Gold Plated vs Solid Gold: What’s the Difference?
In the world of fine jewellery, understanding the materials you are investing in is essential. One of the most common questions we hear at Incador is about the difference between gold plated jewellery and solid gold. While they may appear similar at first glance, the distinction lies in both the quality and longevity of the pieces.
What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery refers to a piece made from a base metal such as brass or copper that has been coated with a thin layer of gold. While this type of jewellery is popular due to its affordability, the layer of gold is extremely fine and does not have a minimum standard of thickness. As a result, gold plated jewellery is highly susceptible to tarnishing, fading and wear over time, especially with frequent use.
Though it offers a similar appearance to real gold, it lacks the durability, intrinsic value and lasting brilliance of solid gold.
What is Solid Gold?
Solid gold jewellery, on the other hand, is made with gold throughout the entire piece. Its purity is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being pure gold. However, since pure gold is naturally soft, it is often alloyed with other metals to strengthen it for daily wear.
At Incador, all our pieces are crafted from 18ct gold, which means 75 per cent of each piece is pure gold. This strikes the perfect balance between purity and durability, making it ideal for luxury jewellery that is designed to last for generations. Each of our pieces is hallmarked, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Different Types of Gold
Gold jewellery comes in a variety of tones, depending on the metals it is alloyed with. At Incador, we offer all three of the most loved gold finishes:
Yellow Gold - a warm, classic hue created by mixing pure gold with copper and zinc. This is the natural colour of gold and a timeless choice in fine jewellery.
White Gold - a cooler alternative, made by mixing pure gold with palladium, nickel or silver. At Incador, our white gold jewellery is finished with a rhodium plating, enhancing its luminous, platinum-like sheen.
Champagne Gold - an exclusive Incador alloy with subtle undertones of rose and white gold. Slightly darker and richer in tone, it offers a warm, nuanced finish that is rare in the jewellery world.
Why Incador Chooses Solid Gold
At Incador, we are committed to creating luxury jewellery that is not only ethically made but designed to be worn and cherished for life. Our use of 18ct solid gold across all collections reflects our belief in quality, longevity and craftsmanship. Unlike plated alternatives, our jewellery will not fade or tarnish with time. Instead, it will become part of your story.
As a London jeweller, we believe that beauty should never come at the cost of integrity. Every piece we create reflects our dedication to sustainable materials, responsible sourcing and timeless design.