How to Tell If What You Buy Is Plated
- marie.alejandra
- Oct 5, 2020
- 2 min read
It's become clear over the years that people spend money without knowing what they're buying...especially jewelry. Not all of us are able to and care enough to buy a chemical or electronic tester. This is a small guide that hopefully leads you to making good choices with your money. Or at least, informed choices.
Side note: I'm not against plated jewelry. I'm concerned that you will spend $$$ on a plated necklace and then wonder why the jeweler is reluctant to work on it.
“...there is no United States law requiring that gold or silver be quality marked in the first place...”
- National Gold and Silver Marking Act
Yes, you read that right. Jewelry is marked as a COURTESY (in the USA). The good news is, if it's marked it also has to be marked by whoever claims it. Which means if it marks as 14k but it's silver underneath and it doesn't tell you....well the claim/trademark points the blame in their direction.
Example: Pandora silver jewelry is marked with ALE and S925. The first is their markers mark and the second is the silver quality.
Marks you should see on silver...
925
.925
S925
980 (more common for Mexican Silver)
Marks and descriptions that indicate silver plated...
silver-plated
silver-electroplated
silver tone
silver color
silver layer
The same goes for buying gold. If you are spending any amount of money to purchase a gold or platinum item I would always suggest you see it in person first. This has to do with the weight but I'll get into that another time. Since that's not always possible here is what you want to see on the item or in the description.
Marks you should see on gold...
9k, 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, 24k
375, 417, 585, 750, 916, 990 or 999
10k = 417 just for some clarity.
Marks and descriptions that indicate gold plated...
gold-plated
golden
gold layer
the karat number followed by 925 or sterling silver (10k 925)
gold colored
Please don't...
…fall for descriptions that aren't straightforward. If it doesn't have the marks, it should raise a red flag. If it says avoid contact with water, avoid getting wet or keep away from moisture, it should raise a red flag. If you're not sure ask the sales associate, "What will happen if this get's wet multiple times?"
I have seen descriptions with the word "metal" in it. Yes, gold and silver are metals but so are brass, nickel, copper etc. Some people are sensitive so how does "metal" help them? If you don't know what you're allergic to be a little more careful for your own benefit.
Get a magnet.
Gold and silver jewelry won't be attracted by a magnet. There are exceptions like if its gold with silver underneath (which will be indicated) or stainless steel. Marked by SS or Stainless. I'm not worried about this because stainless steel keeps forever and is hypoallergenic so it's actually a great plated option.
This is a basic guide for you and plated jewelry. More of a guide if it's not what you're looking for. Plated jewelry is a great and usually very affordable option. You can still have some incredible pieces and many non-jewelers would have a really hard time trying to tell the difference. You do you.
Take care!
Next Post: Vermeil or Gold-Filled, Which is Better?
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