Gold Plated vs Solid Gold Necklaces: Key Differences Explained

Gold Plated vs Solid Gold: The Essential Differences

The main difference between gold plated and solid gold jewellery lies in their composition. Gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal, while solid gold jewellery is made entirely of gold alloy throughout. This fundamental difference affects everything from price and appearance to durability and value.

When you're browsing our collection of gold necklaces or gold anklets, understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice that matches your lifestyle, budget, and expectations for how long you want your jewellery to last.

Gold Plated Jewellery: Beauty on a Budget

Gold plated jewellery consists of a base metal (usually brass, copper, or sometimes sterling silver) that's covered with a thin layer of real gold. This layer is typically applied through a process called electroplating, where an electric current is used to deposit gold onto the base metal.

The gold layer on plated jewellery is extremely thin – usually between 0.5 and 2.5 microns (a micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre). To put this in perspective, a human hair is about 75 microns thick, so the gold layer is roughly 30-150 times thinner than a single strand of hair!

Types of Gold Plating

• Standard Gold Plating: The thinnest option, typically 0.5-1 micron of gold.
• Heavy Gold Plating: A slightly thicker layer, usually 2-2.5 microns.
• Gold Vermeil: A premium type of gold plating that uses sterling silver as the base metal and a thicker gold layer (usually 2.5 microns or more). The gold content is typically 10K or higher.
• Gold Filled: Not actually plated, but a thick layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. The gold layer is much thicker than plating (typically 5% or 1/20 of the total weight).

Gold plated jewellery offers the luxurious look of gold at a fraction of the cost, making it perfect for trying trendy styles or expanding your jewellery collection without breaking the bank.

Solid Gold Jewellery: Timeless Investment Pieces

Solid gold jewellery is made entirely of gold alloy throughout – there's no base metal underneath, just gold all the way through. Pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewellery, so it's mixed with other metals to create a more durable alloy.

The "karat" (K) marking tells you the percentage of pure gold in the piece. Here's what the common karat ratings mean:

• 24K: 99.9% pure gold (rarely used for jewellery due to softness)
• 22K: 91.7% gold
• 18K: 75% gold
• 14K: 58.3% gold
• 10K: 41.7% gold (the minimum that can legally be called "gold" in many countries)

The other metals in the alloy (like silver, copper, zinc, or nickel) affect the colour and properties of the gold. For example, rose gold contains more copper, while white gold contains metals like palladium or silver and is often rhodium-plated for a bright white finish.

Solid gold jewellery is a significant investment, but it offers unmatched durability and value retention. Our gold bracelets and gold earrings in solid gold are designed to become cherished heirlooms that can be passed down through generations.

Appearance: Can You Spot the Difference?

When brand new, gold plated and solid gold jewellery can look remarkably similar. Both can have that warm, lustrous gold shine we all love. However, there are subtle differences that become more apparent over time:

Initial Appearance

• Gold Plated: Can have a very bright, uniform gold colour. Sometimes the plating might appear slightly more yellow than equivalent karat solid gold.
• Solid Gold: Has a rich, consistent colour that varies based on the karat. Higher karat gold (18K-24K) has a more intense yellow colour, while lower karat gold (10K-14K) may appear slightly paler.

Changes Over Time

The most significant appearance difference emerges with wear:

• Gold Plated: The thin gold layer will eventually wear away, revealing the base metal underneath. This typically begins at high-contact areas like the back of necklaces or the inside of bracelets. The piece may develop a dull appearance or even show different colours where the plating has worn thin.
• Solid Gold: Maintains its colour throughout its lifetime. While it may develop scratches or a patina over many years, the gold colour remains consistent because the entire piece is made of the same material.

Both options can be beautiful choices for your jewellery collection – it simply depends on your expectations for longevity and your budget.

Durability & Longevity: How Long Will Your Gold Last?

The lifespan of your gold jewellery largely depends on whether it's plated or solid:

Gold Plated Durability

Gold plated jewellery typically lasts from a few months to a couple of years before showing noticeable wear, depending on:

• Plating Thickness: Heavier plating or gold vermeil lasts longer than standard plating.
• Wear Frequency: Daily wear accelerates plating loss.
• Contact with Chemicals: Exposure to perfumes, lotions, cleaning products, and even sweat can degrade the plating faster.
• Care Routine: Proper care can significantly extend the life of plated jewellery.

With gentle use and proper care, gold plated earrings or special occasion anklets can maintain their beauty for years, especially if they're not subjected to daily wear.

Solid Gold Durability

Solid gold jewellery is remarkably durable and can last for generations:

• Karat Matters: Lower karat gold (10K-14K) is more durable and scratch-resistant than higher karat gold (18K-24K) because the additional metals in the alloy add strength.
• No Plating to Wear Off: Since the entire piece is gold alloy, there's no risk of revealing a different metal underneath.
• Resistant to Tarnish: Gold is highly resistant to oxidation and tarnish, maintaining its lustre over time.
• Repairable and Restorable: Solid gold can be professionally polished, repaired, and even resized without compromising its integrity.

Solid gold jewellery is truly an investment that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and beyond. Many people choose solid gold for meaningful pieces like wedding bands, family heirlooms, or everyday staples they plan to wear consistently.

Value Considerations: Budget vs. Investment

The price difference between gold plated and solid gold jewellery can be substantial, but there are important value factors to consider beyond the initial cost:

Gold Plated Value

• Affordable Entry Point: Gold plated jewellery allows you to enjoy the look of gold at a fraction of the cost of solid gold.
• Fashion Flexibility: The lower price point makes it practical to update your collection with trending styles or seasonal pieces.
• Minimal Resale Value: Gold plated jewellery has little to no resale value as the amount of actual gold is minimal.
• Replacement Cost: Consider that frequently worn pieces may need replacement every few years as the plating wears off.

Solid Gold Value

• Higher Initial Investment: Solid gold jewellery costs significantly more upfront due to the gold content.
• Intrinsic Metal Value: Solid gold jewellery always retains the value of its gold content, which typically increases over time with gold prices.
• Resale Potential: Quality solid gold pieces can often be resold for a substantial portion of their purchase price.
• Lifetime Value: When considering cost-per-wear over decades, solid gold can actually represent excellent value.

At Ella & Eve, we offer both options in our jewellery collection because we understand different pieces serve different purposes in your jewellery wardrobe. Some customers mix both types – investing in solid gold for everyday staples while enjoying gold plated pieces for variety and trend-focused styles.

Care & Maintenance: Keeping Your Gold Looking Its Best

Caring for Gold Plated Jewellery

Proper care is essential to maximise the lifespan of gold plated pieces:

1. Avoid Chemicals: Remove before swimming, showering, applying cosmetics, or cleaning.
2. Minimise Moisture Exposure: Take off before exercising or in situations where you'll sweat.
3. Clean Gently: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.
4. Store Properly: Keep in a jewellery box or pouch away from other pieces to prevent scratches.
5. Apply Last, Remove First: Put your jewellery on after perfume, lotion, and hairspray, and take it off before showering or swimming.

Caring for Solid Gold Jewellery

While more forgiving, solid gold still benefits from proper care:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean with warm water and mild soap using a soft brush for crevices.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While more resistant than plated jewellery, solid gold can still be damaged by chlorine and harsh chemicals.
3. Professional Cleaning: Consider yearly professional cleaning and checking of settings, especially for pieces with gemstones.
4. Proper Storage: Store pieces separately to prevent scratches and tangling.
5. Be Mindful of Hardness: Remember that gold is relatively soft – avoid impacts and scratches, especially with higher karat gold.

Every Ella & Eve piece comes with our complimentary gift box and gift bag, which are perfect for storing your jewellery when not in use. This proper storage helps maintain the beauty of both gold plated and solid gold pieces.

Making Your Choice: Which Gold Option Is Right for You?

When deciding between gold plated and solid gold jewellery, consider these factors:

Choose Gold Plated If:

• You're on a budget but want the look of gold
• You enjoy changing your jewellery frequently to match trends
• The piece is for occasional wear rather than daily use
• You're trying out a style before investing in a solid gold version
• You prefer larger statement pieces that would be prohibitively expensive in solid gold

Choose Solid Gold If:

• You plan to wear the piece regularly or even daily
• You're looking for an heirloom that will last for generations
• You have metal sensitivities (especially to nickel, which can be present in some base metals)
• You value longevity and durability over initial cost
• You're interested in the investment aspect of precious metals

Many of our customers at Ella & Eve find that a mix of both gold plated and solid gold pieces creates a versatile jewellery collection. For example, you might invest in solid gold earrings you wear daily, while choosing gold plated necklaces that you change to match different outfits.

Your Gold Jewellery Questions Answered

Can gold plated jewellery be replated when the gold wears off?

Yes, many jewellers offer replating services. However, the cost of replating multiple times should be factored into your overall value calculation, as it can sometimes approach the cost of solid gold over time.

Will gold plated jewellery turn my skin green?

It's possible, especially once the plating wears thin. The reaction happens when the base metals (usually copper or brass) interact with the acids in your skin and create copper compounds that appear green. People with more acidic skin chemistry may experience this sooner.

Is 14K or 18K gold better for everyday jewellery?

14K gold (58.3% gold) is generally more durable and scratch-resistant, making it excellent for everyday wear, especially for rings and bracelets that face more contact. 18K gold (75% gold) has a richer gold colour but is slightly softer. Both are excellent choices, with 14K offering more durability and 18K providing a more luxurious appearance.

Find Your Perfect Gold Piece at Ella & Eve

Whether you're drawn to the affordability and versatility of gold plated jewellery or the lasting investment of solid gold, Ella & Eve offers beautiful options to suit your style and budget. Our carefully curated collection includes stunning gold necklaces, elegant gold bracelets, and eye-catching gold earrings in various styles.

Remember that every Ella & Eve purchase comes with our complimentary gift box and branded gift bag – perfect for presenting a thoughtful gift or storing your own treasured pieces.