Understanding Jewellery Polish: Gold Plating vs. Micron Gold
Confused by terms like flash plating, micron gold plating, and gold vermeil? Read this guide to choose the longest lasting polish.
Flash Plating: The Quick Shine
Flash plating involves dipping a piece of jewellery into a gold bath for a few seconds, leaving an extremely thin coating (typically less than 0.175 microns). While very cheap, flash-plated jewelry can wear off within a few weeks of active use. We recommend avoiding flash plating for items like rings and bangles that encounter frequent friction.
Micron Gold Plating: The Premium Standard
Micron plating refers to a process where a thick, measurable layer of gold (usually 1.0 to 2.5 microns) is electronically bonded to the base metal. This is the standard used in premium 1.5-gram gold jewellery. It provides a long-lasting, deep gold finish that resists wear and retains its brilliant color through years of styling.
Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil is a specific standard where the base metal must be sterling silver, and the gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick. It is a fantastic option for premium, heirloom-quality fashion jewellery but comes at a slightly higher cost than brass-based micron plating.