One manufacturing method involves bonding a substantial layer of gold to a base metal, typically brass. Another process applies a thin coating of gold to a base metal through electroplating. For example, an item with a thick layer of gold bonded mechanically would fall into the former category, whereas an item with a microscopically thin gold surface achieved through electrical current represents the latter. The difference in construction significantly affects the item’s durability and value.
The method using a thicker layer of gold offers enhanced resistance to wear and tear, resulting in jewelry that can be worn daily for extended periods without significant degradation of the gold surface. Historically, this technique provided a more affordable alternative to solid gold, allowing consumers to possess items with the aesthetic appeal of gold at a lower price point. This option enabled wider access to desirable jewelry styles.
