When buying wholesale gold jewelry, you need to take the time to understand what it is that you are purchasing fully. Are you purchasing solid gold jewelry, or is it some sort of plated gold? There is a big difference. We will take the time to go over some of the pros of having solid gold jewelry, which isn't actually solid gold but a gold alloy. Gold alloys are very common for jewelry as pure gold is very soft for jewelry making.  

The most common gold purities are 9k, 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24K. The higher the number, the more gold in the alloy. However, the softer the material as well. This is why you will find the most solid gold jewelry in the 10K-18K range, for the most part. However, 24K gold is excellent for plating.  

Plating is putting a thin layer of gold over a base metal. The problem with plating is that it is not permanent and typically will wear off with time. However, it is an inexpensive alternative to solid gold jewelry. Most people seek out actual solid gold for many reasons. Let's take a look at some of those reasons.

 

gold-plated-vs-solid-gold

 

Value.

The value of a gold piece will always have the value of the gold within it. Gold has been used as currency for many generations, and It's the most common currency in the world. Some areas of the world still use it today as currency. People invest in gold as an investment, meaning that it does have lasting and increasing value. So, if your gold ring piece isn't of value as a ring, the amount of gold it contains will always have its value. It can be melted down and remade into something new.

 Stay gold forever (unlike gold plating for just one year or so)

When you purchase solid gold jewelry, you know that it will remain the color gold forever. The color will not wear off. Solid gold doesn't tarnish either. This means that it will be the color that it is now, forever without fuss. However, if you were to purchase plated, it is only a matter of time before the finish will start to wear off and show the true metal underneath.  

Safe for the skin.

As a wholesale gold body jewelry supplier, We at Play With Diamonds know how important it is for the jewelry to be hypoallergenic and safe for the skin. Most people have reactions to plated jewelry, especially body jewelry. Plated jewelry would be fine for some, but solid gold with 14K and above purity is the best way to go to ensure there aren't any allergic reactions.

Better for the environment.

Gold is easy to work with, which means that it doesn't require as much heat, taking out the need to burn more fuel to process it. It can also be remelted and redesigned in something else. In comparison, gold-plated jewelry would have to remove the plating with a more complicated process: the more procedures, the more fuel consumption.

Every woman loves real gold.

When you are looking for a gift of authentic gold jewelry, you need to consider the person it will be. Most people would prefer to get real gold versus plated. Real gold shows that you care and that she is worth it. Most of the time, jewelry manufacturers will not put nice precious stones and real diamonds into plated gold, as it simply won't last. Most of the time, they will use CZ stones with plated gold jewelry that has no value. 

Better Stones.

If you work with solid gold, they will most likely add high-quality stones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. When working with plated gold, these stones will most likely be a type of CZ or glass. This mimics the real thing, but there is nothing better than the real thing. When looking for high-quality wholesale gold body jewelry, as a jewelry shop owner, always ensure that you get exactly what your customer deserves.  

Require less maintenance

There is no doubt that real solid gold is much better for maintenance when it comes to caring for gold plated vs. solid gold. In fact, there really isn't any maintenance at all. When they find buried treasure or gold at the bottom of the ocean, it still looks as nice and shiny as the day it got there. Sure, it might need a little soap and water to wash off the dirt, but it isn't eroded or tarnished in any way. This same principle goes to the solid gold jewelry we offer at Play With Diamonds. Gold metal is a very stable metal that allows it to remain amazing day in and day out. However, plated gold will eventually wear off, and you need to be careful about cleaning it, unlike a solid gold piece. Typically a little soap and water will polish it up just fine and not cause any damage to your valuable jewelry.