Everyone wants gold jewelry, whether for everyday wear or luxury wear. But not everyone can afford it, as the gold price in Pakistan has broken all records recently; there are other options available for people as well. The gold-plated jewelry on the oyster hand is less expensive and similar, making it a popular choice among budget shoppers. But many people don’t know what the difference is. So, let’s have a look at the gold vs gold-plated jewelry along with their pros and cons in the blog.
What is Solid Gold Jewelry?
Jewelry pieces made of pure gold (or a tiny addition of other metals) are termed as solid gold jewelry. The gold used in making is not alloyed with other metals or is alloyed in small amounts, which helps the gold jewelry retain its original color or with slight variation, unlike white gold.
Furthermore, know that the amount of gold involved in making the jewelry is measured in Karats.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solid Gold Jewelry
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Solid gold jewelry is highly durable and resistant to scratches, tarnishing, or corrosion. | Solid gold jewelry is an extremely expensive option. |
| It is used in a wide range of jewelry, whether gold rings, gold chains, or more. | |
| Retains its price over time and is best for the sake of investment. | |
| It is an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin. |
What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Unlike pure gold jewelry, the gold-plated jewelry is made of metals like brass, copper, or nickel and is covered with a thin layer of gold through electroplating. This gives the jewelry piece a similar appearance to pure gold jewelry but comes at a fraction of the cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gold-Plated Jewelry
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is much cheaper than pure gold jewelry. | The thin gold layer can wear off with time, impacting its original color. |
| It has a similar appearance to the gold jewelry. | Some base metals can be irritating for sensitive skin. |
| Little to no resale value. |
Difference Between Gold vs Gold-Plated Jewelry
Now that we have understood both these types of jewelry in detail, let’s have a look at a quick comparison in the table below:
| Features | Gold Jewelry | Gold-Plated Jewelry |
| Composition | Made of pure gold | The metal base, made of brass or copper, is covered with a thin layer of gold |
| Durabilty | More durability as it is scratchless | A thin layer of gold may wear off in 6 months |
| Price | Expensive option | Affordable option |
| Resale Value | High | Low |
| Hypoallergenic Properties | Safe for people with sensitive skin | Can cause allergic reactions |
Gold vs Gold-Plated Jewelry – What To Choose?
Gold jewelry and gold-plated jewelry both have different things to offer. The pure gold jewelry is more durable, expensive, and has high resale value. On the other hand, the gold-plated jewelry is not entirely gold but has a thin coating of gold on it, hence a low price.
Considering the appearance of the jewelry pieces, both promise a similar look. But if you want to opt for durable and long-lasting jewelry, pure gold jewelry is the one for you, and if budget is a concern, then you can get a gold-plated one.
Final Verdict
The main difference between gold vs gold-plated jewelry is that one is made of pure gold and the other only has a thin gold coating. Know that the gold price in Pakistan is currently Rs. 421,000 per tola, which is quite expensive. When making the choice between these two, budget remains a major concern.
Leave a Reply