Gold Plating, Rolled Gold and Gold on Silver
Many pieces of jewelry look like they are made of gold, but are actually just covered with a thin layer. This is called gold plating or rolled gold. Understanding the differences is important to know whether your jewelry has any scrap value.
Gold Plated, Rolled Gold and Gold Filled – what's the difference?
There are different types of gold-coated jewelry, and they have completely different scrap values:
• Gold Plated (GP): The base metal (usually copper, brass, or zinc) is dipped in an electrolytic bath and covered with an ultra-thin gold layer – often just 0.5–2 micrometers. The tiny amount of gold means these pieces have no scrap value. Stamps: 'GP', 'Gold Plated', 'Doublé', 'Plaqué or'.
• Gold Filled (GF / Rolled Gold): A thicker layer of gold (typically 1/20 of total weight, minimum 10K) is mechanically bonded to a base metal core under heat and pressure. Provides a more durable gold layer but still a negligible gold content compared to solid gold jewelry. We do not buy Gold Filled items.
• Vermeil (Gold on Silver): See section below.
Gold on Silver (Vermeil) – an exception
If the base metal of a gold-plated piece is genuine silver (stamped 925 or 830), it is called vermeil (pronounced 'ver-may', of French origin). In this case, the situation is different!
Vermeil jewelry has no gold value (the gold layer is still thin), but it does have a silver value. We gladly buy gold-plated silver and pay you for the actual silver content based on weight and purity, verified with XRF technology. Look for the stamp '925' or '830' inside the ring or on the clasp.
How do I know if it's real gold, silver, or gold-plated?
Here are the best ways to identify your jewelry:
• Check the stamps: Real gold is stamped 750, 585, 375, 18K, 14K, etc. Gold-plated pieces may be stamped GP, GF, Doublé, or have no stamp at all. Silver has 925, 830, or the Swedish cat's paw stamp.
• The magnet test: Gold, silver, and platinum are not magnetic. If a piece of jewelry is attracted to a strong magnet, it is not genuine precious metal.
• Wear and edges: Real gold looks the same everywhere. Gold-plated pieces often show a different (darker) base metal at worn edges, around the loop, or at clasps.
• Weight: Real gold feels heavier in the hand than a gold-plated piece of the same size.
Not sure? Send the jewelry to us free of charge. Our XRF X-ray instantly identifies exactly what the piece is made of.
Unsure if your jewelry is real?
Send it to us and we will test it for free. If it turns out to be real gold or silver, you will immediately get a price offer with our price guarantee.