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Everybody Get Golden: Plated Gold vs. Solid Gold

Everybody Get Golden: Plated Gold vs. Solid Gold

Everything is as good as gold…or is it? Not all gold jewelry is created equal and it can’t be all 24kt (or any other karat for that matter) magic in the air 24/7. Plated gold and solid gold are on two totally different ends of the spectrum in terms of quality and we’re here to help you decide which one suits you best. Let’s dive into the world of plated gold vs. solid gold!

We Must Learn Who is Gold, and Who is Simply Gold Plated: What is plated gold?


All that glitters is not gold and well...that quote hits this type of gold right on the head. Plated gold is a very thin layer of gold that is applied over a base of non-gold metal- like brass or copper. These pieces appear to be more on the antique/vintage side which means it will be the perfect addition to any fashionista’s collection.
Want to shake things up a bit? Different rhodium colors can be applied to make your jewelry more versatile. Be bold with red or make a statement with black, there are an array of colors to choose from. Our shop offers rose gold and yellow gold plating to go over all silver pieces. Additionally, our pieces are vermeil (a sterling silver base) and sustainable. One of our favorite rings has the option to come in plated gold. Take a peek at our Rosados Box Juniper 6x4mm 14kt Gold Oval Opal-Garnet-Onyx-Moonstone-Lapis Sapphire Cluster 3 Stone Ring!



So…does this mean I have a real piece of gold jewelry?! Eh, not so much. Gold plating contains very little gold. While it may appear to be a legit piece of gold jewelry, the gold plating is more of an aesthetic attribute - there is no value to the gold that is applied, regardless of the karat that it is.

Does plated gold last a lifetime?


Nothing gold can stay and sadly, this also applies to plated gold jewelry. We hate to burst your bubbles Rosette Squad but plated gold, unfortunately, does not last a lifetime. As time goes on, it will fade.
The plating will wear away and expose the metal underneath. If the jewelry is cheap, it will disappear at a quicker rate but some places have stronger plating which will make your piece last a little longer.
Don’t fret! Some precautions can be taken. To prevent any tarnishing, gently clean your jewelry with a cloth or for a “deeper” clean, use warm and soapy water. If you are afraid that you may ruin it even more, your best bet would be to bring it into your jeweler to clean or re-plate.

You Are Gold Baby, Solid Gold: What is solid gold?


Nothing is more timeless than gold jewelry and having a piece of solid gold in your collection that you can cherish for a lifetime is well worth the investment. You will never have to worry about any plating wearing away because guess what? There is none! Your piece will maintain its color forever and ever. That sounds pretty sweet if you ask us.
Our shop carries 14kt or 18kt rose, yellow, or white gold (minus 18kt rose gold, sterling silver and platinum). We also recommend 14kt over 18kt for durability purposes. However, if you are looking for a warmer tone to your piece, definitely go with the 18kt.

Saving the Earth One Piece of Gold at a Time: What is Recycled Gold?


Recycled gold is exactly what it sounds like. It’s made from existing jewelry and turns into the final product that you get to cherish for a lifetime.
Here at Love & Promise, we’re all about giving people great jewelry and we also love to help the environment in the process. We focus on quality products, how they can be repurposed, and the footprint it leaves behind. All of our metals and gemstones can be repurposed for any future redesigns. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, our recycled gold is also repurified!
We also only use lab-grown synthetics and natural gemstones because we understand the nature of each stone and how to repurpose the gems for future redesign projects. Even the goodies you receive with your purchase are eco-friendly! Who doesn’t love that?!
Know what else we love besides saving the environment? Pretty jewelry obviously! Check out our Rosados Box Juniper 6x4mm 14kt Rose Gold Oval Forever One Moissanite Diamonds Cluster 3 Stone Engagement Ring which, like the rest of our jewelry, is made out of recycled gold! You get a lovely piece and help the environment at the same time, it’s a win-win situation!



Which is right for me?


As we all know, people have different preferences and that is especially true when it comes to jewelry. Now that we have filled your brains with some knowledge on all things plated and solid gold, it’s decision time. What’s it going to be?
Investing in a piece of solid gold jewelry would be the route to go if you want something that will stand the test of time. Plated gold will require a little more TLC but is more affordable for those on a budget. Either way, one of these options is bound to please anyone based on your preference.
Get the latest on all things Love & Promise by visiting our socials and website to see all of our glimmering and gold pieces. Who knows, you may find the piece you have always been looking for. Stay golden Rosette Squad!


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