When shopping for gold jewellery, you may come across pieces labelled as "18kt gold" and others described as "gold plated". While they may look similar at first glance, there are important differences between these two types of gold jewellery. In this blog post, we'll explore what sets 18kt gold and gold plated pieces apart, and help you make an informed decision when choosing your next gold accessory.
What is 18kt Gold?
18kt gold, also known as 750 gold, is an alloy containing 75% pure gold mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or palladium. These additional metals give 18kt gold increased durability compared to pure 24kt gold, making it a popular choice for jewellery that will be worn frequently. 18kt gold has a rich, warm colour and is stamped with a hallmark certifying its purity.
Some key features of 18kt gold include:
- Contains 75% pure gold
- Durable enough for daily wear
- Doesn't tarnish or fade over time
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- High intrinsic value
- What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery, on the other hand, has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal like brass, copper or silver. The gold layer can vary in thickness but is typically very thin, measured in microns. Because of the thin gold layer, gold plated jewellery is much more affordable than solid gold pieces.
Some characteristics of gold plated jewellery include:
- Thin layer of gold over a base metal
- More affordable than solid gold
- Gold layer can wear off over time
- May tarnish or cause skin reactions
- Lower intrinsic value
- Trading In Your Gold Jewellery
If you have old or unwanted gold jewellery, you may be able to trade it in for cash or store credit at a trusted local jeweller like Harmony Jewellers. They accept both 18kt gold and gold plated pieces, but the amount offered will vary based on the purity and weight of the gold content.
18kt gold will have a higher trade-in value because of its 75% gold content. The jeweller will weigh your pieces and calculate their value based on the current market price of gold.
Gold plated jewellery will have a much lower trade-in value since the gold content is minimal. However, some jewellers like Harmony still accept gold plated items and can recycle the base metals.
Making Your Choice
When deciding between 18kt gold and gold plated jewellery, consider your budget, wearing habits, and the long-term value of the piece. If you want a high-quality, long-lasting piece and have the budget for it, 18kt gold is an excellent choice that will hold its value. For affordable, trendy pieces that you may not wear long-term, gold plated can be a good option. And if you have any old gold jewellery lying around, remember you can always trade it in at trusted jewellers like Harmony and put the value towards something new you'll cherish.
