How to Spot High-Quality Gold-Plated Jewellery

Gold-plated jewellery might look the same at first glance, but the truth is — not all of it is made the same way. Some pieces wear out after a few uses, while others last for years without fading or tarnishing.

If you’re shopping online and not sure how to tell the difference — this guide’s for you.

1. Look for the Plating Thickness (Yes, It Matters)

The thickness of the gold layer determines how long the shine will last. It’s usually measured in microns — a term that might not mean much at first, but it’s worth noticing.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Gold flash/washed: <0.5 micron – basically, a whisper of gold. Wears off fast
  • Standard plated: ~0.5–1 micron – better, but still not very long-lasting.
  • Heavy gold-plated or vermeil: 2.5 microns or more – much more durable.

What to look for on websites:

Description for Words like “thick gold plating,” “2.5 micron plating,” or “vermeil.” If it doesn’t say anything about thickness, that’s usually not a great sign.

🔍 At IVARA: Our pieces use thick, long-lasting gold plating, which is why they stay gorgeous even with daily wear.

2. Check What’s Under the Gold — The Base Metal

Gold-plated jewellery is made by coating a metal base with gold. But what’s underneath really affects how the jewellery behaves over time.

Stainless steel: Strong, water-resistant, and skin-friendly.

Brass or copper: Cheaper, but can tarnish easily or turn green.

Nickel-based metals: Can trigger skin allergies.

What to look for on websites:

Check if the product description says “stainless steel base” or “nickel-free.” These are green flags.

🔍 At IVARA: We use high-grade stainless steel for all our pieces — so they’re not just pretty, they’re practical too (no tarnishing, no itchy skin).iption for this block.

3. How It’s Plated — The Technique Matters

The way the gold is applied also affects how it lasts.

– Electroplating is the most common, where gold is bonded to the base using electricity.

– PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a more advanced method used in luxury watches — super strong, but rare in fashion jewellery.

What to look for on websites:

If they mention “PVD coating” or “advanced plating techniques,” it’s a good sign. But even with electroplating, thickness + quality base metal matter more.

🔍 At IVARA: We use refined plating techniques that give our jewellery a rich, lasting finish — even for waterproof and anti-tarnish wear.

4. Is It Skin-Safe?

If you’ve ever had jewellery that made your skin itch or turn green — that’s usually nickel or cheap base metals at work.

What to look for on websites:

– Are they specific about their metals and plating?
– Do they show real customer reviews?
– Do they offer clarity on returns or guarantees?

🔍 At IVARA: We tell you exactly what goes into our jewellery. No fluff. Just premium materials, fair pricing, and honest quality.

5. Real-life Checklist for Buying Good Gold-Plated Jewellery

  • Thick gold plating (at least 2.5 microns)
  • Stainless steel or hypoallergenic base
  • Nickel-free and skin-safe
  • Clear descriptions, not just marketing talk
  • Positive reviews from real people
  • Bonus: waterproof or anti-tarnish features

6. Why IVARA?

At IVARA, we started this brand because we were tired of jewellery that faded, rusted, or irritated our skin. So we built something better.

Here’s what you can expect from us:

  • ✨ Thick 18k gold plating — for that rich, lasting glow
  • 🛡️ Premium stainless steel base — strong, waterproof, and tarnish-resistant
  • 💛 Hypoallergenic and nickel-free — safe for daily wear=
  • 🌧️ Truly waterproof — wear it in the shower, at the gym, or on holiday
  • 📦 Fast shipping & secure payments
  • 👑 Thousands of happy customers — and growing!

✨ Ready to upgrade your jewellery game?

Explore IVARA’s premium, waterproof, skin-safe gold-plated jewellery — designed to last, made to love.

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