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A free pair of Valentina earrings for purchases over 100€ • Free delivery for purchases over €80

L'Atelier de Solène

Qu'est ce que le plaqué or 3 microns ?
  • Solène de Sallmard
  • 2025

What is the difference with “fine gold-plated” jewelry?

3-micron gold-plated and fine gold-plated jewelry are made with a brass base and a certain thickness of gold. The difference between the two lies in the thickness of the plating, which is expressed in microns.

Very precise legislative criteria make it possible to sort the different designations:

We are legally entitled to refer to it as "gold plated" when the plating is at least three microns thick. This is the highest quality for jewelry.

The term "3 micron gold plating" refers to a manufacturing process where a thin layer of gold is deposited over a base metal (in our case, brass). The "3 micron" designation indicates the thickness of this gold layer, which is approximately three thousandths of a millimeter. The thicker the layer, the more durable and wear-resistant the jewelry. Thus, 3 micron gold plating is of very high quality, offering an elegant appearance and a shine similar to that of pure gold, while being affordable.

In contrast, fine gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold, much less than three microns. These pieces of jewelry do not retain their original gold color as long as gold-plated jewelry.

Discover our 3 micron gold-plated jewelry: gold-plated rings, gold-plated bracelets, gold-plated necklaces, gold-plated earrings, gold-plated earcuffs, gold-plated medals, and gold-plated charms.

What is the 18 karat gold we use?

18-karat gold, often used in jewelry, refers to an alloy composed of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as silver, copper, or nickel. This proportion ensures a certain strength while maintaining the beauty and richness of gold. The term "karat" refers to the purity of gold, with 24 karat corresponding to 100% pure gold. 18-karat gold, due to its blend, offers a perfect balance between durability and brilliance, making it an ideal choice for fine jewelry.

Do you have a question or need advice? Our team is here to help!