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Gold-plated silver: What is it, and how is it different from gold?
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Love the warm glow of gold, but not the price tag of solid gold? Then gold-plated silver could be the answer. But what does "gold-plated" actually mean, how long does it last, and is it the right choice for you?
In this guide, we explain what gold-plated silver is, how it differs from solid gold and plain silver, and what to look for when you buy.
Contents
- What is gold-plated silver?
- Gold-plated silver, solid gold and sterling silver compared
- How long does gold plating last?
- The benefits of gold-plated silver
- Gold-plated or silver: which suits you best?
- How to recognize quality
- Frequently asked questions
What is gold-plated silver?
Gold-plated silver is a piece of jewelry made from silver and covered with a thin layer of real gold. Underneath, the piece is silver, but what you see is gold.
The base metal is usually sterling silver, also known as 925 silver. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver is too soft for jewelry you wear every day, and the small addition makes the metal stronger.
The gold layer is applied by electroplating. The piece is lowered into a bath of dissolved gold, and a weak electric current makes the gold settle in an even layer over the entire surface. The result is a piece that looks like solid gold but costs a fraction of the price.
What does 14K gold plating mean?
Karat tells you how pure the gold is. 14 karat gold contains 58.5% pure gold, and the rest is other metals that make the gold harder and affect its color. 14K has a warm, classic gold tone that is less yellow than 18K and 24K, and many people find it suits most skin tones.
So when a piece is "14K gold-plated", the surface is 14 karat gold and the core is sterling silver.
Gold-plated silver, solid gold and sterling silver compared
| Gold-plated silver | Solid gold (14K) | Sterling silver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Gold | Gold | Silver |
| Price | Low to medium | High | Low |
| Durability | The gold layer wears slowly over time | Lasts for generations | Lasts for many years, can tarnish |
| Care | Gentle care | Minimal | Polish regularly |
| Can be refreshed | Yes, can be re-plated | Can be polished | Can be polished |
In short: solid gold is the expensive option that lasts forever. Sterling silver is the classic, affordable choice. Gold-plated silver sits in between, with the look of gold at a silver price.
Gold-plated silver vs. gold-plated costume jewelry
An important difference that many people overlook: gold-plated silver is not the same as gold-plated costume jewelry. Cheap fashion jewelry often has a core of brass or other base metals. When the gold layer wears off, a dark, yellowish metal shows through.
Gold-plated sterling silver has a precious metal core. Even after years of wear, what lies beneath the gold is still real silver.
How long does gold plating last?
This is probably the most common question, and the answer is: it depends on how the piece is worn.
Gold plating is a surface layer, and anything that rubs against the surface slowly wears it down. As a rule of thumb:
- Earrings and necklaces usually last the longest, because they rarely touch hard surfaces.
- Rings and bracelets wear faster, because they are constantly in contact with tables, bags, keyboards and handles.
- Jewelry you sleep, shower or exercise in wears much faster than jewelry you take off.
Chemicals also play a part. Perfume, hand sanitiser, lotion and chlorine from swimming pools are some of gold plating's worst enemies.
How to make your gold-plated jewelry last longer
- Put your jewelry on last, after perfume, lotion and make-up.
- Take it off before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping.
- Store each piece separately so they don't scratch each other.
- Only clean with a soft cloth, never with silver polish or silver dip.
Read our full guide to jewelry care, where you can also see how to look after pearls and cubic zirconia.
When the gold starts to wear
If the gold layer becomes thin after several years of wear, the piece isn't ruined. Because the core is sterling silver, a goldsmith can re-plate it so it looks new again. That's not possible with costume jewelry.
If the silver starts to darken where the gold has worn, read more in our article on why silver turns black.
The benefits of gold-plated silver
The look of gold at an affordable price. You get the warm gold tone without paying for solid gold. That makes it possible to build a collection, combine several pieces and change your style.
Precious metal all the way through. The core is sterling silver, not a cheap metal. That gives weight, a sense of quality and the option to re-plate.
Perfect for layering. Gold-plated jewelry is ideal for mixing several necklaces or filling your ear with huggies and studs without spending a fortune.
Recycled materials. Many pieces today are made from recycled silver and gold, which reduces the need for new mining. At The Missing Touch, all jewelry is made from recycled sterling silver and recycled gold.
Gold-plated or silver: which suits you best?
Many designs come in both a gold-plated and a silver version, for example Sparkling Squares Huggies, which are also available in sterling silver. So how do you choose?
Choose gold-plated if
- you have a warm skin tone with golden or olive undertones
- you usually wear warm colors such as beige, brown, cream and green
- you want a piece that feels a little more festive and luxurious
Choose silver if
- you have a cool skin tone with pink or bluish undertones
- you prefer a minimalist, cool look
- you want a piece that can handle slightly tougher everyday wear, such as a ring you never take off
And remember: there's no rule that says you have to choose. Mixed metals, combining gold and silver, is one of the most popular looks right now. See how in our guide to wearing gold and silver together, or find inspiration in our styling guide.
How to recognize quality
When you buy gold-plated silver, look for:
- The 925 stamp. It shows that the core is sterling silver. The stamp is usually placed discreetly on the back or on the clasp.
- The karat of the plating. A clear statement such as "14K gold-plated" tells you the quality of the gold on the surface.
- Transparency about materials. Serious retailers are open about what a piece is made of, including what lies beneath the plating.
- Care instructions. A shop that tells you how to look after your jewelry expects it to last.
Frequently asked questions
Is gold-plated silver real gold?
The surface is real gold, but the piece is not solid gold. The core is sterling silver, and the gold is a thin layer on top.
Can you shower with gold-plated silver?
You can, but it wears down the plating. Soap, shampoo and hot water make the gold layer dull faster, so take your jewelry off before you shower.
Can gold-plated silver leave green marks on the skin?
It can happen. Sterling silver contains a little copper, which can react with the acids in your skin or with lotion. The discoloration is harmless and washes off with soap and water.
Can a piece be re-plated?
Yes. Because the core is sterling silver, a goldsmith can re-plate the piece once the old gold layer has worn.
Is gold-plated silver good for people with allergies?
Most people tolerate sterling silver and gold well. If you are very sensitive to metals, it's a good idea to check the material description and ask the retailer before you buy.
Gold-plated silver gives you the glow of gold at a silver price, with a precious metal core that can be re-plated when needed. Take good care of your jewelry, and you can enjoy it for many years.