Gold Plated vs Artificial Jewelry — What's the Difference?

Understanding the Difference

If you've ever shopped for jewelry online in India, you've probably come across terms like 'gold plated', 'artificial', 'imitation', 'fashion jewelry' and more. It can be confusing! Let's break down the differences so you can make the best choice for your needs and budget. Jewelatoz offers both gold-plated and high-quality artificial jewelry options.

What is Gold Plated Jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry has a base metal (usually brass, copper, or sterling silver) that's coated with a thin layer of real gold through an electroplating process. The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns — the thicker the gold layer, the longer-lasting and more valuable the piece.

Pros of Gold Plated Jewelry:

• Has real gold in it (though a very thin layer)
• Looks very close to solid gold jewelry
• More durable than very cheap artificial jewelry
• Can be hypoallergenic if the base is sterling silver

Cons of Gold Plated Jewelry:

• Gold layer wears off over time
• Can cause skin reactions in people with nickel sensitivity
• Cannot be re-plated easily at home
• More expensive than basic artificial jewelry

What is Artificial Jewelry?

Artificial jewelry (also called fashion jewelry or imitation jewelry) is made from non-precious metals, plastic, resin, glass, and other materials. It's designed to look like precious metal jewelry at a fraction of the cost.

Pros of Artificial Jewelry:

• Very affordable — looks great without the high price
• Huge variety of designs and styles
• Great for keeping up with fashion trends
• Low risk if lost or damaged
• Lightweight and comfortable for long wear

Cons of Artificial Jewelry:

• May tarnish faster than gold plated jewelry
• Quality varies widely between brands
• May cause skin reactions for very sensitive skin

Which Should You Choose?