It's hard to know what all the jewellery lingo means... So we're on a mission to educate and create clarity, so you can make better decisions when buying jewellery.

Gold Plate - It's the most common and vaguest term used in jewellery today...

Not all gold plate jewellery is created equal, a piece could last two years, or two days and be both called 'gold plate'. Here are the questions you should ask when buying gold plated jewellery.

What gold karat is used?

Not only does the karat of gold determine the colour, but it also impacts the durability of the piece of jewellery. Look for 18k gold plate or lower. It's a harder gold so in theory will wear better and last longer.

What thickness of gold plate is used?

This is where the vagueness of the term 'gold plated' comes into play. Often overlooked, but a really important question to consider when purchasing plated jewellery. 

Most common gold plate is measured in microns, look for a thickness of at least 2 microns of gold.

  - standard gold plating is usually about 0.5 to 1 micron. 

  - 2.5 microns is thick in regards to industry standards.

This is why we plate Flash Jewellery in 2.5 - 4 microns depending on the piece.

What base metal is used?

The base metal determines the overall durability of the piece.

Metals naturally react with air and moisture. Brass is good, sterling silver is best and if it's anything else, maybe steer clear…Especially if you have reactions or want your gold plated jewellery to last.

Most Importantly...

Your pieces of jewellery will look better and have more longevity if you clean & maintain them.

Think of your jewellery like a vintage Gucci handbag (or a 1979 Dodge Charger), that baby needs maintenance.

See Our Jewellery Care Guide Here to find out how to care for the different types of jewellery and metals. 

We would love to hear from you, let us know if you have any thoughts or questions. Nina x