Real Gold or Gold-Plated? How to Recognise Genuine Gold Jewelry

In a market full of options – and, unfortunately, of confusion – it is essential to know exactly what you are buying. Gold-plated and real gold jewelry can look similar at first glance, but the differences between them are fundamental: in durability, value and impact on the skin. Here is the complete guide to help you make the right choice.

🔎 1. The hallmark: the first thing to check

Any authentic gold jewelry bears a purity hallmark discreetly engraved – usually on the inside or on the clasp. The most common markings are:

• 585 – 14K gold (58.5% pure gold) – the standard for quality modern jewelry

• 750 – 18K gold (75% pure gold) – used in luxury fine jewelry

If the piece has no marking, or has vague inscriptions such as "gold filled" or "gold plated", it is not solid gold. Simple as that.

⚖️ 2. Weight – an immediate physical clue

Gold is dense and heavy. A piece of solid gold jewelry feels substantial in the hand – it has a weight that gold-plated pieces, made of brass or stainless steel covered with a thin layer of gold, cannot imitate. If the piece feels surprisingly light, that is a warning sign.

💰 3. Price – realism matters

Authentic gold has a minimum price below which it cannot realistically fall, determined by the international quotation of the metal. If you find jewelry presented as "gold" at suspiciously low prices, the answer is simple: it is not solid gold. Always compare the price with the day's quotation for a gram of gold and work it out yourself.

🔍 4. What is gold-plated jewelry and why does the difference matter?

Gold-plated jewelry is made from a base metal – brass, stainless steel or zinc – covered with an extremely thin layer of gold, applied by electroplating. This layer:

• Wears away over time, especially in contact with skin, perfume, water or sweat

• Can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to nickel or brass

• Has no investment value – its value is purely aesthetic and temporary

They are not necessarily "bad" – but you should know what you are buying and not pay the price of solid gold for them.

Choose Wisely – Choose Genuine Gold

At Ava Rossa, we offer exclusively solid 14K and 18K gold jewelry, verified and accompanied by:

• The purity hallmark (585 / 750) engraved on every piece

• Our own guarantee mark

• ANPC certification

We are a business dedicated to quality, transparency and authentic design. Every piece of jewelry you buy from us is exactly what we say it is.

Conclusion: 5 steps to check whether a piece of jewelry is real gold

• Look for the official markings: 585 or 750

• Feel the weight of the piece – solid gold has density

• Assess the price realistically – gold is not sold at the price of silver

• Check the reputation and transparency of the shop

• Choose certified pieces accompanied by a guarantee

✨ Real gold jewelry, with a guarantee and soul. Choose Ava Rossa.