Our gold plate is 40 micro inches (1 micron) thick. It is a gem quality plate.

Many people who are nervous about gold plate have had negative experiences with gold plated jewelry that has a thin wash of gold as little as 1 micro inch thick. Our gold plate is 40 TIMES as thick, at 40 micro inches (1 micron). We find this thickness to be extremely durable.

However, please keep in mind that bending a gold plated item may cause the gold layer to crack. Additionally, repeated friction on the surface of the gold plate can cause the gold layer to wear away, revealing the core metal beneath. For example, the inside edge of the hole on a large hole bead that slides along a chain all day long will eventually wear away the layer of gold plate. A cluster of charms on a chain that swing back and forth over the surface of a gold plated charm may wear away a “skid” mark on the surface of the gold plated charm.

In response to growing demand for our satin gold plate vermeil beads and findings, we are increasing the number of "regularly stocked gold plate items":/menu/gold_collection/ to over 450 styles. Our new gold plate special order policy is as follows: * Per Order Minimum: $200 in Silver cost (prior to the 75% Gold Plating Surcharge) * Entire order must be for Special Order -- any silver or regularly stocked gold items must be placed as a separate order ($100 minimum for Wholesale, $50 for Retail) * Plating costs 75% more than silver. If an item is on overstock sale or is discontinued, the gold plate price is calculated based on the non-sale silver price. * Special order plating process takes 4-6 weeks. * Order must be placed online or faxed to 510-845-8096. We cannot phone orders for Special Orders. ** For Online Orders simply fill your shopping cart with the quantities of all of the silver items you would like to be gold plated ** *Please note*: As of April 2009, we will be sending the *exact* quantity on your order to the plater. There may be loss or damage during plating, so it's possible you may receive a smaller quantity than ordered. Therefore, if your designs require a specific quantity, it is a good idea to order several additional pieces to be sure you receive the necessary quantities needed. ** Note in the "Special Instructions" section that the entire order should be gold plated in either Satin or Shiny finish * Nickel free plating is available on larger special orders – please contact our office for details. * Chain cannot be special ordered in gold plate. * Once a Special Order has been placed, it is *final.* No items may be added to or removed from the Special Order. * Please select your items carefully. Once the order is placed, you are committed to the purchase of the items. We do not accept returns on special orders. * We will call you when the Special Order arrives so that if you wish, you may add on regularly stocked items to be shipped with your gold shipment. Please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-336-6462 with any questions. We have carefully analyzed gold sales and feel confident that most of your needs can be met by the items stocked online.

We have a limited selection of gold-filled jewelry styles. Gold filled items are 5% gold by weight. The 14K gold is permanently bonded over a core of base metal, usually brass, using heat and pressure.

We find that our gold plate has a richer look than gold filled, and is actually higher value because it is a layer of 24K gold over sterling silver (not base metal). Our satin finish Vermeil Style gold plate is 40 micro inches of 98.5% pure gold plated over sterling silver with a fine layer of nickel in between to increase the longevity and durability of the gold plate.

Many people who are nervous about gold plate have had negative experiences with gold plated jewelry that has a thin wash of gold as little as 1 micro inch thick. Our gold plate is 40 TIMES as thick, at 40 micro inches (1 micron). We find this thickness to be extremely durable.