What is gold plating and does it last long?

1 min read
Quick answer: Gold plating lasts 0.5 µm = months; 2.5 µm (Vermeil) = 1–3 years; Real gold 585 = a lifetime. No sweat and perfume extend durability.

Jewellery gilding is a wafer-thin layer of gold applied electrochemically to a base metal. How long it lasts depends on the thickness of the layer: 0.5 µm lasts months, 2.5+ µm (vermeil) lasts 1–3 years. Solid real gold lasts a lifetime.

Gilding lasts longer if

  • No contact with sweat, perfume, and chlorine
  • Pat dry after wearing
  • Store in airtight bags
  • Put on last, take off first

When is gilding worthwhile?

  • Trendy pieces for one season – a more affordable option makes sense
  • As travel jewellery – without fear of loss

When is real gold better?

For daily wear, gifts with lasting significance, and pieces with direct skin contact (earrings, rings), 585 real gold is the better choice.

Only solid real gold: corelunejewellery.de.

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