Why does the price of gold plated jewellery vary?
Date Posted:23 December 2020
If you have been shopping or researching jewellery online, you probably wonder why prices can vary so much for gold plated jewellery. Some can be as cheap as a few dollars, and others can be up to hundreds of dollars. There are lots of considerations when it comes to material use (such as metal only, or metal combined with precious stone, gems and pearls). In this article we will focus on how the differences between base metals, gold purity, and gold plating can affect the cost and price of jewellery.
Base Metal
Gold plating can be done on most metals such as nickel, brass, stainless steel, silver and copper. Modern industrial metals such as tungsten and titanium can also be gold plated. The most commonly plated base metals are nickel, brass, copper and stainless steel. When shopping for gold plated jewellery online it is important to be aware and be informed of the base metal of the jewellery as some can be non-hypoallergenic and may cause skin irritations, especially if you have metal allergies. Nickel for example, is known to cause skin irritation. It is worthwhile to know whether the base metal contains nickel, or ask this question to the retailer if it is not stated clearly.
Stainless steel has varied nickel levels. Commonly used 304 and 316 stainless steel both contain nickel. Surgical-grade stainless steel contains much less nickel while nickel-free stainless steel is as the term suggests, completely free of nickel.
Gold plating on nickel, brass, copper and stainless steel are generally more affordable than gold plating on solid sterling silver and titanium.
Gold Purity Level
Gold purity level is measured in karat and also affects the cost and pricing. Gold purity can vary from 9K to 24K. The gold tone gets deeper and richer as gold purity rises.
Thickness of Gold Plating
Gold plating can range in thickness between 0.17 to 2.5 microns.
Plating with a thickness of around 0.17 is called gold electroplated, gold wash or flash gold. This is an extremely thin layer (about 0.05% of gold) and is only recommended for lower end fashion jewellery pieces. This plating can wear off quite quickly. The jewellery pieces are prone to tarnish more easily due to the very thin layer of gold plating (combined with other factors such as a cheap base metal being used).
The ideal thickness for gold plating is around 0.5 to 1.0 microns. While this might still sound like a thin layer, it’s sufficient even for jewellery pieces that are exposed to more frequent and rough wear, such as rings and bracelets.
Plating at around the 2.5 micron mark is quite thick and known as heavy gold plated. As a result, the plating lasts longer when it’s thicker. At Culturesse, we apply 2.5 microns of gold plating to our gold vermeil (where the base metal is solid sterling silver) and artisan gold jewellery pieces. Our gold vermeil, artisan 18K and 24K gold plated jewellery are heavy gold plated. With our 24K gold jewellery, each piece is polished 5 times to fully bring out the gold shine.
At Culturesse, it is an important part of our ethics to practise transparency by keeping consumers aware and informed of the base metal, gold purity and thickness of plating, types of pearls, stones and gems, so that you are aware of the jewellery components. We encourage consumers to ask questions if you are not sure and to make the best buying choices based on transparency and honesty.
Gold Earrings: A Popular Choice in Gold Plated Jewellery
Among all types of jewellery, gold earrings stand out as timeless favourites. They balance affordability and luxury, giving you the beauty of gold.
Culturesse offers a carefully curated selection of gold plated earrings in Australia, ranging from elegant minimalist studs to luxury baroque designs. Some of our highlights include:
- Jacinthe Luxury 24K Sculpture Pearl Drop Earrings – a stunning combination of 24K gold plating and lustrous pearls, perfect for evening elegance.
- Beretta Artisan 24K Coastal Sculpture Earrings – bold and artistic, designed for those who want their jewellery to stand out.
- Esmerelda Luxury Baroque Pearl Earrings Gold – timeless pieces combining rich gold tones with natural baroque pearls.
These designs showcase how gold vermeil and heavy gold plated jewellery can rival the luxury look of fine jewellery at a fraction of the price.
Long-Term Value: How Long Does Gold Plated Jewellery Last?
A common question shoppers ask is, “How long will my gold plated earrings last?” The answer depends on plating thickness, base metal, and how you care for them.
- Flash-plated jewellery (0.17 microns) may last only a few months with regular wear.
- Standard gold plating (0.5–1 micron) can last 1–2 years with proper care.
- Heavy gold plating (2.5 microns, as used in Culturesse designs) can last several years, especially when the base is sterling silver.
This makes gold vermeil earrings (sterling silver with thick plating) one of the best long-term investments for everyday wear.
Care Tips for Gold Plated Earrings and Jewellery
To extend the life of your pieces:
- Store jewellery in soft pouches or boxes away from moisture.
- Avoid wearing gold plated pieces while swimming, showering, or exercising.
- Apply perfumes and lotions before wearing jewellery, not after.
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wear.
Choosing Between 18K, 22K, and 24K Gold Plating
When browsing online, you will often see terms like 18K, 22K, and 24K gold plating. Here’s what they mean for your jewellery purchase:
- 18K gold plated jewellery – A balanced, modern gold tone with excellent durability.
- 22K gold plated jewellery – Richer colour, slightly more yellow than 18K, ideal for traditional or statement designs.
- 24K gold plated jewellery – Deep, luxurious shine. Paired with pearls or artistic designs, it creates true luxury appeal.
Culturesse specialises in 24K artisan gold plated earrings that bring out the depth of gold with hand-polished finishes.
Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Choice
The world of gold plated jewellery is diverse, prices vary depending on base metal, purity, thickness, craftsmanship, and design. By understanding these factors, you can make confident choices that align with your style, budget, and values.
At Culturesse, our commitment is to create jewellery that is both beautiful and enduring, using heavy gold plating, sterling silver bases, and ethical craftsmanship. Whether you’re seeking everyday staples or statement earrings, our gold earrings collection offers pieces designed to last.
Discover your perfect pair today and experience the artistry of affordable luxury gold plated jewellery in Australia.