Gold & Plating Type
18ct Yellow Gold
75% Pure Gold
18ct yellow gold plating is the gold standard for fine jewellery and premium finishes. With 75% gold content, it delivers the richest, most vibrant yellow gold colour available — the finish associated with luxury watches, fine jewellery, and heirloom pieces.
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Tone
Rich, deep yellow
Brightness
High — vibrant, luxurious gold
Warmth
Warm
Style
The richest, most vibrant yellow gold available
About 18ct Yellow Gold
18ct yellow gold is the preferred choice for fine jewellery worldwide, and as a plating finish it delivers the most intense, saturated yellow gold colour of any carat. The 75% gold content produces a warm, deep yellow that is immediately recognisable as premium gold — richer and more vibrant than 9ct.
Because of the higher gold content, 18ct plating is slightly softer than 9ct — but this is rarely a practical concern for plated pieces, where the base metal provides the structural hardness. The gold layer itself is what determines the colour and surface appearance.
18ct yellow gold is the standard specification for Gold Vermeil jewellery and is the most commonly requested finish for fine jewellery restoration, luxury watch plating, and premium fashion collections. When clients want the most authentic, luxurious gold appearance, 18ct is the answer.
At heavier thicknesses (Heavy, 5–10 µm), 18ct yellow gold plating provides both exceptional appearance and impressive longevity. The combination of rich colour and substantial gold content makes it the premium choice for heirloom-quality pieces.
Specifications
Gold Purity
75% (18 carat / 750)
Colour
Rich, deep yellow gold
Hardness
Slightly softer than 9ct — base metal provides structure
Tarnish Resistance
Excellent
Available Thicknesses
Flash, Standard, Gold Vermeil, Heavy
Typical Use
Fine jewellery, luxury watches, Gold Vermeil, heirloom restoration
Is 18ct Yellow Gold Right for Your Project?
Best For
- Fine jewellery restoration and new pieces
- Luxury watch case and bracelet plating
- Gold Vermeil on sterling silver
- Premium fashion collections
- Heirloom and sentimental pieces
- Clients wanting the richest, most vibrant gold colour
Not Ideal For
- High-volume, cost-sensitive fashion runs (consider 9ct)
- Pieces where a subtle, understated finish is preferred
Available Plating Thicknesses
Care & Maintenance
Store separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching
Remove before swimming, bathing, or applying perfume and lotions
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
Avoid abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaning, or steam
Professional re-plating recommended when finish shows wear
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 18ct more expensive than 9ct plating?
18ct contains twice the gold content of 9ct (75% vs 37.5%). For thicker deposits, the gold used per piece is significantly greater, which is reflected in the price. For thin flash deposits the difference is minimal.
Is 18ct gold plating suitable for watches?
Yes — 18ct is our most popular choice for luxury watch restoration. The rich colour is authentic to the original finish of most Swiss and Japanese dress watches, and at Heavy thickness it provides excellent longevity.
What is the difference between 18ct plating and gold-filled?
Gold-filled items have a mechanically bonded layer of gold (typically 10–50 µm) that is much thicker than electroplating. However, 18ct heavy electroplating (5–10 µm) is the practical standard for most restoration and jewellery applications, offering excellent durability at a fraction of the cost.
Can 18ct yellow gold plating be applied over white gold?
Yes. We can plate over white gold, yellow gold, silver, brass, and most base metals. The existing surface is cleaned and prepared before the new 18ct deposit is applied.
Other Gold & Plating Types
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