| Gold plated jewelry is 9k gold or higher, and may | | | | Know the costume jewelry maker names and |
| or may not be marked, depending on whether it | | | | look for these. Names like Napier, Robert, Kramer, |
| is made in a studio, or in a large manufacturing | | | | Monet are not likely to be gold plated. Costume |
| plant. Gold filled jewelry was made in the 1950s | | | | jewelry is often a base metal with a metallic |
| and 1960s primarily, and it has more gold content | | | | coating that is not 9k gold or above, and probably |
| than gold plated jewelry, and is often marked | | | | is not gold at all. This is called goldtone jewelry. |
| with 1/20 12k gf or similar marks. Gold plated | | | | Look at the corners and edges. |
| jewelry has a layer of gold on the surface, and | | | | Check the jewelry with a loupe to see if there |
| those who test gold with an acid test kit often | | | | are worn areas on the corners or edges. This will |
| find that gold plated jewelry will test gold, but is | | | | frequently identify gold plated jewelry, because |
| not. | | | | the top layer wears on the corners and edges, |
| Know the difference in these three categories | | | | and reveals a different color or type of metal |
| when purchasing gold jewelry. There is a | | | | under that surface. |
| difference in value. | | | | Test with an electronic gold tester. |
| Identify gold plated jewelry by content marks: | | | | Test questionable items with an electronic gold |
| Find identification marks on the jewelry. HGE is a | | | | tester if they are not marked by content or |
| common marking for gold electroplate. This is a | | | | maker. This will accurately identify gold plated |
| gold plated jewelry. So is RGP or rolled gold plate, | | | | jewelry, and the acid test kits will not. Acid test |
| a mark often seen on vintage jewelry. Any gold | | | | kits recommend scratching the jewelry to get |
| overlay is gold plated jewelry, including vermeil | | | | past the surface layer, but good gold plated |
| (pronounced ver-may). Vermeil is gold plating over | | | | jewelry often tests gold although it is not. Identify |
| a sterling silver base, and this is fine jewelry, | | | | gold plated jewelry before you buy--since it has |
| although the gold plating may wear over time. | | | | lesser value than gold filled or karat gold jewelry. |
| Look for costume jewelry maker marks. | | | | |