Gold Bonded Vs Gold Plated: A Comprehensive Comparison
Gold has always been a symbol of prosperity and luxury, and it is widely used in crafting high-end jewelry pieces. While gold is a popular choice for jewelry crafting, it is not a practical option for everyone due to its expensive price. This led to the development of various other alternatives like gold-bonded and gold-plated jewelry. If you are wondering which one is the right choice for you, read on to learn about their differences and similarities.
What is Gold Bonded Jewelry?
Gold bonded jewelry is made by bonding a thin layer of gold over a base metal through a high-pressure process. The base metal is usually nickel or brass, which helps to increase the durability and strength of the piece. Gold-bonded jewelry typically has a layer thickness of 5 to 10 percent of the total weight of the jewelry.
The thickness of the gold layer on gold-bonded jewelry is usually thicker than that of gold-plated jewelry. This makes it more durable and long-lasting. The gold layer on gold-bonded jewelry does not wear off easily and can last for years without tarnishing.
What is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is made by coating a metal with a thin layer of gold using an electroplating process. The base metal used is usually brass or copper, which provides a stable and durable base for the gold layer. Gold-plated jewelry typically has a layer thickness of 0.5 to 1 micron.
The thickness of the gold layer on gold-plated jewelry is thinner than that of gold-bonded jewelry. This makes it less durable and prone to wear and tear. The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry wears off easily and requires regular re-plating to maintain its appearance.
Differences between Gold Bonded and Gold Plated Jewelry
1. Durability and Longevity
The durability and longevity of gold-bonded jewelry are much higher than that of gold-plated jewelry. The thick layer of gold on gold-bonded jewelry makes it resistant to tarnishing and wear and tear. The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, wears off easily, tarnishes quickly, and requires regular re-plating to maintain its appearance.
2. Appearance
The appearance of gold-plated jewelry is more similar to that of real gold as it has a brighter and shinier appearance due to its thin gold layer. The appearance of gold-bonded jewelry is typically less bright and shiny because of the thicker layer of gold, but it can still resemble real gold.
3. Affordability
Gold-plated jewelry is usually more affordable than gold-bonded jewelry due to the thin layer of gold used in its manufacturing. However, due to its short lifespan, you may end up spending more on replacing/re-plating gold-plated jewelry than you would on gold-bonded jewelry.
4. Allergies
Gold-bonded jewelry is generally considered hypoallergenic and suitable for people with sensitive skin. Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, may trigger allergies due to the metal beneath the gold plating.
FAQs
Q. Which one lasts longer, gold-bonded or gold-plated jewelry?
A. Gold-bonded jewelry is more durable and long-lasting than gold-plated jewelry. The thick layer of gold on gold-bonded jewelry makes it resistant to tarnishing and wear and tear.
Q. Can gold-bonded jewelry tarnish?
A. While gold-bonded jewelry is generally resistant to tarnishing, exposure to harsh chemicals, excessive heat, or humidity can cause the gold layer to wear off or tarnish.
Q. Is gold-plated jewelry suitable for everyday wear?
A. Gold-plated jewelry is not recommended for everyday wear as it wears off easily due to regular exposure to moisture, dust, sweat, and chemicals.
Q. Which one is more affordable, gold-bonded or gold-plated jewelry?
A. Gold-plated jewelry is generally more affordable than gold-bonded jewelry due to the thin layer of gold used in its production. However, due to its short lifespan, you may end up spending more on replacing/re-plating gold-plated jewelry than you would on gold-bonded jewelry.
In Conclusion
Choosing between gold bonded and gold plated jewelry depends on your preference, budget, and purpose. In terms of durability and longevity, gold-bonded jewelry is the better option as it can last for years without tarnishing. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and temporary solution, gold-plated jewelry might be the right choice for you. Ultimately, it is important to remember that both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to weigh them and make the right choice.