When a piece of jewelry is described as gold-plated, it doesn't mean it's made entirely of gold. It means the piece is made of another metal and a layer of gold has been applied to its surface.
At Rocío Studio, our gold-plated jewelry is made of 925 silver and covered with a layer of 24K gold.
This finish allows the jewelry to retain the characteristics of a silver piece while giving it the warm, luminous appearance of gold. But, to truly understand what we are buying, there are some concepts worth knowing: from karats to the plating's microns.
How is gold plating done?
Plating involves depositing a thin layer of gold onto the surface of a piece made of another metal.
Before plating, the jewelry must be properly finished and prepared, as the gold reproduces the surface on which it is deposited. Plating is, therefore, one of the last steps in the manufacturing process.
The result is a piece whose outer surface is gold, although its interior remains the metal from which it was originally made.
What does it mean for plating to be 24K gold?
Karats indicate the proportion of gold present in an alloy.
24K gold is practically pure gold, while other karats, such as 18K gold, contain gold combined with other metals.
That's why it's important to differentiate between two concepts.
An 18K gold jewel is made of an 18-karat gold alloy throughout its entire body.
A 925 silver jewel plated with 24K gold, on the other hand, is made of silver and has a layer of 24K gold on its surface.
Although they may visually share the golden color, their composition is completely different.
If you want to better understand the different karats, in our article on the differences between 24K, 18K gold and other karats we explain what each one means.
What are microns in gold plating?
When we talk about plating, not only the type of gold used matters. The thickness of the gold layer applied to the piece also matters.
This thickness is usually measured in microns, one micron is equivalent to one thousandth of a millimeter.
This difference reflects the use of each piece. Rings are usually subjected to more rubbing and contact with other surfaces, so a thicker plating is recommended.
Does gold plating disappear over time?
Yes. Gold plating is not permanent.
With use, friction gradually wears away the superficial layer of gold, and the metal underneath may begin to show through.
The speed at which this happens is not exactly the same for all jewelry or for all people. It depends on factors such as the type of piece, how often it is used, contact with water, cosmetics or chemical products, and everyday friction.
A ring, for example, is usually much more exposed than earrings or a pendant.
The fact that the plating changes over time does not mean that the piece is defective. It is part of the nature of this type of finish.
Can a piece of jewelry be re-plated?
One of the advantages of working with 925 silver is that, when the plating has worn off, the piece is still silver underneath that superficial layer.
A piece of jewelry can be cleaned and prepared again to renew its finish and reapply plating when necessary.
That's why it's important to distinguish between the material a piece of jewelry is made of and the finish we see on its surface.
How to care for gold-plated jewelry?
If we want to preserve the plating for as long as possible, it is advisable to reduce situations that generate unnecessary wear.
We recommend avoiding direct contact with perfumes, creams, and chemical products, removing pieces before showering, bathing, or exercising, and storing them separately to avoid rubbing and scratches.
It is also important to be careful when cleaning them: excessive polishing or the use of abrasive products can accelerate the wear of the gold layer.
In our guide on how to care for your jewelry you will find more detailed recommendations for the different materials and finishes we work with.
925 silver plated with 24K gold
When you choose between a silver jewel, a gold-plated piece, or a solid gold jewel, you are not just choosing a color.
They are different materials and finishes, with different characteristics and ways of evolving.
In our collections, we work with 925 silver, both in its natural finish and plated with 24K gold. And for certain pieces and commissions, we also work with 18K gold.
Understanding these differences helps you choose a piece knowing how it's made and how it will change with use and the passage of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a piece of jewelry to be gold-plated?
It means the jewelry is made of another metal and has a layer of gold applied to its surface. At Rocío Studio, our plated jewelry is made of 925 silver and has a 24K gold plating.
Is gold-plated jewelry made of gold?
The surface is covered with gold, but the piece is not made entirely of this material. For example, our plated pieces are made of 925 silver and then covered with 24K gold.
What does it mean for a plating to have "X" microns?
It means that the applied gold layer has a thickness of X micrometers or 0.00X millimeters. If the plating is, for example, 3 microns, it will have a thickness of 0.003 millimeters.
How long does gold plating last?
There is no exact duration. It depends on the type of jewelry, frequency of use, friction, and the care it receives. Over time, the gold layer will gradually wear off.
Can a piece of jewelry be re-plated?
Yes. When the plating wears off, the piece can be prepared to apply a new layer of gold and renew its finish.
