Nov 07, 2025 blog medema collezioni medema gioielli medema consigli Medema Gioielli perchè scegliere l'acciaio placcatura oro 18k

18-Karat Gold Plating: The Perfect Alliance Between Elegance and Durability

Placcatura in Oro 18 Carati: L'Alleanza Perfetta tra Eleganza e Durata

Table of Contents

  1. Why 18K Gold Plating Makes the Difference
  2. What "18 Karat Gold" Really Means
  3. 14K, 18K or 24K: Which to Choose?
  4. Stainless Steel: The Foundation That Matters
  5. Daily Resistance and Absolute Comfort
  6. How to Maintain Brilliance Over Time
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

The difference between an ordinary piece of jewelry and a Medema piece is felt at first touch. It's a matter of weight, reflected light, sensation on the skin. And above all, what remains after months of daily wear.

Authentic elegance is not built on design alone. It originates from the material itself: 18-karat gold-plated stainless steel, a technical combination that guarantees lasting brilliance, resistance to the unexpected, and comfort at every moment of the day.

Why 18K Gold Plating Makes the Difference

18-karat gold plating is not simply a decorative coating. It's a precious and resistant layer of 75% pure gold, applied with precision onto a stainless steel base through an electrochemical process that ensures its adhesion over time.

The result? A surface with the natural warmth of solid gold, combined with the modern practicality of jewelry designed to last. No need to carefully remove it before every shower. No fear of seeing it fade after a few months.

What "18 Karat Gold" Really Means

18 karats indicates a precise composition: 75% pure gold combined with 25% noble metal alloys such as copper, silver, or palladium. These alloys do not compromise the aesthetic purity of gold but enhance its structural resistance and color stability over time.

It's this balanced formula that allows jewelry to maintain its brilliance without losing solidity. A technical balance that translates into constant luminosity.

14K, 18K or 24K: Which to Choose?

Not all karats are equal. The choice affects aesthetics, durability, and practical use:

24K Gold – 100% pure gold with intense color but excessively soft. It scratches easily and deforms with use, unsuitable for everyday jewelry.

18K Gold – 75% pure gold, warm and natural brilliance, optimal wear resistance. It's the ideal karatage for those who desire elegance and durability without compromise.

14K Gold – 58% pure gold, more economical but less luminous. It tends to oxidize more quickly and requires more maintenance.

Medema chose 18K gold because it represents the highest point between aesthetic quality and durability over time.

Stainless Steel: The Foundation That Matters

Beneath every layer of gold lies the invisible strength of steel. Stainless steel is a surgical material, corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and structurally stable. It doesn't deform, doesn't oxidize, doesn't react with the environment.

This foundation ensures that the gold plating remains adherent and intact even after years, preserving the original luster without the need for restoration. It's the technical secret that allows a piece of jewelry to transcend time while maintaining its aesthetic identity.

Daily Resistance and Absolute Comfort

Medema jewelry is designed to be worn. Every day, in every context. It's water-resistant and completely nickel-free, making it safe even for the most reactive skin.

You can wear it during workouts, in the shower, while traveling. It doesn't lose color, doesn't irritate, doesn't require excessive attention. Elegance becomes a constant, not an exception reserved for special occasions.

How to Maintain Brilliance Over Time

Even the most resistant materials deserve small attentions:

Avoid direct contact with perfumes and cosmetics – Apply them before wearing your jewelry.

Store separately – Use a soft case to prevent contact scratches.

Clean with a soft cloth – A quick gesture after use maintains the gold's intact luster.

With these minimal precautions, the original light remains unaltered over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18K Gold Plating

Does 18K gold plating last over time?
Yes. With the stainless steel base and Medema plating quality, jewelry maintains its brilliance for years. Water resistance and daily use do not compromise the durability of the gold coating.

Is gold-plated jewelry hypoallergenic?
Medema jewelry is completely nickel-free and made with hypoallergenic materials. Medical-grade stainless steel guarantees safety even for the most sensitive skin.

Can I wear 18K gold-plated jewelry every day?
Absolutely. 18-karat gold plating on stainless steel is designed precisely for daily use. It resists water, sweat, and daily activities without losing luminosity.

What's the difference between gold-plated and solid gold?
Solid gold is more expensive but also heavier and more delicate. 18K gold plating offers the same aesthetics and brilliance, with superior wear resistance and a more comfortable weight for everyday use.

Discover Elegance That Lasts

Every Medema creation is born to endure. 18-karat gold plating preserves its luminosity, stainless steel guarantees its strength, Italian design defines its character.

It's not ostentatious luxury. It's recognizable quality, felt to the touch and confirmed over time.

Explore Medema collections and find the jewelry that tells your elegance. From Rome to Athens, from Florence to Copenhagen: each city inspires a style, each piece tells a story that becomes yours.

Discover all collections ✨