What is the Difference Between Different Plated Jewelry

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

What is the difference between: gold plated, 12kt gold plated, 14kt gold plated jewelry?

Does gold plated jewelry that doesn't say 12kt or 14kt have any real gold at all? If it doesn't, what kind of plating finish is used to make the gold color? Similarly, does silver plated jewelry have any real silver at all?
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Answer:

In jewelry, gold plated or silver plated pieces are usually made from a base metal like brass or nickel, which is then coated with a very thin layer of gold or silver using electroplating. The karat number on gold plating indicates the purity of the gold layer applied higher karats mean purer gold, which can affect both color and durability.

If a gold plated item does not have a karat stamp, it means the gold purity is either unknown or not verified, so you can't be sure of the quality or authenticity of the plating.

This is why it's important to check for karat markings or ask for specifics when purchasing plated jewelry, especially if you're concerned about quality or potential allergic reactions.

Want me to help you draft a short explanation or a quick buyer's guide on this?

(as determined by the FTC guide.

If a jewelry item is described as 'gold tone' it means that the item is gold in color only, which may have been done with a very thin gold 'wash' but does not contain enough gold to be measurable, and is also know as 'gold flash'.

Yes, silver 'plate' does contain real silver.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Design