People often ask what the difference is between gold-plated and solid-gold jewellery. They can look similar at a glance, so here are simple checks to tell them apart and what that means when you sell.
At first glance they can look alike. On older gold-plated pieces the thin surface layer may wear, exposing the base metal beneath; colour can then look brassy. Lower-carat solid-gold alloys (e.g., 9ct) are naturally paler than high-carat gold, which can also affect appearance.
If you get the opportunity to inspect the item closer. You may be able to identify the item as being gold plated by a small stamp.
You may see small stamps that indicate plating rather than solid gold:
UK hallmark tip: base-metal items with plating (including rolled/filled/bonded over base metal) cannot carry a UK hallmark. If you see a full UK hallmark, it indicates solid precious metal (sponsor’s mark + fineness, e.g., 375/585/750/916/999 + Assay Office).
Solid-gold jewellery (any carat) can usually be refinished and repaired over time. Higher-carat alloys (22–24ct) are softer; lower-carat alloys (e.g., 9–14ct) are typically harder for everyday wear.
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin gold layer over another metal. With wear, the surface can abrade and the base metal may show through; this is normal for plated items.
For metal value, solid-gold jewellery is generally worth more than plated items because the entire piece is a gold alloy. Offers are based mainly on carat (fineness) and weight, not colour.
Gold-plated pieces contain only a very thin gold layer; unless the base is a precious metal (e.g., gold-plated silver), the underlying metal may have some resale value. If the substrate is silver, the item may be described as gold-plated silver (sometimes called vermeil); in the UK the silver can be hallmarked, but the plating itself is a description, not a hallmark.
If you opt for solid gold jewellery you’ll have a much easier time cleaning and maintaining it. You can easily wash it with a non-aggressive mild soap and water. No need to use an abrasive cloth either as this will be more than enough to clean these types of jewellery.
For gold-plated jewellery, use a mild soap, water and a soft cloth only; harsh cleaners or vigorous polishing may remove the plate layer.
The right choice depends on how you’ll wear the piece and your budget. Solid gold costs more but can be refinished over time; gold-plated jewellery offers the look for less but needs gentler care and will eventually show wear.
If you’re unsure what you have, visit our Warrington store or request a Free Insured Postal Pack. We’ll test and confirm the carat and the gold content and provide a written quote with no obligation.
For plated items, we will pay for the weight of the base metal if it is precious. We’ll explain our findings clearly in writing.
Selling solid gold jewellery is a simple process with us.
Receive your prepaid, insured envelope to send your gold to us. Find out more visit Sell Gold Online
