If you're shopping for gold-plated jewellery, you’ve probably seen terms like “18K gold plated” But what do they actually mean? And why should you care?

18K gold plated jewellery means a layer of real 18 karat gold is applied to the surface of a base metal. At Maya, our gold plating isn’t ordinary — we use a cutting-edge technique called Ion Plating (IP).

In this blog, we’ll break it down for you — simply and clearly — so you know exactly what you're wearing when you choose a piece from Maya.

What Does 18K Gold Plated Mean? A Complete Guide

18K gold plated jewellery refers to a piece made of a base metal (like stainless steel) that is coated with a thin layer of 18 karat gold.

🔍 18K Gold: What Does the “K” Mean?

• “K” stands for karat, a measurement of gold purity.

• 24K gold is 100% pure gold — soft and not ideal for daily wear.

• 18K gold is 75% pure gold mixed with alloys to make it stronger.

• It has a luxurious yellow hue, often preferred for its rich appearance and better durability than higher karats.

🔬 What is Ion Plating (IP)?

Ion plating is one of the most advanced and durable gold plating techniques available in the jewellery industry.

• Uses high-tech vacuum technology

• Bonds gold to the metal at a molecular level

• Makes the plating more resistant to wear, tarnish, and fading

We use approximately 0.01 grams of real 18K gold per piece, ensuring every item has a genuine gold finish — not just in look, but in value.

✅ Why Ion Plating is Superior:

• 5x more durable than traditional electroplating

• Longer-lasting shine

• Better adhesion to stainless steel

• Water & sweat resistant

This method is more costly and complex, but at Maya, we choose quality over shortcuts — so your pieces look newer, longer.

💡 Why Choose 18K Gold Plated Jewellery?

• Affordable Luxury: You get the look of solid gold without the high price.

• Durability: When plated on stainless steel, the jewellery lasts longer.

• Skin-Friendly: 18K gold is less likely to cause irritation.

At Maya, we use 18K gold plating over premium stainless steel to give you a beautiful, long-lasting, hypoallergenic experience.