In this post I will describe different gold plating techniques.
What is gold plating?
Gold Plating is when a base metal such as steel, brass or copper is dipped into an electroplating solution, with a lump of solid gold. When an electric current is applied, a thin layer of gold is deposited on the base metal. The thicker the gold plating the longer the gold plating will last. We try to state the thickness of the gold plating used as well as the base metal being plated on the jewellery listed on our website.
How is gold plating measured?
The specifications and measurements used to classify gold plating thickness, which are important in determining pricing, quality and durability of plated finishes can be confusing. This is why we state on every piece of jewellery the type of gold used for plating. This includes the carat of the gold used as well as the thickness, which is measured in microns.
We refer to the unit of measure as microns, it takes 1000 microns to make 1 millimeter.
A gold plating with a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns, could be described as heavy gold electroplate or heavy gold electroplated. We tend to offer designs with a minimum gold plating thickness of 2 microns.
Gold Plated pieces are not vermeil and this is why we clearly state if the jewellery has been gold plated or if it is gold vermeil.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil is sterling silver that has been gold plated and is priced higher than gold plated jewellery. The standard is for the gold plating for vermeil to be much thicker than ordinary plating. We clearly state on the pieces of jewellery we sell if they are gold vermeil and the price is usually higher on these designs compared to other designs, which are gold plated.
Check out my other jewellery posts here:
– How to clean your gold ring & gold jewellery
– How to clean Sterling Silver Jewellery
–How I style my Emilia Rossi Jewellery
–Necklaces by Michael Hill Jewellers
-My new jewellery designs – Spike Earrings
