Definition of gold plating
Gold plating is a term used to describe the coating of a material with a thin layer of gold. In jewelry, the material covered with precious metal is generally a base metal. You can find gold-plated brass, but also gold-plated plastic or wood.
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The different types of gold plating
There are different types of gold plating, differentiated by the thickness of the gold layer. They are more or less common depending on the country, legislation and local standards, but are generally recognizable by the presence of a square hallmark.
Gold plating in France
The uninitiated call any metal coated with a layer of gold, regardless of thickness or purity, "gold-plated". However, there is a definition of gold plating in French law.
Seul un bijou plaqué or 3 microns est un authentique bijou plaqué or selon la législation française, il est nécessaire que la couche d’or qui recouvre le métal vil fasse une épaisseur de 3 microns d’or minimum, soit 0,003 mm. Le plaquage en or d’un bijou pourra être plus épais mais un bijou qui ne respect pas cette épaisseur d’or minimale ne pourra pas être qualifié de « plaqué or » en France.
The vast majority of people believe that it is the high purity of gold that determines the quality of the primer, but this is not necessarily the case. As we already discussed in our article on gold alloys and carats, gold purity affects both color and hardness. Consequently, the purer the gold plating, the more yellow and soft it will be, and the easier it will scratch. The goldsmith must therefore choose the purity of the ideal gold plating according to these two variables.
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Gilding, pure gold plating
La dorure est un type de plaqué or qui ne respect pas l’épaisseur d’or minimum de 3 microns. Elle est en général obtenu par le même procédé d’électrolyse mais se différencie du précédent par la couche d’or qui recouvre le métal doré. La dorure est un plaqué or 24k, on utilise alors de l’or pur 24 carats et l’épaisseur de la couche d’or, entre 0,3 et 1 micron, est près de 10 fois moins épaisse que le plaqué or « véritable ». Rappelons qu’un micron est un millième de millimètre, il faut donc prendre grand soin et savoir comment nettoyer les objets dorés. Ce procédé est largement utilisé pour dorer les bijoux fantaisie couleur or, des clous d’oreilles après perçage, dans les connectiques, en électronique etc..
Contrary to what you might think, an object or piece of jewelry gilded with 24K fine gold is the most fragile in existence, but at the same time the most widespread!
Gold-Filled, a robust gold plating
Littéralement « or rempli » ou « rolled gold », le gold-filled est une appellation légale en anglais concernant l’orfèvrerie. Lorsqu’on veut acheter des bijoux en plaqué or d’une bonne qualité à moindre coût, le gold-filled est une alternative intéressante au plaqué or français.
Il ne se ternit pas, ne s’écaille pas et ne change pas de couleur. Bien que la couche d’or varie selon les différents fabricants, elle est bien plus épaisse que celle des bijoux plaqué or que nous avons vu précédemment. Les accessoires fabriqués en gold-filled peuvent être portés comme de vrais bijoux en or massif en gardant leur éclat, sans peur de les voir se ternir ou perdre leur couleur d’origine.
Les bijoutiers créent le gold-filled en pressant mécaniquement une plaque d’or martelée sur un autre métal, en général du cuivre. Bien que le gold-filled ne soit pas vendu en tant qu’or véritable, il en a le même aspect.
Vermeil, silver overlaid with gold
Vermeil is gold-plated solid silver. It is generally found in the form of dinner services. In France, gold plating has a minimum thickness of 5 microns of 18k gold, on 950 or 800 thousandths solid silver.
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Advantages and disadvantages of gold plating
The appearance of gold plating
After manufacture, the jewelry has the same appearance and visual characteristics as real gold jewelry. You'll find gold-plated rings, necklaces, gold-plated wedding bands, gold-plated bracelets, gold-plated pendants and gold-plated bracelets. Similarly, there are yellow gold, rose gold and white gold-plated jewels. Gold-plated jewelry is also available from jewellers who make gold-plated jewelry set with fine stones, gems, precious or semi-precious stones, zirconium, cultured pearls and fashion jewelry from designers who have made it their speciality for their jewelry collections.
The Price of Gold-Plated Jewellery
As the objects are only coated with a layer of gold, the manufacturing cost linked to the price of gold is much lower. This depends above all on the thickness of the gold plating and the house from which the jewel comes. Buying gold-plated jewelry is therefore a good alternative for enjoying beautiful solid gold jewelry at lower cost. Until recently, this type of jewelry was synonymous with a limited budget, encountered in the form of a cheap gold medallion or christening medal for example, but with the rise in the price of gold and logically in the price of real gold jewelry, this is no longer the case.
However, resale for gold of this type of jewelry will be impossible, given the very small quantity contained in the object.
Lifetime of gold plating
The lifespan of 3-micron gold-plated jewelry varies between 5 and 10 years. Gold-plated objects are much more fragile, and gold-filled is much more robust. Being only covered by a layer of gold, they are subject to wear and sensitive to oxidation.
To extend their lifespan, avoid wearing them when cleaning or using chemicals, during sports sessions due to sweat, or during manual activities. Contact with corrosive or acidic products will cause gold-plated jewelry to blacken.
Finally, clean gold-plated jewelry regularly to prevent oxidation from setting in permanently.
Caring for gold-plated jewelry
Care must be taken with gold-plated jewelry because of the fragility of the gold plating.
When cleaning gold-plated objects, do not use hard brushes or abrasive sponges. Also exclude silver cleaners, overly acidic chemicals, undiluted powders or pastes.
To care for your gold-plated jewelry, you'll need a soft-bristled brush, water with either soap, ammonia or baking soda, and a soft cloth.
Moisten the toothbrush and gently scrub the jewelry before rinsing. Then dry the jewel with the soft cloth to avoid scratching. Other products known for their effectiveness include toothpaste and Marseille soap, with similar instructions for use.
With these few tips, your gold-plated jewels will keep their original brilliance even longer.
Buying gold with Abacor
A gold specialist since 1996, Abacor offers advice onbuying physical gold. Experts are at your disposal to guide you in your desire to buy gold.
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