Gold-plated and silver jewelry are essential to add a touch of elegance to your style. However, it is not always easy to distinguish a quality piece of jewelry from a simple imitation. In this article, we explain how to recognize a quality piece of gold-plated or silver jewelry, with practical advice to make informed choices.
1. Check the punches and markings
The first indicator of the quality of a piece of jewelry is the guarantee hallmark.
• For gold-plated jewelry, look for markings like “GP” (Gold Plated) or “14K GP,” which indicates the karat of gold used.
• For silver jewelry, the “925” hallmark is a sign of authenticity. It means that the jewelry is made of 92.5% pure silver, called sterling silver.
At Kubestore, all our gold-plated and silver jewelry is carefully selected for its authenticity and impeccable quality.
2. Analyze color and shine
A quality gold-plated piece of jewelry has a warm, even color. If you notice any dull or discolored areas, this may indicate thin plating. Real gold has a subtle sheen, while cheap plating may appear overly shiny.
For silver, a quality silver jewel offers a brilliant shine with slightly gray reflections. At Kubestore, our silver jewelry is designed to keep its shine for a long time.
3. The magnet test: a simple indicator
Gold and silver are not magnetic. If a piece of jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it is likely made from a base metal plated with a thin layer of gold or silver. This quick test can help you avoid disappointing purchases, especially if you are looking for real silver jewelry or durable gold-plated jewelry.
4. The thickness of the plating: a guarantee of durability
An essential criterion for judging the quality of a gold-plated jewel is the thickness of its plating. This is measured in microns:
• Less than 0.5 microns: low quality, risk of rapid tarnishing.
• 1 to 3 microns: average quality, ideal for jewelry worn occasionally.
• 3 microns and above: high quality, offering excellent durability even with regular wear.
At Kubestore, we guarantee superior quality: all our gold-plated jewelry has a plating thickness of at least 3 microns. This gives them exceptional resistance to wear and a long-lasting shine.
5. Price: an indicator not to be overlooked
While price is not always a guarantee of quality, cheap gold plated jewelry can hide poor workmanship. A quality silver jewelry or a high-end gold plated jewelry often justifies a certain cost due to the materials used and the craftsmanship.
At Kubestore, we offer jewelry with the best value for money, combining aesthetics, durability and accessibility.
6. Choose trusted stores
To be sure to invest in durable jewelry, buy from stores that specialize in gold-plated and silver jewelry. Serious brands provide certificates of authenticity and guarantee the quality of the materials.
