Gold is everywhere, in product descriptions, on tags, in Instagram captions. But here’s what most people don’t know:
Not all “gold” jewelry is actually made of real gold.
Most jewelry labeled as "gold" isn’t solid gold at all, since retailers can use the word "gold" in reference to the color of the jewelry. It can also be used when the jewelry is gold plated, containing only a microscopic amount of actual gold. So how much real gold are you actually getting when you choose plated pieces?
Let’s break it down with a side-by-side comparison between solid 18K gold earrings (like the ones we offer at the79th) and your average gold plated earring of similar weight and size.
What Is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a very thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or silver. That layer is incredibly thin, typically around 0.5 to 2.5 microns thick.
To put that in perspective, a human hair is about 70 microns thick.
Most plated pieces have 1 micron or less of gold. That’s not enough to last long, hold value, or stay golden over time.
Solid Gold vs. Plated: Let’s Do the Math
Let’s say you’re comparing two earrings of the same shape and weight:
-
One solid 18K gold earring (2 grams)
-
One gold-plated earring with a 1-micron layer
| Gold Content per Earring | |
|---|---|
| Gold-Plated (1 micron) | ≈ 0.003 grams of gold |
| Solid 18K Gold (2g) | ≈ 1.5 grams of pure gold (75% of 2g) |
That means:
🔁 You’d need about 500 plated earrings to match the pure gold in just one solid 18K gold earring from the79th.
Why That Matters
Here’s how solid gold compares to gold-plated:
| Gold-Plated | Solid 18K Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Purity | Less than 0.01% | 75% |
| Durability | Wears off | Lasts for decades |
| Skin Safety | Can cause irritation | Hypoallergenic |
| Value | No resale value | Retains gold value |
Plated jewelry might seem like a deal, but it’s often a short-term fix. Solid gold lasts for life.
Bottom Line
Now you know the truth: a single solid gold earring from the79th contains hundreds of times more real gold than a pile of plated jewelry.
At the79th, we don’t do shortcuts. Every piece is crafted from solid 18K gold, no plating, no filler, no vermeil (that's another story)
✨ Ready for the Real Thing?
Browse our solid 18K gold collection and experience what real gold jewelry feels like, weighty, long-lasting, and completely genuine.
