Our debut 'A Luz' collection is handmade using recycled sterling silver and plated in 18-karat gold. Let's explore what gold-plated jewellery is, how it's made, and why it can be a great choice for your collection.
What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery is made by coating a base metal, like brass or silver, with a layer of gold. Artisans start by cleaning and polishing the base metal to create a smooth surface for plating. Next, they immerse the piece in a special bath containing gold electrolytes. An electric current is then applied to bond the gold particles onto the surface of the base metal.
Is Gold Plated Jewellery Real Gold?
For jewellery to be sold as or 'gold-plated' the gold layer must be of solid gold that is at least 10 karats (10K). The 'karat' denotes the percentage of pure gold in the metal, 10K contains roughly 42% gold and 58% other metals, 14K contains 58% gold, 18K contains at least 75% gold and 24K is 'solid' gold.
While brass is commonly used as the base metal in discount jewellery in order to keep production costs low, higher-end pieces typically use sterling silver, giving the piece a strong and durable foundation with the warmth and elegance of gold. All of our gold-plated pieces use recycled sterling silver plated in 18-karat gold.
Gold-plated Silver vs Solid Gold? Pros and Cons?
While pure 24-karat gold is undeniably beautiful, it is also more susceptible to scratches and dents due to its softness. This may make solid-gold pieces more delicate and thus better suited to wear on special occasions. Gold-plated silver, on the other hand, provides a balance between durability, cost and elegance, making it more versatile: for everyday wear and special occasions alike.
Is Gold-plated Silver Good Quality?
At the end of the day the quality of any individual pieces depends on the skill of the artisans crafting them. Creating gold-plated jewellery is a meticulous process that requires skilled artisans who are passionate about their craft. From carefully preparing the sterling silver base to applying multiple layers of gold, every step must be taken with precision.
The “A Luz'' collection is handcrafted in the Gondomar region, the birthplace of the luxury Portuguese jewellery craft. The traditions and handmade techniques perfected in this region have made Portugal a global centre of jewellery excellence since the 18th century.
Will Gold-plated Jewellery Tarnish?
Well-made gold-plated silver is durable and may even stand up to most scratching, denting and warping better than most solid gold. Additionally, each piece in the 'A Luz' collection is given an anti-tarnish treated to guard against damage from water, sweat and pollutants and extend the life of the piece.
However, the layer of gold applied to the ase metal is susceptible to wearing away and tarnishing with exposure to significant wear and tear. To avoid early tarnishing and keep your gold looking its very best for the longest, it's important to care for it properly. Here are a few simple tips:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Remove your gold jewelry before swimming, heavy exercise or using cleaning products, as exposure to harsh chemicals and sweat can damage the gold layer over time. It’s also a good idea to take your pieces off before applying lotions and perfumes.
- Keep it clean: Gently clean your jewellery with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or oils that may accumulate over time.
- Store it safely: When you're not wearing your pieces, store them in a soft pouch or a separate compartment to prevent scratches and tangling.
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