Gold electroplating is a process in which liquid gold is applied to the surface of another metal. Gold electroplating has been used for decorative and industrial purposes for many years. It can be done by first applying a layer of gold to the surface and then applying another metal, such as nickel or chromium, to create a harder plating with the gold. Gold-plated objects are usually found in restaurants and hotels due to their rich appearance and durability in a variety of conditions.
Truth Behind the Answer
The answer to this question is usually based on perspective, as both have inherent economic value. Gold plating does contain real gold but only a very small amount. Most gold electroplating contains about 12-25 microns of actual gold, which measures just under 0.001 millimeters and is considered the thinnest plating possible. This amount of gold in such a small layer means that objects with gold electroplating can be tarnished or scratched over time, resulting in uneven surfaces and color after only a few uses. The gold itself does not corrode and will stay shiny and bright for years to come.
The Answer Explained
In a world filled with uncertainty, there are some things that we know for sure.
Electroplated gold is not real gold. It may be gold-colored, but if you put it under a microscope it will have no more value than a piece of plastic. Most people don’t have microscopes though, so the statement is still accurate.
Electroplated gold is not the same as solid gold, and should never be referred to as such. Of course, it still costs a lot of money to produce, but it does not carry the real value of solid gold. Instead, electroplated gold’s price is dependent upon how much physical surface area is covered by the plating, and this is where jewelry companies try to mislead consumers.