Is your love for gold hindered by budget constraints? Then gold-plated jewellery is an option you definitely must consider. A perfect combination of timeless elegance and affordability, these pieces are a popular choice among jewellery enthusiasts—and for good reason! In this blog, we take a closer look at gold-plated jewellery and why shoppers across the world have taken a shine to it!
What is gold plated jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery refers to a piece that is made of a non-gold metal base and then coated with a thin layer of real gold. The base is typically made of sterling silver or other less-valuable metals like copper, brass, and nickel. The purity of the gold used in plated jewellery may vary anywhere from 10K gold to 24K gold. To a beginner, these numbers may seem confusing. So let us delve deeper into understanding what these terms mean in pure-gold jewellery terms and how they’re relevant for plated jewellery too.
Understanding “24K”, “18K” and other gold-purity variations
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The purity of gold is universally measured in karat, with 24 karats being the highest on the scale. This means that 24K gold contains 100 parts gold. While pure gold may seem ideal for top-quality jewellery, it comes with a major disadvantage: It is soft and brittle, rendering it unsuitable for jewellery-making. To give pure gold greater strength, a small percentage of stronger metal- like copper, zinc or silver-is introduced.
When other metals are added to a jewellery piece, the karatage (i.e., the karat value) decreases. So if a jewellery piece is said to contain 18K gold, it means that 75% of the total composition contains gold and the rest 25% comprises other metals.
Generally, gold karats come in 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K. Each of these alloys comes in varied colours and shine, with 24K possessing a strong yellow tinge. 18K and 14K gold, on the other hand, have a balanced yellow colour that is more widely recognised as the colour of gold.
Karatage in gold-plated jewellery
In gold-plated jewellery, the karat value refers to the purity of gold used to coat the base metal. For example, an sterling silver 18K gold-plated necklace comprises 925 silver as a base and a thin 18K gold coating.
Is gold-plated jewellery expensive?
No. Gold-plated jewellery is an affordable alternative to pure-gold jewellery. The pocket-friendly alternatives to real gold have a very thin layer of real-gold coating and cost only a fraction of the price of the real deal. It is this very factor that makes gold-plated jewellery a favourite among jewellery enthusiasts!
Looking for breath-taking yet budget-friendly pieces with a gold finish? Check out GIVA’s collection! From stunning 18K gold-plated necklaces to fashionable earrings, we have a wide range of flaunt-worthy jewellery.
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Why should you buy gold-plated jewellery?
If you’re new to the world of gold-plated jewellery and have your doubts, here are some pros that may help you make your decision:
Affordability: Gold-plated jewellery is widely popular for being a cost-effective stand-in for pure-gold pieces. So if you have a small budget but are looking for something that exudes class and beauty, gold-plated jewellery is worth considering.
Elegance: Gold is known for its timeless elegance. And with the right craftsmanship, a gold-plated piece is hard to tell apart from the real deal! Be it a simple pair of earrings or an intricately designed necklace, your gold-plated jewellery is sure to add a touch of elegance to any ensemble.
Versatility: Gold-plated jewellery is generally made of a strong metal base that can be moulded into a wide variety of styles - from contemporary masterpieces to timeless classics. This makes gold-plated jewellery a more versatile option that one can wear to any occasion.
Stronger: Real-gold jewellery demands to be handled with care, owing to its fragile nature. This, however, isn’t the case with gold-plated pieces. Made from a relatively stronger metal base, they are less prone to breakage.
Disadvantages of gold-plated jewellery
While gold-plated jewellery has several pros, they come with some cons too:
Tarnish: One of the biggest disadvantages of gold-plated jewellery is its eventual loss of shine and lustre. The pieces are generally made from base metals like copper and silver which are prone to tarnish. The problem is not with the gold plating wearing off but the base metal coming to the surface, discolouring the jewellery piece.
Scratches: The layer of gold coating in gold-plated jewellery is very thin. This makes the plating less durable and prone to scratches, especially with rough use.
No resale value: If you’re looking to buy jewellery as an investment, gold-plated jewellery will not feature on the top of your list. While you may be able to fetch a reasonable value for base metal (e.g.: sterling silver), the gold plating will not contribute to a better resale value.
Not water-safe: It is not recommended to wear gold-plated jewellery while in contact with water, as it will tarnish the piece.
How to care for your gold-plated jewellery?
Your gold-plated pieces' shine - be it on a necklace, rings, or earrings - can last up to five years with proper care. Here are some tips on how you can maintain your gold-plated jewellery:
Clean with a soft cloth: After using your jewellery, we recommend cleaning it gently with a soft cloth. You can also use a cotton ball. Avoid material with rough surfaces as it may lead to scratches,
Avoid contact with water: Make sure you remove your jewellery before you come to contact with water.
Ensure minimal contact with chemicals and cosmetics: As gold-plated jewellery is easily tarnished, avoid contact with any chemicals and cosmetics including perfumes, lotions, and make-up. As a rule, first, apply your cosmetics, wait for your skin to absorb them, and then wear your gold-plated jewellery.
Store mindfully: Storing your gold-plated jewellery separately in a soft cloth bag once you are done using them. Also, avoid storing them with other types of jewellery.
Where should buy gold-plated jewellery from?
Quality gold-plated jewellery is all about craftsmanship. So while purchasing gold-plated jewellery, make sure you do so from a trusted seller. If you’re looking for stylish, elegant, and quality gold-plated jewellery, GIVA is your answer! We offer beautifully crafted 18K gold-plated jewellery with sterling silver base.
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