Not All Gold Plating Shines the Same
But what does that actually mean, and why does it matter? This guide explains the Kaleya Studio standard, detailing what Heavy Gold Plating is, why it's superior to other common plating types, and how it contributes to the durable, highly tarnish-resistant jewellery you can wear with confidence every day.
What We Use: Defining Heavy Gold Plating
When we talk about Heavy Gold Plating (often abbreviated HGP) or the specific standard known as Gold Vermeil, we're referring to a significantly thicker and more substantial layer of real gold applied over a quality base metal compared to cheaper alternatives.
The Kaleya Studio Standard represents a commitment to superior materials and construction methods that deliver lasting beauty and exceptional performance.
- The Kaleya Standard - Thickness: We ensure our gold plating meets high standards, typically involving at least 2.5 microns of rich 18k gold, far exceeding industry minimums.
- The Contrast - Flash/Standard Plating: This is vastly different from common "flash plating" (often under 0.5 microns) or standard fashion jewellery plating (typically 0.5-1.5 microns). These thinner layers offer little more than temporary colour.
- The Base Matters Too: Crucially, our 18k Heavy Gold Plating is applied over high-quality base metals known for their durability and skin compatibility, such as hypoallergenic 316L Stainless Steel or solid 925 Sterling Silver (creating Gold Vermeil).
Why Choose Heavy Gold Plating? The Benefits
Opting for Heavy Gold Plating isn't just about technical specifications; it translates into real, tangible benefits for your jewelry experience:
- Significantly Enhanced Durability: The much thicker layer of 18k gold (5-10 times thicker than flash plating) provides far greater resistance to wear and tear from daily life, friction, and contact.
- Longer-Lasting Golden Shine: Your Kaleya Studio pieces are designed to maintain their radiant gold finish for much longer than thinly plated alternatives, giving you extended enjoyment and better value.
- Richer Appearance: The substantial layer of 18k gold provides a deep, luxurious colour and lustre that cheap plating often lacks, creating an authentic gold aesthetic.
- Better for Sensitive Skin (Barrier): The thicker gold layer provides a more robust, longer-lasting barrier between your skin and the base metal. Combined with our choice of hypoallergenic base metals like 316L steel or nickel-free sterling silver, it significantly reduces the risk of irritation.
These benefits make Heavy Gold Plating ideal for pieces you want to wear regularly, whether that's stacking rings, hoop earrings, or layering necklaces that become part of your signature style.
The Kaleya Difference: How We Achieve High Tarnish Resistance
One of the biggest frustrations with plated jewellery is seeing it tarnish or fade prematurely. At Kaleya Studio, we combat this by focusing on superior materials and advanced processes right from the core:
Advanced Manufacturing Processes
Premium Base Metals: We build upon high-quality foundations. Many of our gold-toned pieces utilise 316L Stainless Steel, selected specifically for its inherent strength and exceptional resistance to rust, corrosion, and tarnishing.
Gold Vermeil Range: For our premium Vermeil collection, we use solid 925 Sterling Silver, providing a precious metal base that meets the highest industry standards.
- Advanced 18k Gold PVD Coating (on Steel): This is where the magic happens for our steel-based gold jewellery. Instead of standard electroplating, we use an advanced 18k Gold PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating process. PVD technology molecularly bonds the 18k gold to the stainless steel, creating an incredibly durable, hard-wearing finish. This makes the gold layer significantly more resistant to scratches, fading, and, crucially, tarnishing compared to traditional plating methods.
- Thick 18k Gold Plating (on Silver for Vermeil): For our Gold Vermeil pieces (18k gold over sterling silver), we adhere to the required high standards, applying a thick layer of plating (at least 2.5 microns). This substantial 18k gold layer provides excellent, long-lasting protection against tarnishing elements when handled with proper care.
This deliberate combination – selecting inherently robust and tarnish-resistant base metals like 316L steel, employing cutting-edge PVD coating technology, and ensuring substantial heavy gold plating – means your Kaleya Studio jewellery is engineered for exceptional tarnish resistance and enduring beauty under normal wear conditions.
How to Recognise Quality Plating (Like Ours!)
While visually assessing plating thickness on a new item is difficult, you can look for clear signs of quality when shopping for plated jewellery:
Quality Indicators to Look For
- Brand Transparency: Look for brands that openly state the gold karat (e.g., 18k), the base metal (e.g., 316L Steel, 925 Silver/Vermeil), and crucially, the plating method and quality.
- Specific Terminology: Terms like "Heavy Gold Plating," "Gold Vermeil," specified micron counts (2.0μm+), and advanced processes like "PVD Coating" signal premium finishes.
- Price Point: Quality materials, significant plating thickness, and advanced processes naturally require higher investment but offer far better long-term value.
- Guarantees: Strong guarantees reflect brand confidence in materials and processes.
Kaleya Studio Standard
- 18k Gold PVD coating or Heavy Plating (2.5+ microns)
- 316L Stainless Steel or 925 Sterling Silver base
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- Two-year quality guarantee
- Complete material transparency
Standard Fashion Jewelry
- Flash plating (0.5 microns or less)
- Unknown or low-grade base metals
- Basic electroplating processes
- Limited or no guarantees
- Vague material descriptions
At Kaleya Studio, we specify our use of advanced 18k Gold PVD coating on steel and Heavy Gold Plating (minimum 2.5 microns) for Vermeil, so you understand the superior standard you're receiving. Our two-year guarantee on the finish underscores our commitment to the durability achieved through these advanced processes.
Whether you're building a collection of gold rings, exploring stud earrings, or selecting beaded necklaces, understanding these quality indicators helps you invest in pieces that will maintain their beauty over time.
Invest in Plated Jewellery That Lasts
Not all gold plated jewellery is created equal, and fleeting finishes simply aren't the Kaleya Studio standard. By utilising advanced 18k Gold PVD coating on durable, hypoallergenic 316L Stainless Steel, and adhering to high standards with Heavy Gold Plating (at least 2.5 microns of 18k gold) for our Sterling Silver (Vermeil) pieces, we ensure our collection offers significantly enhanced durability, lasting beauty, and exceptional resistance to tarnishing compared to typical fashion jewellery.
It's about providing you with affordable luxury that's crafted with superior processes and quality materials, allowing you to wear your favourite pieces often and confidently – all backed by our quality guarantee. Experience the tangible difference that premium plating makes.
Our Promise: Every piece bearing the Kaleya Studio name meets our exacting standards for Heavy Gold Plating, superior base metals, and advanced manufacturing processes. This commitment ensures that your investment in beauty also represents an investment in quality that lasts.
Experience the Kaleya Studio Difference
Discover our complete collection of jewelry crafted with Heavy Gold Plating standards, advanced PVD coating technology, and premium base metals. Every piece is designed to deliver lasting beauty and exceptional performance.
