QUALITY & MATERIALS GUIDE
18k 3 micron gold plated: what is it? Durability, maintenance, quality
The term “gold-plated” is everywhere, but not all gilding is created equal.
Thickness, alloy, know-how: these parameters determine the durability, shine
and comfort of a piece of jewellery on a daily basis. At Ylume, we use an 18-carat gold plating 3 micron thick,
champagne tint, on a quality brass base, nickel, lead and cadmium free.
This guide details what this means in concrete terms, how to compare to other finishes (fine gold gilding, vermeil, solid gold),
and how to take care of your jewelry to keep it bright for a long time.
jewel. It offers an excellent shine/hold/quality ratio compared to finer gilding.
Gold-plated: simple definition (and why microns matter)
A gold-plated piece of jewelry is a piece (often made of brass) covered with an actual layer of gold deposited
by an electrolysis process. The thickness of this layer is expressed in microns (μ), one micron being
one thousandth of a millimetre. The greater the thickness, the more resistant the golden surface is to water friction and everyday micro-scratches.
- 18 carats indicates the purity of the gold (75% fine gold alloyed with other metals for hardness and color).
- 3 μ indicates the thickness of the gold layer deposited on the base.
- Good quality brass base: good compromise between weight and strength, comfortable to wear.
At Ylume, the ” champagne ” shade (softened 18k gold) is an aesthetic choice:
it offers a soft light, less “yellow”, which blends easily with all skin tones and materials (linen, silk, knit).
Compare finishes: 3 μ gold plated vs fine gold gilded, vermeil, solid gold
Names can be confusing. This summary table helps you make an informed choice.
| Finishing | Composition / thickness | Radiance & Colour | Everyday wear* | Budget | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18k 3 μ gold plated (Ylume) | 18k ~3 micron gold over brass | Sweet, luminous champagne | Very good (excluding water/perfume) | $$ | Durable high costume jewelry |
| Gilded with fine gold | Thin layer (< 1 μ typ.) | Often brighter yellow | More sensitive to friction | $ | Fashion jewelry, casual wear |
| Vermeil | 18k ≥ gold on silver base | Variable according to alloy | Very good if properly maintained | $$$ | For fans of golden silver |
| Solid Gold | Full gold alloy (e.g. 18k) | “Solid” gold, noble patina | Excellent (repairable/polished) | $$$$$ | Bullion Coin |
*The hold also depends on the wearing habits (water, rubbing, storage) and the quality of the deposit.
good resistance and a controlled price. This is the quality standard we favor for high fashion jewelry intended to be worn.
Durability over time: what does real durability depend on?
There are two main factors that determine the longevity of the gold plating: the thickness of the gilding and
the way the jewelry is worn and cared for. For the same thickness, a careful
daily gesture (avoid water, perfumes, rubbing) multiplies the duration of radiance.
- Thickness 3 μ : better mechanical resistance than fine gilding.
- Texture : a smooth surface will make less of a visual impression than very prominent reliefs.
- Wearing area : A ring is subject to more friction than a necklace, for example.
- Storage : separate pockets = less micro-scratches.
Tip: alternate your jewelry. Letting a part “rest” for a few days reduces wear and tear from repeated friction.
Misconceptions: true / false
| Affirmation | True / False | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Gold plating always tarnishes quickly” | False | With 3 μ and suitable maintenance (excluding water/perfume), the shine is maintained very well. |
| “You can keep your gold plated in the shower” | False | Hot water, soap and especially chlorine/salt accelerate the wear of any gilding. |
| “Gold plating causes allergies” | That depends | Our jewelry is nickel, lead and cadmium free. Most sensitive skin tolerates them well. |
| “The more yellow, the better” | False | The color depends on the alloy. At Ylume, the champagne shade was chosen for its softness and elegance. |
Easy maintenance: 8 reflexes to keep the shine
Good reflexes are better than miracle products. Here is a simple protocol, designed for everyday use.
- Last thing to do before going out: put on your jewelry after perfumes and treatments.
- Before the water : remove your jewelry (shower, bath, pool, sea).
- Sport & night : avoid sweating and twisting to limit it.
- Storage : separate pouches/boxes, dry place.
- Cleaning : soft chamois, light movements, no abrasive product.
- Polishing : very light and punctual so as not to alter the gilding.
- Gemstones : Soft dry cloth, no soaking.
- Travel : hard case, individual bags.
Find our detailed advice on the page Maintenance of gold-plated jewelry.
Comfort & sensitive skin
Ylume jewelry is designed for a pleasant everyday wear: carefully selected brass base,
18k 3 μ gilding, nickel, lead and cadmium free. If your skin is very reactive, we
recommend avoiding prolonged contact with water and regularly cleaning the contact areas (sleepers, stems).
Rapid redness, itching of the lobe, feeling of heating. In this case, limit the wearing time, cleanse and let the skin rest.
Alternate pairs; favor smooth stems; Gently wipe after wearing (chamois).
How to choose a gold-plated piece of jewelry that lasts?
Beyond thickness, rely on manufacturing details and part consistency for your purpose.
- Announced thickness (3 μ at Ylume) and alloy quality 18k.
- Clean finishes : soft edges, soft hinges, reliable clasps.
- Balanced weight: comfortable to wear, avoids unnecessary pull-ups (especially on buckles).
- Harmonious and stable shade (here, champagne).
- Transparency on materials (nickel/lead/cadmium free) and on origin.
Our selection of hoop earrings,
Necklaces, bangles and rings
meet these criteria for a bright and simple everyday life.
Why the color Ylume champagne ?
The “right” color of gold is not absolute: it is a question of alloy and taste.
We chose a champagne shade because it reflects light without harsh shine,
matches fair and matte skin and harmonizes naturally with fine stones such as mother-of-pearl,
onyx, quartz or labradorite. This shade is also very photogenic : it captures the soft
morning light as well as sunsets, a nod to our universe.
Gemstones & gold-plated: a duo that works
Gemstones bring texture, color and emotion to the jewelry. Associated with champagne gilding:
- Mother-of-pearl — milky luster, softness.
- Onyx — strong contrast, graphic chic.
- Quartz — transparency, clarity.
- Labradorite — changing reflections, mystery.
Tip: Choose stone as a style note rather than a constraint; This way, your jewelry will remain easy to combine.
Ylume Commitments
18k 3 μ gold plated, quality brass base, nickel, lead and cadmium free.
Drawn in Aix-en-Provence; manufactured in France and Spain depending on the collection.
Responsible approach, choice of reusable packaging, RJC certified gold.
Pieces designed for everyday life : comfort, lightness, neat finishes.
Learn more about our values: the Ylume – Values & Know-How page.
Which gold-plated jewelry to choose according to use?
| Usage | Jewelry | Thickness/shape | What for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Office | Small hoop earrings 18–24 mm, necklace 45 cm | 3 μ smooth or lightweight | Sleek, durable; less friction |
| Outings / afterwork | Hoop earrings 26–32 mm, medallion necklace 50–60 cm | 3 μ textured (twisted/hammered) | Increased light, controlled presence |
| Ceremony | Pearl-dangling, fine | 3 μ, Stone Enhancement | Soft, photo-friendly reflections |
| Travel | Minimalist set (huggies + medallion 45 cm) | 3 μ smooth | Easy to live with, low in volume |
FAQ — 18k 3 micron gold plated
- Is 3 μ gold plated really durable?
- Yes, as long as you avoid water, perfumes and repeated rubbing. It offers a very good hold on a daily basis compared to finer gilding.
- What is the difference with “gilded with fine gold”?
- “Gilded with fine gold” is a thinner layer of gold. It is often more susceptible to wear and tear than a 3 μ veneer.
- Is gold plated suitable for sensitive skin?
- Our jewelry is nickel, lead and cadmium free and is suitable for most sensitive skin. In case of hypersensitivity, limit the wearing time and clean regularly.
- Can I wear my jewelry in the shower?
- We advise against it. Remove your jewelry before shower, pool and sea to preserve the shine of the gilding.
- How do I clean my gold-plated jewelry?
- With a soft chamoisine, dry. Avoid abrasive products and soaking, especially in the presence of fine stones.
Looking for a champagne light on a daily basis?
Explore our selections:
Creoles,
necklaces,
bracelets and bangles,
rings.
Compose a durable set that is easy to wear, and true to your style.
