WHAT IS 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE

 


Here is a list of everything we will review in this blog post:


  • What is 18K gold jewelry?

  • What is 18K mixed with?

  • What is 18K gold-plated jewelry?

  • Is 18k gold-plated real?

  • Will 18K gold-plated tarnish?

  • Can you wear 18K gold-plated in the shower?

  • Can 18K gold-plated turn your skin green?

  • Pros & cons of 18k gold:

  • Is 18k gold plating hypoallergenic?

  • Is 18k gold plating good?

  • What does 18gp mean?

  • How long does 18k gold-plated last?


WHAT IS 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY
WHAT IS 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY


18K gold-plated jewelry is like the gift that keeps on giving! Whether you want a classic piece of jewelry or something more daring, 18k gold plating has got you covered. But before you dive into all its luxe benefits, let’s give it an introduction.



FIRST, WHAT IS 18K GOLD JEWELRY?


18-karat gold plated jewelry consists of 18 parts pure gold mixed with six parts other alloy metals (usually a mixture of nickel, silver, copper, zinc, or palladium, depending on the color of the gold). 



WHAT IS 18K MIXED WITH?


18k gold can be mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc. This creates an 18k gold alloy mixture that is more durable than pure gold and more affordable. Rose gold always contains copper (which gives it its signature rose gold color), while white gold always contains white alloys like nickel or palladium. The higher the percentage of alloys, the 'rosier' or 'whiter' the final 18-karat gold-plated pieces will look.



NOW, WHAT IS 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY?


18K gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, is made of a base metal (often brass, copper, or silver) that's been covered in a thin layer of 18k gold. The gold plating can range from 0.5 microns to 2.5 microns thick, with the typical thickness being 1.0 - 1.5 microns. This means that the gold coating on 18k gold-plated jewelry is around 1/1000th of a millimeter thick - so it's really quite thin! The benefit of having such a thin layer of gold plating is that it's much more affordable than solid 18K gold while still giving you the same look and feel. Plus, 18k gold-plated jewelry is more durable than regular gold-tone jewelry because the layer of gold is still thicker.

 


IS 18K GOLD-PLATED REAL?


The short answer is yes - 18k gold-plated jewelry contains real gold, but it is not the same as solid 18k gold. Instead, 18k gold plating consists of a base metal covered in a very thin layer of gold.



WILL 18K GOLD-PLATED TARNISH?


When it comes to 18k gold-plated jewelry, there's one question on everyone's mind: will it tarnish? The short answer is — maybe 18k gold can tarnish. It all depends on how you take care of your jewelry and the type of metal used underneath the gold plating. If you treat your 18k gold-plated jewelry with the utmost care, you'll find that it will last much longer and won't tarnish as quickly.



CAN YOU WEAR 18K GOLD-PLATED IN THE SHOWER?


We don’t recommend showering in 18k gold-plated jewelry — the combination of hot water and soap can cause damage to the gold plating. So, if you want to keep that gorgeous gold shine on your jewelry intact, it’s best to take it off before you jump in the shower.



CAN 18K GOLD-PLATED TURN YOUR SKIN GREEN?


Not necessarily; 18k gold-plated jewelry doesn't have to turn your skin green. This is usually due to a reaction between the metals underneath the gold plating and the sweat from your skin, so it's important to make sure that you choose a high-quality piece of jewelry with quality materials underneath.

 


PROS & CONS OF 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY:


There are pros and cons to 18k gold-plated jewelry, just like with any other type of jewelry. So, let's take a look at both of them.


THE PROS:


1) 18K Gold is Shiny:


The first and most obvious pro of 18k gold-plated jewelry is that it's shiny. If you're looking to add a bit of sparkle and shine to your outfit, 18k gold-plated jewelry is a great way to do it.


2) It's an Affordable Metal:


Another pro of 18k plated gold is that it's affordable. While solid gold jewelry can be quite expensive, gold plating is a more budget-friendly option that will still give you the look of luxury. So, if you're looking to add some glamorous pieces to your collection without breaking the bank, 18k plated gold is a great choice.


3) 18K Gold is Versatile:
18k gold-plated jewelry also comes in a variety of colors (white, rose, etc.), so you can easily find the perfect piece to suit your taste.


4) It's a Durable Metal:
Despite its thin layer of gold, 18k plated gold is actually quite durable and long-lasting. With proper care, your gold-plated jewelry can last for years without losing its shine or color. So, if you're looking for pieces that will stand the test of time, gold-plated jewelry is a great option.


5) 18K Won't Tarnish Easily:


One of the best things about 18k plated gold is that it won't tarnish easily like other types of jewelry. Tarnishing is when the metal starts to turn dull or dark in color, and it's something that can happen to silver, copper, and even some types of gold jewelry over time. But because 18k gold-plated jewelry has a protective layer of real gold on top, it's much less likely to tarnish than other types of jewelry.


6) Pure Gold is Hypoallergenic:


If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain metals, 18k gold-plating is a great option for you. Gold is a hypoallergenic metal, which means it's unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. So, if you want to enjoy beautiful jewelry without worrying about skin irritation or allergies, gold-plated jewelry is definitely the way to go.


THE CONS:


1) 18k Gold Can Develop Scratches:

One of the disadvantages of 18k gold-plated jewelry is that it can scratch over time. This happens when the thin layer of gold starts to wear off, revealing the base metal beneath.


It's important to take good care of your gold-plated jewelry and store it properly to prevent this from happening.


2) It Can Fade:


Another con of 18k gold-plated jewelry is that the color can fade over time because the thin layer of gold may start to rub off or wear down due to exposure to water, chemicals, and other elements.

It's best to keep your gold-plated jewelry away from harsh chemicals and store it in a cool, dry place when not wearing it to prevent this from happening.


3) 18K Gold May Require Replating:

Unfortunately, after a certain amount of time, the gold layer on your jewelry may begin to wear away and require replating. This is a minimal cost, but something to keep in mind if you're looking for long-term wear.



IS 18K GOLD PLATING HYPOALLERGENIC?


Yes, 18k gold-plated jewelry is generally safe for those with a nickel allergy. It is important to check the materials underneath the gold plating to make sure that it does not contain any irritating metals.

 


IS 18K GOLD PLATING GOOD?


When it comes to gold-plated jewelry, 18k plating is a popular choice. It's shiny, affordable, and won't tarnish easily - plus, it won't irritate your skin or cause allergies. So if you're looking to add a bit of luxury to your look without breaking the bank, 18k gold-plated jewelry is definitely worth considering.

 


WHAT DOES 18GP MEAN?


18k GP stands for 18-karat gold plating. It is a type of jewelry that consists of a base metal, usually silver or copper, plated in a very thin layer of 18-karat gold, giving it the look and feel of solid gold jewelry, but at a fraction of the cost.



HOW LONG DOES 18K GOLD PLATED LAST?


It all depends on how well you take care of your 18k gold-plated jewelry. With proper care, it should last for many years with minimal signs of wear.



WRAPPING UP



If you're looking for a way to add a bit of luxury to your wardrobe without breaking the bank, 18k gold-plated jewelry is definitely worth considering. It's affordable, versatile, durable, and hypoallergenic - plus, it won't tarnish easily or require replating (at least not for a few years). So if you want to look glamorous without the hefty price tag, 18k gold-plated jewelry is a great way to go.