Letter 32087

Gold plated vs. gold-tone finish [Florida] 

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While shopping for gold silverware I came across one that was gold-plated and another one that had a gold-tone finish. Would someone be able to tell me the difference between the two and which one would be the better buy.

Thanks,

Nancy Hamilton
homeowner - New Port Richey, Florida, USA

I think this is just a truth-in-advertising issue, Nancy. If a seller claims that something is gold plated, it must have a coating of genuine gold on it, albeit probably only 20 millionths of an inch thick. Gold-tone just means that it is the same general color as gold with no real gold being involved. That doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior in terms of function.

I'd go for the gold plated, but if it's not from a reputable manufacturer, you have no way of estimating its life.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

I want to answer or follow-up on this subject publicly (in non-commercial fashion).

 

My company is a supporting advertiser at finishing.com and we want the contact information to reach the inquirer privately.

 

I want to post a new question or inquiry of my own on a different subject.