When selecting gold-plated jewellery , understanding the materials used in its creation is key. Brass and stainless steel are the most popular base metals for gold-plated jewellery. Both of these base metals offer unique characteristics and appearances.In this blog, we compare gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel jewellery. We explore their pros and cons and cover the main differences.
Gold-plated brass jewellery consists of a brass base metal. This brass metal is made using a mixture of copper and zinc. This brass is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.
Gold-plated brass jewellery consists of a brass base metal. This brass metal is made using a mixture of copper and zinc. This brass is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.
Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery consists of a stainless steel base metal. Stainless steel consists of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and a small percentage of carbon. This stainless steel is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.
Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery consists of a stainless steel base metal. Stainless steel consists of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and a small percentage of carbon. This stainless steel is then covered in a thin layer of gold which is less than 1 micron thick. This is usually done via electroplating or PVD plating.
Durability
Gold-plated stainless steel is much more durable than gold-plated brass jewellery. This is for a variety of reasons.Stainless steel generally has great corrosion resistance due to the presence of chromium. This chromium layer acts as a protective layer against oxidation. Stainless steel is also stronger and harder than brass. This makes it more resistant to scratches, denting and deformation.Stainless steel also maintains its colour when exposed to air and moisture. Brass on the other hand tends to lose its colour and develop a greenish tint over time.Gold plating also adheres more durably and consistently on stainless steel. This is because it is a harder and more corrosion-resistant metal. Gold-plated brass jewellery will wear off over time.Gold-plated stainless steel is more hypoallergenic than gold-plated brass jewellery. The layer of chromium in stainless steel provides a protective oxide layer. This prevents corrosion and skin irritation when worn.Copper, present in brass often causes metal allergies. When the gold layer on gold-plated brass wears off, brass comes into direct contact with skin. This can lead to skin allergies and green discolouration on the skin.Gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is heavier than gold-plated brass jewellery. Stainless steel is a denser material than brass, with it having a density of 8g per cubic centimetre. Whilst brass only has a density of 6.4 to 8.7g per cubic meter. This gives gold-plated stainless steel jewellery a heavier feel than gold-plated brass jewellery.In general, gold-plated stainless steel jewellery will be more expensive than brass. Stainless steel is a more expensive material. It also requires more complex production processes.At the same time, stainless steel's durability properties contribute to its higher price. It is a stronger, longer lasting and lower maintenance material.Stainless steel also has a higher perceived value in comparison to brass. This is also one of the reasons why it is more expensive than brass.Whether gold-plated brass or stainless steel is better for you will depend on a variety of factors. This includes personal preference, budget and styling needs.Gold-plated brass jewellery is super affordable and has a lightweight feel. Whilst gold-plated stainless steel jewellery is more durable and offers tarnish resistance.
Now that we have compared gold-plated brass vs gold-plated stainless steel jewellery, you should know each one's pros, cons and differences. The choice between gold-plated brass and stainless steel jewellery depends on individual needs and preferences.
Gold-plated brass is a softer material, allowing for more jewellery customisation options. Brass itself has a lower value and is a more affordable metal for jewellery making. It also offers a more lightweight feel when worn.
Gold-plated stainless steel offers great durability and is resistant to scratching. This is a great option for daily wear jewellery pieces as it also offers tarnish and corrosion resistance.
Want to learn more about gold plated jewellery? Read our blog which answers the question "what is gold plated jewellery?"
Next you need to consider the color of gold. Gold is available in several different colors. The most popular is yellow gold, followed by white gold and rose gold, though other gold colors are sometimes also available such as bronze, red and lime gold. Jewelry can also be made using a combination of different gold colors. These jewelry items are sometimes called two-tone, three-tone or multi-colored gold. The gold content of yellow gold is measured in the same way it is measured in for example white gold. So an 18kt white gold ring contains 75% pure gold, just as 18kt yellow gold contains 75% pure gold. The difference in color between yellow, white and rose is determined by the metals used in the alloy mix.
As the color difference is due to the metal components in the alloy mix, the color of yellow gold and rose gold will not chip, fade or wear off with age. Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with alloy metals such as copper and zinc. Rose gold is made using a mix of pure gold with alloys including copper. The copper provides the rose-reddish color. White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. Traditionally nickel was used in white gold, however, nickel is no longer used in most white gold made today as nickel can cause reactions with some people. We do not use nickel in our white gold When white gold rings are new they can be coated with another white metal called Rhodium. Rhodium is a metal very similar to platinum and rhodium shares many of the properties of platinum including its white color. The rhodium plating is used to make the white gold look more white. The natural color of white gold is actually a light grey color. The rhodium is very white and very hard, but it does wear away eventually. To keep a white gold ring looking its best it should be re-rhodium plated approximately each 12 to 18 months. Most local jewelers are able to rhodium plate jewelry for a cost effective price. As each gold color contains the same proportion of pure gold all gold colors with the same carat weight when measured on the Vickers scale have the same Vickers score. There can be a difference in color between the different carats of gold. 18kt yellow gold is more yellow than 9kt yellow gold with 18kt yellow gold having a richer golden color making 18kt yellow gold a more popular choice of yellow gold than 9kt for ladies engagement rings. 9kt rose gold has a darker rose-copper color than 18kt rose gold which has a more subtle rose color. 9kt white gold and 18kt white gold have a similar white color (as normally both have a rhodium plating finish. When comparing the price of the gold colors in the same carat, white gold is normally a little more expensive than yellow gold and rose gold. Yellow gold and rose gold normally have approximately the same price. When trying to decide between the gold carat types there are three things to consider.
In practical terms, 18kt generally holds up to everyday wear better than 9kt and tends to look better than 9kt as it ages over the years. This is one of the reasons why 18kt is normally preferred for ladies engagement rings rather than 9kt. 18kt is the superior metal for lady’s and men’s wedding rings provided that the ring is not a lightweight construction (Gillett’s Jewellers rings are a good construction). However, 18kt is more expensive than 14kt and 9kt, which is usually fine for ladies engagement rings, though in a large men’s ring the 18kt price can be a noticeable difference. 9kt, 14kt and 18kt are each suitable equally suitable for use in dress rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces. Many people choose 9kt and 14kt for their earrings and pendants due to its lower price.
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