What Is Flash Plated Jewelry?

Flash plated jewelry is a cheap and low-quality type of gold-toned jewelry manufactured by adhering a super-thin layer of gold over the base metal through the process of electroplating. Even though flash plated pieces are manufactured using the same process as gold vermeil jewelry, you can imagine they were done, well, in a flash! Meaning the base metal—usually brass, copper, or even nickel—was submerged in an electrically charged solution just long enough for a few gold ions to bond to it.

Flash plated is the least expensive type of gold jewelry on the market because the outer layer of gold is so thin—<0.175 microns. (That’s around 600 times thinner than an average strand of hair). You can expect instant color fade, and that flash plated jewelry will last only a few wears.

Destined for single-use events, flash plated pieces are found at fast fashion outlets, costume stores and bulk jewelry kiosks. Watch out for base metals (such as nickel) that can cause allergies for those with sensitive skin as soon as the gold fades.

Bottom line: Flash plated jewelry is not a good investment and won’t last long enough to form part of your collection. It might save the day in a pinch or let you try out a new style without having to commit but if you are looking for high quality long lasting jewelry, we would absolutely NOT recommend purchasing flash plated jewelry!

What Is Gold Plated Jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry is an inexpensive type of gold jewelry that uses the electroplating process to cover the base metal with a layer of gold. It’s the same technology used in flash plating: an electric current creates positive and negative ions, causing the gold atoms to bond to the atoms of the base metal. The difference is in the quality.

Copper and brass are the most commonly used base metals for gold plated pieces. As they are not precious metals, gold plated jewelry is not designed to last. It’s important to note that some higher quality jewelry may use sterling silver as the base metal.

To be considered gold plated, a minimum of 0.5 microns of gold should be adhered to the surface of the base metal and usually one would expect that only 0.5 microns of gold plating have been used. On average, you can plan to keep your gold plated pieces for a year or so, depending on usage. You can usually find gold plated pieces at mid-tier department store brands and many independent brands.

Bottom line: Gold plated jewelry is loosely regulated and generally not considered a long lasting option. It can be a starting point if you’re just starting to build your collection and you have budget constraints. Double-check the base metal for skin sensitivity (always look for nickel-free!) and the thickness of the gold plating for longevity. Be aware that these pieces don’t hold much value or last very long.

What Is Gold-filled Jewelry?

Gold filled jewelry is a mid-range type of gold jewelry that is actually covered in a layer of gold. In this case, the gold is adhered to the base metal mechanically by soldering or welding. This process has been around for a while—long before electroplating was developed—and the manufacturing costs are higher, which is partly why you’ll see higher prices on gold filled products, even if the base metal is only brass or copper.

Gold filled jewelry is more strictly regulated than gold plated jewelry, though it doesn’t set quite the same standard as gold vermeil.

Let’s spell out the requirements: The gold has to be at least 10k. And the amount of gold must make up at least 5% of the weight of the entire piece. That means the thickness of the gold layer depends on how heavy the base metal is, which will vary, though the plating is generally quite thick. There is no requirement as to the base metal.

Bottom line: Gold-filled is an interesting choice for jewelry enthusiasts. The 10k minimum is a great start, and if the outer layer is thick, the piece can last you for years—even with regular use. Still, the thickness varies with the weight, and the other 95% of the piece doesn’t hold much value. Also, consider that the older, more expensive manufacturing process means the price charged may or may not be worth the actual value of the piece. Gold-filled jewelry is usually quite expensive for its value, and you may be better off buying solid gold for a similar price point. The gold layer will eventually wear off and the only way to re-plate it is to use electroplating (i.e. turning it into a gold-plated product).

You’ll want to do your research when it comes to selecting gold filled pieces.