Key Differences Between Plated Gold & Solid Gold Jewelry

When it comes to choosing a piece of jewelry, definitely one of the most crucial aspects that need to be considered is the type of material that was used to craft the piece. The most popular choice is gold, but there are a host of subcategories to gold jewelry: gold plated and solid gold respectively. In this piece, we shall explain the principal differences between gold-plated and solid gold jewelry. 

What is All about Gold Plated Jewelry?

There is a base metal on which there is a thin layer of gold, and such jewelry is known as jewelry with a gold plating. The term ‘base metal’ may encompass any of the metals such as copper, nickel and sometimes even silver. Still, the thickness of the gold layer differs and generally is no greater than several microns at most. This suggests that the gold layer can easily get damaged and especially if very often is going to be engaged.

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Who wants to know about Solid Gold Jewelry?

The term ‘solid gold’ means that the jewelry is made from gold and it cannot be said that there is any other material mixed with it. It is stated in the form of a number referred to as the karat and this shows the amount of gold present in the object. For example, 24 karats gold has no other alloying elements while 18 karats contains 18/24 parts gold and 6/24 parts other elements. Since there is more percentage of gold used in solid gold jewelry it definitely costs more than gold-plated jewelry.

The first difference between gold plated and solid gold jewelry is that gold plated jewelry is not as long lasting and has a tendency to tarnish quickly. Due to the fact that solid gold jewelry is made entirely from the metal, jewelry that is made from the metal tends to have a longer lifespan than jewelry that is simply plated with the metal. Gold is a soft metal and that means that with time you will find that it will scratch or be dented as compared to a layer of gold plated on a base metal.

This is due to the fact that gold has a higher melting point as compared to other metals. As much as it can be used every day, a jewelry item that comes from solid gold does not wear out easily.

On the other hand, gold-plated earrings especially those for women are relatively different from other jewelries in that they might easily get spoiled and therefore need replacement more often. Though, there is always a way that the thin layer of gold could wear out after sometime of usage or even through deep contact with water substances and the likes. The overall aesthetic appeal of the jewelry may be compromised or reduced if the base metal becomes spoiled, which negatively affects its worth. 

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Cost

It is furthermore important to know the difference between what one has a gold plating and what is solid gold jewelry so as to also consider it when deciding to make the next purchase. Gold-plated jewelry is generally cheaper than other jewelry articles made of gold because it is made with a base metal and has a very thin layer of gold. As such, it is a cheaper way for consumers who want that glint of gold they cannot afford to pay for. 

Design

But the use of solid gold in the fashioning of Jewellery is more expensive since the gold used is of a higher purity. It is for this reason that when it comes to the phenomenon of pricing for a piece of jewelry, the price will rise with the number of karats of the piece. For instance, a necklace and earring set with the 24 karat pure gold will cost more than that of the 18 karat gold necklace. Since jewelry is made of solid gold, the designs can be worn for several years without any decrease in the appearance and value. 

Appearance

This is also true for the plating of the jewelry and that which is made of actual gold that can easily be told asunder. It is possible for gold plated jewelry to look good as that of solid gold ones and this is especially so if the jewelry has just been worn and the golden layer is still shiny. But still, as time goes on the gold coating will wear and the base metal will start showing through blurring the look of the jewelry. 

Color

Actually, solid gold means it contains the lure metal intact and that is the reason that the color of solid gold used in making jewelry is much deeper and more vibrant than that of the gold plated jewelry. The color of gold can also vary with the karat and the higher the karat of the gold then the color will be darker and more intense than in gold with a low karat. Solid gold jewelries are also less susceptible to the formation of patina or change of color after some time. 

Conclusion

When it comes to gold-plated and solid gold jewelry, there are the crucial factors to put into consideration so as to arrive at a decision on which one to buy; these factors include; Gold plated jewelry such as the bracelet ring set can be generally cheaper than solid gold jewelry but can get worn out quickly. While gold plated jewelry is rather less resistant and only lasts for comparatively a short time of period, solid gold jewelry is more long-lasting than the former. Therefore, it all really depends on one’s own personal discretion and affordability.

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