Is gold plated jewelry good quality?

Gold plated jewelry can be excellent quality or short-lived. Since there are no regulations that define the thickness of gold plating (unlike gold-filled jewelry), it can be difficult to know what you’re buying. If you’ve ever wondered “Is gold plated jewelry good?” or “How long does gold plated jewelry last?”, the answer depends on the plating thickness. Here are a few things to remember when buying gold plated jewelry:

Yam Gold Plated Sun Bracelet

Ask for the plating specs:

Gold plated jewelry is when a layer of gold is applied over a base metal. The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns or mils. Next time you buy plated jewelry, ask the store or company “How many microns of gold plating does this piece have?”. I generally say anything 1 micron (40 mils) or greater is good quality gold plating and should last longer with proper care.

Don't avoid flash plating, but adjust your expectations:

Flash plating is a very thin layer of gold, typically less than 0.2 microns thick. While it’s often found on more affordable gold plated jewelry, price isn’t always a reliable indicator. Some brands charge premium prices for flash-plated pieces, so if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask about the plating thickness.If you love a piece that’s flash plated and the price feels right to you, there’s no reason not to buy it. Just go into it knowing that the gold layer is thinner, so it will likely wear more quickly than jewelry with a heavier gold plating.

Gold plated jewelry doesn’t last forever 

How long does gold plated jewelry last? No plated jewelry lasts forever. Unfortunately, some companies market their plated jewelry as “lifetime” or “waterproof.” While PVD gold plating (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a plating process that creates a more durable finish over over stainless steel, it is still a plated coating and can wear over time. Most stainless steel alloys contain nickel. Once the plating wears away and exposes the metal underneath, people with nickel sensitivities may experience an allergic reaction.

When shopping for gold plated jewelry, feel free to ask for the plating thickness to see if the cost matches the quality. Also, beyond materials, remember the cost reflects design quality and labor cost. Hopefully these tips can help you choose jewelry that better fits your budget and expectations.