Gold-plated jewellery is not made of gold throughout. Instead, the core consists of an inexpensive base metal—typically brass, copper, or silver—which is coated with an extremely thin layer of gold using an electrochemical process (electroplating).

This gold layer is often only a few micrometres thick—less than one-hundredth the width of a human hair.

• Advantage: Low production cost, making it affordable up front.
• Disadvantage: The thin gold layer wears off quickly when exposed to skin friction, water, perfumes, and clothing.

Because the gold finish is merely a thin surface layer, the underlying base metal will eventually be exposed.

1. Daily Wear and Tear: Friction against skin and fabric gradually strips away the gold layer.
2. Oxidation: If the base metal underneath is brass or copper, the piece can react with air and moisture, turning your skin green or black once the gold coating erodes.
3. Moisture Exposure: Water, sweat, lotion, and perfume accelerate the degradation process significantly.

Purchasing gold-plated jewellery often means buying a product with a short lifespan.

When you choose solid gold, the entire piece is crafted from a genuine gold alloy. This means there is no surface coating to rub off, peel, or change colour over time.

Craftsmanship and Durability

In contrast to gold-plated jewellery—which features a base metal core covered by a thin gold layer—solid gold from Ekenberg Scandinavia consists of a solid gold alloy throughout. While thin surface coatings wear off within months, solid gold offers exceptional durability crafted to last for generations. It remains completely unaffected by daily wear, water, and perfumes.

Retained Value and Skin Safety

From a financial perspective, gold-plated pieces hold no underlying precious metal value once the coating degrades. Solid gold, on the other hand, retains its intrinsic commodity value over time. Additionally, as outer plated layers wear down, exposed base metals often trigger allergies. Solid gold remains fully hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.

Hallmarks & Stamps: Solid gold carries official purity hallmarks (e.g., 585 for 14-karat or 750 for 18-karat gold). Stamps such as "GP" (Gold Plated) or "GE" (Gold Electroplated) indicate a surface plating.

Price Point: If a substantial piece of gold jewellery is priced very low, it is almost certainly plated. Solid gold carries a commodity value that makes bargain-basement pricing impossible.

Product Descriptions: Read the fine print carefully. Phrases like "gold finished", "gold dipped", or "18K gold plated" all signify that the piece is not solid gold.

At Ekenberg Scandinavia, we craft jewellery centred on sustainability, timeless design, and uncompromised quality. We believe jewellery should never be a disposable accessory, but a lasting investment designed to hold memories and be passed down through generations.

Ready to invest in pieces that retain their brilliance for a lifetime? Explore our collection of handcrafted solid gold jewellery.