Jewellery plating guide

The Insider's Guide to Jewelry Plating: What Retailers Don't Tell You:

When browsing jewelry online or in stores, terms like "gold-plated," "silver-plated," and "rose gold finish" are everywhere. But what do these descriptions really mean for your purchase? At elfy, we believe in transparency, so let's unveil what many retailers don't tell you about plated jewelry.

Decoding Plating Thickness:
Plating thickness directly impacts how long your jewelry will maintain its appearance, yet this crucial detail is rarely disclosed:

1. Ultra-Thin Plating (0.5 microns):

Found in most budget jewelry Wears away within 1-3 months of regular wear Often marketed simply as "gold-plated" or "silver-plated"

2. Standard Plating (1-2.5 microns):

Mid-range costume jewelry Lasts approximately 6 months with careful wear May be marketed as "heavy plated"

3. Heavy Plating (5+ microns):

High-end fashion jewelry Can last 1-2 years with proper care Often labeled as "vermeil" for gold over sterling silver

By comparison, elfy's solid sterling silver pieces aren't just coated—they're 925 silver throughout, ensuring lasting beauty and value.

Misleading Marketing Terms to Watch For
The jewelry industry uses strategic language to make plated pieces sound more valuable:

MulticolumnWhat Happens When Plating Wears Off?

Different base metals reveal different problems when plating erodes:

Brass Base:

Turns a coppery color and often causes green skin discoloration.

Nickel Base:

Commonly causes skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Copper Base:

Develops a reddish tint and may stain skin.

Stainless Steel Base:

Most durable, but extremely visible contrast when plating wears.

Our Buyback Guarantee:

We offer a 30-40% buyback guarantee on our sterling silver pieces because we know they maintain value. Plated jewelry retailers rarely offer buyback programs because once the plating wears off, the pieces have virtually no resale value.

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