What is gold-plated jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry
When buying jewelry, the term gold-plated jewelry often comes up. But what is gold-plated jewelry how to care for it? Discover also how to clean fire gilding
What is gold-plated jewelry?
Many jewelry manufacturers use the process of gold plating in jewelry production. The advantage of this method is that the pieces of jewelry are not as expensive as those made of gold. In the case of real gold-plated jewelry, a base material is coated with a layer of gold. In most cases, this base material is made of sterling silver or brass. Such pieces of jewelry made with this manufacturing process are available in the online boutique. www.koompliments.ch also offered.
This golden layer can be applied in yellow gold, red gold, white gold, and rose gold. The gilding of the jewelry pieces is available in various alloys: 333, 585, and 999 gold alloys. For your information: Gold can never be used at 100% because it would be too soft. For this reason, it is mixed with other metals in certain proportions. However, gilding is usually specified in carats, with 24 carats corresponding to 999 fine gold. Any piece of jewelry can be gilded: necklaces, pendants, Earrings, bracelets, and rings.
Overview of the most common gold alloys:
Karat trade designation
24k 999 fine gold
21 k 825 gold
18 k 750 gold
14 k 585 gold
9 k 375 gold
8 k 333 gold
On our website www.koompliments.ch find exclusive gold-plated jewelry. From 18 karat to 24 karat gold-plated Earrings, rings, Necklaces and PendantThe respective product description refers to the alloy, e.g. 24 karat gold-plated.
Can gold-plated jewelry be cleaned?
Yes, especially with gold-plated jewelry, one should pay attention to the proper care. It is best to take a soft cotton cloth and clean the gold-plated piece of jewelry with it - definitely do not use scratchy cloths or chemicals! Gold-plated jewelry should be handled very gently and carefully. without liquid agents clean.
Is gold-plated jewelry waterproof?
Yes, gold-plated jewelry is waterproof, but it should not be abused, as it can be more or less water-resistant depending on the micrometer of the plating (gold layers). Between 1 and 3 micrometers of gold can lose their gold color over time.
Gold-plated jewelry durability
The gold layers are measured in microns, the plates can have 1, 2, ... 10 microns. The more micrometers of gold the piece of jewelry has, the more durable its coating is.
The gilding is applied to metals such as silver, bronze, or copper, making the jewelry look like gold, although it is actually just a thin layer. The plating process is either electromagnetic or chemical.
Gold layers are generally not applied directly to the base metal to extend its durability and enhance the golden color; an intermediate metal or alloy (rhodium, bronze, etc.) is applied before the gold micrometers.
Does gold-plated jewelry discolor?
The durability of the gold color on gold-plated jewelry depends on many factors. When it comes to jewelry that is worn daily, it is more exposed to the outside world and potential elements that can discolor the jewelry, such as sweat.
The period can be much shorter or longer, depending on whether you choose to properly care for your jewelry collection or not. When the gold plating begins to fade, you might want to take it to a jeweler to have it re-plated instead of completely replacing it.
What is meant by fire gilding?
Fire gilding is the oldest gilding technique. Gold amalgam (a solution of gold in mercury) is used in this process and applied to the entire object. It is then heated in the fire and the resulting gold layer is polished. Depending on various additives, different gold tones can be achieved. This gilding method is permanent and durable. It has primarily been used for gilding sacred objects, chalices, and containers.
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