In the world of jewelry, few words generate as much confusion as Gold Plated. For some, it's synonymous with something ephemeral; for others, an accessible alternative. The reality, as is often the case in craftsmanship, is much more complex and fascinating.
Gold Plated simply means that a piece has a layer of gold applied over a base metal using a technical plating process. Nothing more. And nothing less.
The term, by itself, doesn't define the quality, the thickness of the gold, or the durability of the jewelry. What truly matters is what happens in the workshop and is rarely explained on the label.
What determines the real durability of your jewelry
Not all gold-plated jewelry ages the same way. Why do some maintain their shine for years while others wear out in weeks? The answer lies in four fundamental pillars:
- Effective microns: The actual thickness of the gold layer (a decorative "flash" is not the same as a consistent micron plating like those at nunu bcn).
- Gold purity: The type of gold used in the process.
- Technical precision: The quality and cleanliness of the galvanic process.
- Base metal: The foundation upon which everything else rests. For example, plating lasts much longer on brass than on silver.
When these elements are worked with discernment, the result is jewelry designed to accompany you in real use, not just to look good on the first day.
The base metal: The decision that changes everything
At nunu bcn, we pay special attention to the base metal because that's where the life of a piece begins—or is compromised. There's a widespread myth that silver is always the best option, but technically, that's not the case.
Brass: stability and resistance for everyday use
Brass is a harder and more structurally stable metal than silver. It deforms less with daily use, which helps the gold plating remain intact longer than on silver.
- Fewer micro-fissures: Since it doesn't deform easily, the gold plating doesn't experience stress.
- Noble aging: With an adequate micron thickness, brass is the perfect base for "all-terrain" jewelry.
- Safety: At nunu bcn, we use high-quality brass, free of nickel and lead, caring for your skin as much as the design.
Sterling Silver 925: a precious but softer metal
Silver is a noble metal, but its ductility is its Achilles' heel in gilded pieces. Small bumps or daily pressure cause deformations that create micro-fissures in the gold plating, accelerating its wear. That's why even pieces marketed as Vermeil can last less than expected if not cared for with extreme rigor.
Busting the myth: A well-executed "gold plated" on high-quality brass is often more durable than many gold platings on silver found in the market today.
The nunu bcn philosophy
We believe that quality is not communicated with grand words, but with honest technical decisions. Gold Plated is neither good nor bad by definition; the radical difference lies in the "how," in the intention and the choice of the base material, with brass being a better choice than silver.
Our pieces don't need to hide behind a label: they are designed to stand on their own, through time and real use.
Want to know more about how to care for your pieces?
If you liked this post, you might be interested in our care guide so your nunu bcn jewelry looks like new.
READ CARE GUIDE
