Gold-plated, gold-filled or karat gold: what are you buying?

Gold-coloured jewellery is not necessarily gold throughout. Plated designs can suit a style and budget, but should not be confused with a karat-gold alloy when buying, caring for or valuing them.

Karat gold versus a coating

18K gold contains 75% gold in the alloy. “18K gold plated” describes a surface layer and does not mean the whole item is 75% gold. Do not multiply its total weight by that percentage to estimate gold content.

Gold-filled and vermeil

Gold-filled uses a mechanically bonded gold layer over a base metal. Vermeil is gold plating over sterling silver. Naming and marking standards depend on the market concerned; ask what the seller’s description means for the actual item.

Check wear and care

Inspect clasps, contact points and corners where plating may wear. Ask what the base metal is, whether replating is possible and what it costs. Alloy information matters if you have known sensitivities.

Selling or pawning later

Disclose the material information you have and allow an inspection. An item’s full weight is not automatically gold weight. This guide does not promise Money OK accepts all plated or gold-filled items. Pre-owned gold checklist.