Gold Polish
An Indian trade term for a thin gold-coloured plating over base metal. Not a purity, and not solid gold.
Gold polish covers everything from a genuine micron plating to a lacquer tinted gold. The phrase has no defined standard behind it.
One gram gold jewellery is a related term, describing pieces plated using roughly one gram of gold across a whole batch, not per item.
Both are legitimate categories of fashion jewellery. Neither carries meaningful gold value and neither can be hallmarked.
What you will hear
“One gram gold jewellery contains one gram of gold.”
In fact: The gram refers to gold used across a production batch, not in your piece. The actual gold content is a small fraction of a gram.
When you are buying
Ask two questions: what is underneath, and how many microns on top. If the seller cannot answer either, price it as costume jewellery, which is what it is.
Gold Plating
A thin layer of gold deposited over a base metal. Gives the colour of gold at a fraction of the cost, and wears off over time.
Micron Plating
The thickness of a plated layer, in thousandths of a millimetre. The single number that determines how long a finish lasts.
Brass
A copper and zinc alloy with a warm gold tone. Strong and inexpensive, but it tarnishes and can react with skin.
Korean Metal
A light, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used for fashion jewellery findings. Holds plating well and does not rust.