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Gold Plating – Quality You Can See

The quality of gold plating is determined primarily by two factors: the fineness of the gold used and the thickness of the applied gold layer.

Karat – Gold Fineness

The karat rating indicates the gold content of the alloy used for the plating:

  • 24 karat corresponds to fine gold with a purity of up to 999.9‰, or 99.99% gold.

  • 18 karat corresponds to 750 gold, with a gold content of 75%.

  • 14 karat corresponds to 585 gold, with a gold content of 58.5%.

The higher the karat rating, the greater the proportion of pure gold in the alloy. However, the karat rating alone does not indicate the thickness or durability of the gold plating.

Coating Thickness – Micron or Micrometre

The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns or micrometres (µm).

1 micron equals 1 micrometre, or 0.001 millimetres.

As a general rule, the higher the micron value, the thicker the applied gold layer. A thicker gold coating is usually more resistant and may last longer when handled and cared for properly.

The exact karat rating and coating thickness can be found in the product description of each item.

Gold Plating in Germany

Our jewellery pieces finished in Germany are electroplated with 24-karat gold and a coating thickness of 2 microns. The plating process is carried out in accordance with strict German environmental and quality standards.

All other gold-plated finishes, including those using 14- or 18-karat gold or different coating thicknesses, are applied during production in the respective countries of origin.

The warm colour of rose-gold-plated jewellery is generally created using an 18-karat gold alloy with a higher copper content. The copper gives the surface its characteristic rose-gold shade.

Please note that even high-quality gold plating may gradually wear over time due to friction, perspiration, moisture, cosmetics or chemicals. Careful handling and proper storage help preserve the gold-plated finish for as long as possible.