Gold Plated vs Solid Gold Jewelry, Which is better?

When buying wholesale gold jewelry, you need to take the time to fully understand what it is that you are purchasing. Are you purchasing solid gold jewelry, or is it some sort of plated gold? There is a difference. We will take the time to go over some of the pros of having solid gold jewelry, which isn't actually solid gold but a gold alloy. Gold alloys are very common as gold itself is very soft.  

The most common gold purities are 9K, 10k, 14k, 18, and 24K. The higher the number, the more gold in the alloy. However, the softer the material as well. This is why you will find the most solid gold jewelry in the 9K-14K range, for the most part. However, 24K gold is excellent for plating.  

Plating is putting a thin layer of gold over a base metal. The problem with plating is that it is not permanent and typically will wear off with wear. However, it is an inexpensive alternative to solid gold. Most people seek out actual solid gold for many reasons. Let's take a look at some of those reasons.

Value

The value of a gold piece will always have the value of the gold within it. Gold has been used as currency for many generations, and It's the most common currency in the world. Some areas of the world still use it as currency. People invest in gold as an investment, meaning that it does have lasting and increasing value. So, if the ring piece isn't of value as a ring, the amount of gold it contains will always have its value. It can be melted down and remade into something new.

Stay gold forever (unlike gold plating for just one year or so)

When you purchase solid gold jewelry, you know that it will remain the color gold forever. The color will not wear off. Solid gold doesn't tarnish either. This means that it will be the color that it is now, forever without fuss. However, if you were to purchase plated, it is only a matter of time before the finish will start to wear off and show the true metal underneath.  

Safe for the skin 

As a wholesale gold body jewelry supplier, We know how important it is for the jewelry to be hypoallergenic and safe for the skin. Most people have reactions to plated jewelry, especially body jewelry. Plated jewelry would be found for some, but solid gold with 14K and above purity is the best way to go to ensure there aren't any allergic reactions.

Better for the environment

Gold is easy to work with, which means that it doesn't require as much heat, taking out the need to burn more fuel in order to process it. It can also be remelted and redesigned in something else. In comparison, gold plated would have to have the plating removed with a process: the more procedures, the more fuel consumption.

Every woman loves real gold

When you are looking for a gift of real gold body jewelry, you need to consider the person it is going to. Most people would prefer to get real gold versus plated. Real gold shows that you care and that she is worth it. Most of the time, jewelry makers will not put nice precious stones such as diamonds into plated gold, as it simply won't last. Most of the time, they use CZ stones with plated gold jewelry that has no value. 

Better Stones

If you are working with solid gold, they will most likely add high-quality stones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. When they are working with plated gold, these stones will most likely be a type of CZ or glass. This mimics the real thing, but there is nothing better than the real thing. When looking for high-quality wholesale real gold body jewelry, ensure that you are getting exactly what your customer deserves.  

Require less maintenance

There is no doubt that real solid gold is much better for maintenance when it comes to caring for gold plated vs solid gold. In fact, there really isn't any maintenance at all. When they find buried treasure or gold at the bottom of the ocean, it still looks as nice and shiny as the day it got there. Sure, it might need a little soap and water to wash off the dirt, but it isn't eroded or tarnished in any way. This same principle goes to the real gold body jewelry that we offer. Gold metal is a very stable metal that allows it to remain looking amazing day in and day out. However, plated gold will eventually wear off, and you need to be careful about how to clean it, unlike that of a solid gold piece. Typically a little soap and water will polish it up just fine and not cause any damage.