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Q&As since 1989


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Will a titanium ring that has a gold plating hold up?

My name is Terri and my husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year and my husband likes the new titanium rings.
I don't have a lot of money so I want to make sure what I purchase doesn't turn out to be junk. How long does the gold plating last on titanium jewelry? I know with all the advanced finishing on jewelry some items may never wear off. Is this true for titanium plated with gold.

Terri Wegner
wife interested in purchase for anniversary gift. - Broomfield, Colorado
January 26, 2011

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Hi Terri,
Jewelers are making a nice assortment of wedding bands these days with alternative metals and materials such as titanium, tungsten and even ceramic. Some of these new designs have gold inlay which is actual solid gold imbedded into the ring and is not gold plated. If this is what you're referring to I don't think you need to worry.

Neil Bell
Red Sky Plating

Albuquerque, New Mexico

First of two simultaneous responses -- January 31, 2011

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All plating will eventually wear through. If it's a cheapo job, it may last only weeks or months. Done well of sufficient thickness, it could last for years. However it can be replated if it does wear through.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Second of two simultaneous responses -- February 1, 2011