Gold plating 18 carats or fine gold finish 24 carats: what’s the difference? Check out our guide on durability, shine, and price. At Minjuan Rong, we use 18-carat plating on brass materials
These two terms, often mixed up, represent very different realities in quality, durability, and price. While "fine gold finish" might sound luxurious, gold plating often delivers better long-term value. No stress—we’re here to break it all down so you can choose wisely!
In this article, explore the core differences between these finishing techniques and why at Minjuan Rong, we’ve made deliberate choices to blend style, durability, and affordability— especially as gold prices keep climbing.
Gold Plating: A Regulated Finish for Durability
What Is Gold Plating?
Gold plating involves coating a base metal—often brass, silver, or stainless steel—with a layer of gold at least 0.03 microns thick. In Turkey, this minimum thickness is legally required to call a piece "gold-plated." Applied via electrolysis, this method ensures a strong, even bond. At Minjuan Rong, most of our pieces are 18-carat gold-plated at 0.03 microns, delivering top-notch quality for everyday wear.
Why Go for Gold Plating?
Gold plating shines with its wear resistance. A thickness of 0.03 microns or more stands up better to friction, sweat, and oxidation than thinner finishes. At Minjuan Rong, we use 18-carat gold for our plating—an alloy with 75% pure gold—offering the perfect mix of sparkle and toughness, perfect for daily jewelry that lasts years.
How to Spot Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated pieces might carry a square hallmark, though it’s not required for items under 3 grams. This mark signals quality, but its absence isn’t a red flag. Always check the jeweler’s specs for gold thickness and purity. At Minjuan Rong, we’re fully transparent: our 18-carat, 0.03-micron gold-plated pieces are built for lasting durability.
What’s a Fine Gold Finish?
A fine gold finish refers to the application of a thin layer of gold to a base metal. At Minjuan Rong, we do not sell solid gold products; instead, we use a 0.03 micron 18k gold plating on our brass material. This technique provides an elegant appearance while maintaining affordability amid rising gold costs.
Our unique approach ensures that our gold-plated pieces, especially earrings which tend to be bulkier, maintain uncompromising quality and durability.
We partner with expert artisans to ensure that every piece meets our high standards for elegance and longevity, especially with proper care.
Pros and Cons of a Fine Gold Finish
The standout perk of a fine gold finish is its brilliant glow, thanks to 24-carat gold’s purity. But its thinness makes it more delicate—it can fade over time, particularly with daily wear or moisture exposure.
Still, its budget-friendly price makes it tempting, and with good care, it can last. Skip water and perfume, store it smartly, and it’ll shine for years. Check out our jewelry care guide for all the must-know tips to balance affordability and longevity!
Watch Out for Misleading Terms
Some pieces labeled just "gold-toned" (no "fine gold" mention) use alloys or pigments to fake gold’s look, with no real gold layer. These tarnish fast and should be skipped if you want lasting jewelry.
Gold Plating vs. Fine Gold Finish: The Breakdown
Thickness and Durability
The truth is, gold plating (0.03 microns minimum) beats fine gold finish (0.1 micron) for longevity. A thicker gold layer means your jewelry handles daily life better.
Gold Purity
Purity isn’t the difference here—it’s about carats. At Minjuan Rong, we use 18-carat gold for plating, a tough alloy.
Price and Affordability
While solid gold can be costly, at Minjuan Rong, we choose not to use it for our pieces due to its high price. Instead, we utilize 18k real gold plating on brass material to achieve a durable and vibrant appearance. This allows us to offer elegant jewelry that remains affordable, even as gold prices continue to rise.
How to Maintain Your Jewelry for Peak Longevity
Finish aside, care is king. Avoid water, perfumes, and chemicals. Store jewelry dry, away from humidity. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth to keep it gleaming.
