When it comes to jewellery, gold has long been a symbol of timeless beauty and luxury. Yet, not everyone realises that not all “gold” jewellery is made the same. There’s a big difference between solid gold and gold-plated pieces — in value, durability, and care. Understanding these differences can help you make smarter choices when shopping for your next favourite accessory.
What is Gold Jewellery?
Solid gold jewellery is made entirely of gold, measured in karats that indicate purity — 24K being the purest form. It doesn’t tarnish easily and maintains its lustre for generations, making it ideal for investment and sentimental keepsakes.
What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery features a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal such as silver, brass, or copper. It offers the same golden shine at a fraction of the price but may fade over time with regular wear. When cared for properly, gold-plated jewellery can last 2-3 years
How to Tell Apart Gold and Gold-Plated Jewellery?
1. Identify the Markings
One of the easiest ways to differentiate gold from gold-plated jewellery is to check for markings. Sold gold pieces tend to feature stamps indicating the gold purity, such as ‘18k’ or ‘22k’. On the other hand, gold-plated jewellery often features marks like ‘GP’ (Gold Plated) or ‘GEP’ (Gold Electroplated).
2. Weight Test
Pick up the jewellery or use a gram scale to test its weight. If the piece of jewellery feels lighter, it is likely gold-plated. This is because gold is a natural heavy metal, while gold-plated pieces have lighter metals underneath.
3. Check for Scratches or Worn Areas
Look closely at any worn areas, especially on jewellery such as rings and bracelets. Gold-plated jewellery often shows different colours where it’s rubbed the most, revealing the metal beneath the electroplated coating. Solid gold, on the other hand, retains its colour even after being scratched.
4. Magnet Test
Another way to test gold-plated jewellery is by using a strong magnet. If your jewellery is attracted to the magnet, it is likely gold-plated with a magnetic base metal (such as steel or nickel). Genuine gold jewellery would not stick to magnets at all.
5. Check for Discolouration
Check for any signs of discolouration on your jewellery pieces. You will notice that genuine gold jewellery will still retain its golden gloss after long-term wear. Gold plating tends to wear out with time and leave behind a dark or green tint on your skin.
6. Scratch Test
Use an unglazed ceramic dish and gently scrape your jewellery on the plate. Be gentle while scraping the jewellery to avoid damaging the pieces. Genuine gold will leave behind a gold-coloured mark, while gold-plated jewellery will leave behind a black streak.
7. Nitric Acid Test
Place your jewellery pieces on a stainless steel plate, then pour 3 droplets of nitric acid onto the surface. If the jewellery turns dark or green coloured, it is gold-plated. If your jewellery has a white colored tone, it is silver with gold plating. If the piece did not change colour after the droplets of acid, it is pure gold.
WARNING: To protect your eyes and hands, wear a pair of protective gloves and goggles before conducting this experiment.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about what shines on the outside, but what truly fits your lifestyle. Solid gold may last a lifetime, while gold-plated pieces let you experiment with trends without breaking the bank. Whichever you choose, wear it with confidence — because every piece of jewellery tells your story.
