Gold Plating:
A thin layer of gold is applied to another metal is called gold plating. The benefits of gold plating is the appearance, it looks like gold. The cost of gold plated jewels is less when compared with gold. It is commonly used in silver jewelry and also gold plating is used for decorative purpose. At least 10 karat of gold is applied in gold plated jewelry. The beauty of the gold plated jewelry depends upon the thickness of the plating. Now-a-days gold plated jewels are sold in the name of gold jewelry. By conducting the acid test we can easily find out the real gold and plated gold. So purchasing gold jewelry in a branded showroom is more advisable.
Types of gold plating:
1. Bright and hard gold plating
2. Soft and pure gold plating
Pure Gold:
Make sure your item is worth testing. Then use a magnet and see, if it sticks to the magnet immediately, it is NOT gold. If it has a light magnetic attraction, there is still a chance your item is gold.
If the item passes the magnet test, buy a nitric acid test. Rub your item firmly on the testing stone that comes with the kit, and drip a single drop of acid onto the rubbing. If the rubbing stays strong, your item is gold; and if the rubbing changes color to orange, your item is likely a lower carat than the acid you used. Try a lower acid. However, if the rubbing turns green or fades off immediately, your item is not gold.
