“Gold Electroplated” and “Heavy Gold Electroplated” are two legally defined terms under U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. Each carries specific requirements. Misusing these terms can mislead consumers and create compliance risks for sellers.
In this article, we will clarify the differences between gold electroplated and heavy gold electroplated jewelry.
What Is Gold Electroplated?
Both Gold Electroplate and Heavy Gold Electroplate describe jewelry or other products that have a layer of gold applied to a base metal (e.g., copper or stainless steel) via an electrolytic process. This process, known as electroplating, uses an electric current to deposit a fine layer of gold or gold alloy onto a conductive surface. The result is a piece that visually resembles solid gold but at a fraction of the cost.
To be legally described as Gold Electroplated, a piece must meet:
- Gold Purity: At least 10 karats.
- Gold Thickness: The gold coatingthickness must be at least equivalent to 0.175 microns (roughly 7 millionths of an inch) of fine gold.
Such pieces may also be marked as “Gold Plate,” “Gold Plated,” “Gold Electroplate,” or abbreviated forms like “G.E.P.” Importantly, the term should be immediately preceded by the karat fineness of the plating, which should be displayed as prominently as the term itself—for example, “14 Karat Gold Electroplate” or “14K G.E.P.”
What Is Heavy Gold Electroplated?
For jewelry to be labeled Heavy Gold Electroplated or Heavy Gold Electroplate, it must meet:
- Gold Purity: At least 10 karats.
- Gold Thickness: The gold coating thickness must be at least equivalent to5 microns (roughly 100 millionths of an inch) of fine gold.
This term must also be preceded by the karat fineness in a manner equally visible, such as “18K Heavy Gold Electroplate.”
Gold Electroplated vs Heavy Gold Electroplated
The main distinction between gold electroplated and heavy gold electroplated jewelry lies in the specified thickness of the gold layer. Generally speaking, the thicker the gold layer, the better it resists wear, tarnish, and corrosion over time.
Since more gold is used in the electroplating process, the production cost of heavy gold electroplated jewelry is higher. Still, the cost remains far less than gold-filled or gold vermeil alternatives.
Moreover, heavy gold electroplating produces a richer, deeper hue that more closely resembles solid gold. It also allows for smoother polishing and a more refined finish.
For jewelry brands, it is often recommended to align standard gold electroplating with fashion or fast-moving lines and heavy gold electroplating with a more upscale or long-term collection.
Why It Matters to Use Both Terms Correctly
The FTC strictly regulates precious metal labeling. Mislabeling jewelry, such as calling a piece heavy gold electroplated when it does not meet thickness standards, can result in compliance violations, fines, and reputational damage.
This is why partnering with reliable manufacturers is essential. Trusted jewelry makers provide documentation on gold plating thickness, gold purity, and adhesion quality, ensuring each batch meets regulatory standards before shipment. This minimizes legal risks while guaranteeing customer satisfaction.
Star Harvest: A Trusted Jewelry Manufacturer
At Star Harvest, we provide reliable jewelry customization services. We offer full parameter electroplating customization from 0.1 to 5.0 microns so jewelry brands can create different lines according to market needs.
Below is our recommended thickness by use:
- 1–0.3 μm for fast-moving fashion items, with 3–6 months color retention.
- 5–1.0 μm for fast-growing brands, with 1–2 yearscolor retention..
- 5–2.0 μm for classic electroplated gold jewelry, with 3–5 yearscolor retention..
- 0 μm+ with PVD process for high-end lines, with 5+ yearscolor retention. The product can pass ISTA sweat and corrosion testing.
To ensure consistent quality, we provide free sample delivery so clients can verify gold purity, plating thickness, color retention and surface quality before mass production.
We also offer comprehensive compliance assurance, including international test reports following SGS, LFGB, REACH, and CPSC standards. In addition, customized testing can be arranged for special requirements such as California Proposition 65 compliance.
Whether developing a fast-moving fashion line or a premium electroplated collection, working with Star Harvest ensures your jewelry meets both customer expectations and industry regulations.
