Material Library
20 Karat Gold Finish
A gold finish is a microscopic layer of gold bonded to a base metal by electrolysis. What matters is two things: the karat of the gold and what lies beneath it.
- Karat
- 20 Karat gold
- Method
- Bonded to 925 silver by electrolysis
- Base metal
- Never brass
Karat is only half the story
A 20 Karat finish gives a warm, deep tone rather than the brassy yellow of lower-karat finishes. But the finish is measured in microns — no finish, at any karat, is permanent.
That is exactly why the base matters. When the finish on brass fades, you see brass. When the finish on 925 sterling silver softens, you see silver.
How to make the finish last
Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray. Take it off before swimming, showering and sleeping.
Store pieces separately in a soft pouch so the finish is not abraded by other metal.