Introduction
Gold plated jewelry can be a great addition to your wardrobe. It has the look of real gold without the hefty price tag. With its unique shine, it’s perfect for a night out and will turn heads wherever you go! However, it’s important to understand the risks involved before making a purchase. Gold plated jewelry is not as durable or valuable as solid gold pieces, so it might not stand the test of time or last you very long. Additionally, some alloys used in plating may contain metals that could potentially cause skin irritations or even discolor with wear. In order to make an informed decision on whether or not this type of jewelry is right for you, we’ll explore the benefits and risks associated with buying gold plated jewelry in more detail below:
Benefits
The main benefit of investing in gold plated jewelry is cost savings compared to solid gold pieces. If you’re looking for something fancy but don’t want to break the bank, this is definitely an option worth considering! Plus, there are no worries about needing to worry about polishing and cleaning (unlike with traditional gold). Lastly, because the base metal is usually silver or copper, there are often more customization options when choosing your design.
Risks
The main risk with gold plated jewelry involves how long it will last and stay attractive – because the layer of gold is usually thinner than several microns thick, it tends to wear off over time or become tarnished quickly if worn frequently or exposed to too much water. Also, different alloys used in the plating may include other metals like nickel which can cause skin irritations if allergic contact dermatitis develops. For these reasons, it’s important to know what type of alloys have been used in your purchase before committing.
Quality of Gold Plating
Before purchasing gold plated jewelry, it is important to examine the quality of its gold plating. You need to consider several elements such as thickness, color, and finish. Gold plating comes in different levels of thickness ranging from 0.175 microns up to 3 microns or more. A thicker coating provides greater durability; however, a substantial amount of gold can be lost during plating processes, especially with thinner coatings. The color should be consistent and vibrant; otherwise the jeweler may have used impure alloys or diluted plating solutions ” both signs of low-quality workmanship. Lastly, the finish should be even and smooth with no rippling or rough patches along its surface. Taking the time to carefully inspect each piece for these elements will help ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
Style and Design Options
When it comes to buying gold plated jewelry, you have a truly unique array of style and design options available to you. Gold plating gives you the ability to enjoy the look of solid gold without having to spend a fortune. You can choose from an incredible selection of colors, shapes, sizes and styles, from classic golden strands that are perfect for special occasions to bright, daring pieces made for everyday wear. There is something for everyone in this versatile range of gold plated jewelry, making it easy to find something that suits your personal style. Many brands offer different collections that can take you from day-to-day life all the way up through a night out on the town. You can find timeless designs such as simple hoops or stud earrings that never go out of style, statement pieces like chandelier earrings and cocktail rings with intricate detailing that turn heads at any event, and bold styles like collar necklaces and layered chains that give off an edgy look. Gold plated jewelry also allows accessorizing with precious gems such as diamonds or sapphires at more accessible prices than traditional solid gold items would command. In sum, gold plated jewelry provides a unique and affordable way to add sparkle and shimmer to any outfit ” whether you’re setting sail for a fancy dinner or taking a casual stroll down the beach.
Brands and Prices
Before deciding whether to buy gold plated jewelry, it is important to consider the brand and price of the piece in question. The more reputable the brand is, the better quality and sturdiness of the piece will be. Gold plating is only a thin coating, which means that cost-effective pieces may not last beyond a few wears. Make sure to do research on different brands, compare prices, and read reviews so that you know what to expect from each item. Additionally, when buying gold plated jewelry, avoid paying too much for an item as it won’t have any extra value because of its plating. Look for discounts or online deals so that you can get good quality jewelry without breaking the bank. Also, consider shopping for second-hand items as these may be significantly cheaper than brand-new pieces but still hold up well over time.
Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Plated Jewelry
Pros:
1. Gold-plated jewelry is usually a fraction of the cost of solid gold jewelry and can allow you to enjoy the look of gold without paying a fortune.
2. Gold-plated jewelry makes a great fashion statement and can be used to complete any outfit.
3. If taken care of properly, gold-plated jewelry can have lasting durability.
Cons:
1. The gold plating may wear off with extended use or if treated carelessly, leaving an unsightly piece of metal with no value.
2. Gold plating does not offer the same level of protection from discoloration and tarnish that comes with solid gold jewelry, so it needs to be handled with more caution when exposed to corrosive substances such as chlorine or detergents.
3. Gold-plated items do not hold their value over time like solid pieces and are considered disposable, meaning they cannot be passed down as heirlooms or sold for substantial amounts in later years like precious metals or diamonds can be
Caring for Gold Plated Jewelry
When it comes to caring for gold plated jewelry, it is important to keep a few precautions in mind. First and foremost, try to avoid storing your jewelry in humid or damp environments. Humidity and moisture can lead to corrosion and tarnish, making your jewelry dull and less attractive. Additionally, when cleaning your gold plated jewelry, use a lint-free cloth to wipe away dirt and dust. However, avoid using chemical-based jewelry cleaners as these can strip the gold plating off the piece. Instead of chemical cleaners, use warm water mixed with a mild soap like dish detergent; let it soak for 5 minutes prior to rinsing it off with clean tap water. Finally, when not wearing your pieces make sure that they are stored separately so they don’t get scratched or damaged by other pieces of jewelry. Keep them in an airtight container that is free from dust or humidity.
Tips for Shopping for Gold Plated Jewelry
When shopping for gold plated jewelry, it’s important to know the qualities of the piece. First, research what type of gold plating is being used. Identify which type has a higher level of karat gold like 24K or 18K that offers long lasting durability. It’s also important to look at how thickly the gold layer was applied. Is it a single layer or double layers? This will influence how long the finish lasts and how much money you end up spending on replacements over time.
It’s essential to determine what material is underneath the plating as well. Cheaper alternatives are commonly just a base metal or thin coating of brass underneath whereas higher quality pieces contain sterling silver for more durability and strength. In addition, when shopping for gold plated jewelry always make sure you ask about any warranties offered through the store so that if any problems arise with your item you can have it replaced quickly and easily without much hassle. Finally, make sure you keep gold-plated jewelry away from water and harsh chemicals since these can be damaging to its finish.
Conclusion
When deciding whether or not to buy gold plated jewelry, it is important to consider your reasons for wanting the jewelry in the first place. Are you looking for something simple yet glamorous, or attractive and eye-catching? Will you be wearing the jewelry frequently and need it to survive frequent wear and tear? Lastly, do you have a budget that won’t stretch too far beyond purchasing gold plated jewelry?
If the answers to all of these questions are yes, then buying gold plated jewelry could certainly be a viable option. It is an affordable way to get designer-style looks without breaking the bank. Plus, with proper care taken of your piece that includes avoiding direct contact with water and chemicals, it can last many years. With its versatility in terms of styles, colors and sizes available, there are sure to be plenty of designs that will make an impact on your personal fashion statement. Therefore, when carefully considering your needs and wants in chosen jewelry pieces, investing in gold plated items may be well worth it!
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
