, micron plating adds a thicker layer of gold. As a rule of thumb, it ranges between 1 and 5 microns. The recommended micron plating depends on the jewelry type, for instance:

1-2 microns for earrings
2-5 microns for rings
2.5-5 microns for necklaces
2.5-5 microns for bracelets and bangles

Is Gold Plated Jewelry Good?

Gold-plated jewelry is stylish and complements various styles. It is an excellent choice for most jewelry wearers because it provides a cost-effective solution to get the look of gold. Generally, gold-plated jewelry is suitable for those who prioritize affordability and style over long-term durability.

But is gold plated jewelry good for you? Well, depends on your expectations and preferences.

Pros of gold-plated jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is a frequent choice for jewelry buyers of all ages because of its many benefits. Here are the most notable ones:

Affordability and cost-effectiveness

One of the biggest advantages of gold-plated jewelry is its elegance and affordability. It looks and feels like gold, but it is a more budget-friendly option than solid gold.

Since it has a more affordable price tag, it can be more financially manageable to stay up to date with the latest jewelry trends. The lower prices and similar appearance to solid gold jewelry make it more manageable to buy new jewelry when you find a design you like.

To illustrate the price difference, we will take one of the best-selling rings, the Mini Jive Skulls. The solid 14K gold version costs $399, while the 24K gold-plated Mini Jive Skulls ring is only $169.

Gold Plated Jewelry Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness

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Versatility and variety

Compared to other metals for jewelry, gold-plated is highly versatile. Its classy yellowish color elevates every outfit, from everyday combinations to formal attire. Mixing and matching gold-plated jewelry for various occasions is a breeze, and you won’t need to put a lot of thought into it.

Moreover, you can find gold-plated jewelry in various traditional and contemporary designs. This is because, unlike solid gold, which is hard to work with, plating gold can be used for more complex and intricate shapes. Different base metals can be easily shaped to achieve unique forms.

Aesthetics and visual appeal

Gold-plated jewelry is highly desirable because of its incredible visual appeal and aesthetic advantages. Its lustrous and shiny appearance closely mimics that of solid gold. When you accessorize with gold-plated jewelry, you can rest assured that you will look luxurious without even trying.

Comfort and quality

Gold-plated shiny jewelry is comfortable to wear. Most pieces are lightweight, so you won’t even feel them while you conquer your everyday activities.

If you choose a high-quality gold-plated pierce from a trusted jewelry maker like us, you can expect a smooth finish. We ensure the surface is polished so it feels comfortable against your skin.

Limitations of gold-plated jewelry

Certain limitations exist with gold-plated jewelry. These include its longevity, the possibility of causing allergic reactions, and constant maintenance requirements. We elaborated more on the limitations in the following:

Durability and longevity

One of the biggest disadvantages that makes many wonder whether is gold plated jewelry worth it is its durability. It is no secret that gold-plated jewelry will tarnish with time. As the piece of jewelry wears off, it will start to reveal the base metal, which will completely change its appearance.

The fragile gold layer might start to break down for several reasons. Some of the biggest influencers are moisture, exposure to oxygen and environmental factors, contact with chemicals and cosmetics and general wear and tear.

Yet, you shouldn’t worry if your gold layer wears off with time. You can easily restore it and get it re-plated. Before you do so, you should consult with a jewelry expert like us, who will give you some recommendations on whether it is worth it and how many microns you will need.

Lastly, if we compare the durability of gold-plated jewelry with that of other metals used for plating, gold is undoubtedly among the most durable options. Compared to other metals used for plating, gold is resistant to oxidation and provides a strong defense against corrosion. Gold plating also contributes to a stronger jewelry structure and good wear resistance.

Potential for allergic reactions

You may know that gold is a hypoallergenic metal, but that isn’t necessarily the case for the base metal of gold-plated jewelry. The symptoms of an allergic reaction might differ from one person to another. They typically appear in people who have sensitive skin and metal allergies.

One of the most common allergens is nickel. If gold-plated jewelry contains nickel, skin rashes, redness, and itching might appear. Rarely, more severe reactions, such as swelling, blisters, or burning sensations, might be caused by gold-plated jewelry.

Some jewelry makers also use gold alloy instead of pure gold to create the piece's layer. In those cases, the metal with which the gold is alloyed may cause an allergic reaction.

On the bright side, there is also gold-plated jewelry made entirely from hypoallergenic materials. Popular examples are jewelry with a titanium or rhodium base and a layer of gold.

Maintenance and care requirements

Gold-plated pieces are a bit more delicate than other jewelry materials and require frequent maintenance. To maintain its shine, we advise you to clean your gold-plated jewelry once every week with mild soap and water.

Besides regular maintenance, gold-plated jewelry should be handled with caution. It is highly sensitive to chemicals and can be easily scratched and damaged.

At the end of the day, every piece of jewelry requires proper maintenance. By following the care guidelines, you can easily eliminate this limitation of gold-plated jewelry.

Gold Plated Jewelry Maintenance and Care Requirements

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Tips for Maximizing the Lifespan of Gold-Plated Jewelry

The lifespan of gold-plated jewelry depends on various factors, including the quality and thickness of the gold layer, the type and quality of the base metal, the frequency of use, and the care and maintenance required. Generally, gold-plated jewelry can last from one year to five years. Yet, the average is two years before it starts to tarnish.

As gold-plated jewelry tends to tarnish and might easily scratch, revealing the base material, you should keep it away from direct contact with other jewelry pieces. For instance, you should store it in an enveloping pouch or separate jewelry box the moment you take it off. Wipe it clean before storing it. We recommend gently rubbing the jewelry piece with a cotton ball or a soft cloth to remove the dust and dirt.

However, don’t use jewelry cleaners and antibacterial soaps. As with every other jewelry piece, gold-plated jewelry shouldn’t be exposed to perfume, oily substances, nail polish remover, lotions, or creams.

Finally, the longevity of your gold-plated jewelry will significantly depend on the manufacturing process and quality of the gold used. If you shop from our JewelryLab store, you can rest assured that you will get high-quality 24K gold-plated jewelry that will last with proper maintenance.

Conclusion

So, what is the final verdict? Is gold plated jewelry good? Gold plated jewelry is definitely worth purchasing if you want a more budget-friendly option but resembling solid gold. Although it’s prone to more wear and tear compared to other metals, it’s made entirely from hypoallergenic materials, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Speaking from experience, many customers who have purchased gold-plated jewelry from us are highly satisfied. If gold-plated jewelry suits your style and practical needs, feel free to look at our handmade collection of unique jewelry pieces.