Gold plated jewellery sits in a sweet spot that pure gold can't - it gives the appearance and warmth of gold at a fraction of the price. In India, where gold is both a cultural necessity and a financial investment, gold plated jewellery lets people wear gold freely for daily occasions without putting precious metal at risk. But not all gold plated jewellery is equal. Here's how to choose pieces that look premium, last longer, and represent genuine value.
What is gold plated jewellery exactly?
Gold plating is a process where a thin layer of gold is deposited onto a base metal (usually brass, copper, or silver) through electroplating. The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns:
- 0.5 microns - very thin plating, typically found in very cheap pieces. Will wear off quickly (weeks to months).
- 1-2 microns - standard quality found in most Indian fashion jewellery. Lasts 6-18 months with proper care.
- 2.5+ microns - premium gold plating. Lasts 2-3 years with good care.
- Gold filled - a much thicker layer (1/20 of total metal weight is gold). More expensive but much more durable. Often 10-30 years lifespan.
Gold plated vs gold tone vs gold filled - what's the difference?
- Gold plated - electroplated gold layer over base metal. Thickness varies.
- Gold tone/gold colour - simply painted or coated to look gold, with no actual gold content. The least durable and least valuable option.
- Gold filled - mechanical bonding of a substantial gold layer to base metal. Much more durable than plating.
- Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) - gold plating over sterling silver specifically, minimum 2.5 microns. Higher quality than standard gold plating on brass.
- Solid gold - entire piece is gold alloy (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K). The most expensive option.
Types of gold plated jewellery in India
Brass base with gold plating
Most common and most affordable. Brass is a good base metal for plating - it holds gold well and the warmth of brass beneath gold plating means the colour remains warm even as the plating wears. Brass base jewellery may cause skin discolouration in people sensitive to zinc (a component of brass).
Copper base with gold plating
Similar to brass but can cause greenish discolouration on skin more easily as copper oxidizes on contact with sweat. Usually the most affordable and least durable option.
Silver base with gold plating (vermeil)
Sterling silver base provides better quality and is hypoallergenic. More expensive than brass base but more skin-friendly and durable. The correct choice for sensitive skin.
How to care for gold plated jewellery to maximize its lifespan
Daily habits that extend plating life
- Put jewellery on last - apply perfume, hairspray, lotion, and sunscreen before putting on gold plated pieces. Chemicals in these products rapidly accelerate plating wear.
- Remove before water exposure - take off gold plated jewellery before bathing, swimming, washing dishes, or any water contact. Water itself doesn't damage gold but soaps and chlorine do.
- Remove before sleeping - constant pressure from bedding accelerates plating wear.
- Avoid handling frequently - the oils and acids in sweat and skin accelerate tarnishing.
Cleaning gold plated jewellery
- Wipe after each wear with a very soft dry cloth
- For deeper cleaning: dip briefly in warm (not hot) water with a tiny amount of mild soap, rinse immediately, dry completely with a soft cloth
- Never use silver polish, toothpaste, baking soda paste, or ultrasonic cleaners - all will strip plating
- Never use abrasive cloths or brushes
Storage
- Store each piece separately in soft cloth pouches or a lined jewellery box with dividers
- Pieces stored together scratch each other - every scratch through plating becomes a tarnish point
- Keep away from high humidity (not in the bathroom)
- Anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box absorb sulfur compounds that cause tarnishing
When gold plated jewellery is the right choice
- For festival and wedding season wear when you want to look adorned in gold without risking valuable solid gold
- For trying new jewellery trends without long-term financial commitment
- For gifts where solid gold would exceed the gift-giving budget
- For daily wear where real gold might feel excessive or get damaged
- For young adults building their first jewellery collection
Red flags when buying gold plated jewellery in India
- Price significantly below market average - extremely cheap pieces use very thin plating that wears off in weeks
- No plating thickness specification - quality sellers specify micron thickness
- Strong chemical smell from new pieces - indicates inferior base metal or coating
- Immediately visible base metal at edges or hinges - indicates uneven plating
Shop gold plated jewellery at the best prices
DeoDap offers quality gold plated jewellery sets - necklaces, earrings, bangles, and full sets - at wholesale prices perfect for daily wear, gifting, and building a complete jewellery collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does gold plating last on jewellery in India?
With proper care (avoiding water, chemicals, and proper storage), standard gold plating lasts 6-18 months of regular wear. Premium plating (2.5+ microns) can last 2-3 years. Daily wear in India's humid climate is harder on plating than occasional use.
Can I shower with gold plated jewellery?
No - even brief exposure to soapy water accelerates plating wear significantly. Always remove gold plated jewellery before bathing, swimming, or washing hands with soap.
How do I know if jewellery is real gold or just gold plated?
Real gold jewellery has a hallmark stamp (like 916, 750, or 585 indicating gold purity). Gold plated pieces typically don't have these stamps, or are marked 'GP' or 'GF'. If in doubt, a jeweller can test the piece for gold content.
