The term describes jewelry where a base metal has been coated with a layer of gold that is 22 karats in purity. This plating process imparts the visual characteristics of solid gold to a piece at a lower cost. For example, a bracelet made of brass might undergo electroplating with a thin layer of 22k gold, giving it a golden appearance without the price of a solid gold item.
This approach offers several advantages, including affordability and enhanced aesthetics. It allows consumers to acquire jewelry with the visual appeal of high-karat gold without the significant expense associated with solid gold pieces. Historically, gold plating has been used as a method to enhance the appearance of more common metals, providing a cost-effective alternative to solid gold construction.
