Uncovering what is under the shine. Learn about base metals, gold plating thickness, and our skin-safe guarantee.
The longevity of imitation jewellery depends on two factors: the base metal density and the plating thickness in microns. Traditional Indian jewellery crafted on high-grade jewelry brass or copper holds intricate artisan engravings (like Jadau and Kundan) with remarkable crispness. When electroplated with 0.5–1.0 micron real gold and electrophoretically sealed, it delivers the exact visual richness and weight of solid 22K gold without the exorbitant price or security worries.
Understanding the real difference in gold content and longevity.
< 0.1 microns thickness
Found on fast-fashion jewellery. A momentary electro-dip that creates a thin golden hue. Vulnerable to rubbing off within 3–8 weeks of wear.
0.5 – 1.0 microns + E-Coat
Multi-layer gold deposition sealed with a crystal-clear protective polymer barrier. Resists abrasion, sweat, and retains luster for years.
2.5 microns on 925 Silver
Heavy gold plating strictly over a 925 Sterling Silver base. High material cost, highly collectable, but softer metal prone to bending under heavy stones.
Contact dermatitis (itchy red bumps or black skin marks) from costume jewellery is triggered by nickel or lead in cheap casting scrap metal. When sweat meets nickel, microscopic salts leach into pores causing allergic reactions.
Every batch of base alloy is strictly tested against nickel release thresholds.
A pure copper-gold barrier blocks metal ions from ever contacting skin.
A micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter (0.001 mm). Standard cheap costume jewellery uses 'flash plating' (under 0.1 microns), which rubs off within weeks. Averza uses 0.5 to 1.0 micron heavy gold plating, providing a much thicker bond that resists wear, sweat, and tarnishing for years.
Yes, provided it is nickel-free and lead-free. Skin allergies to jewellery are almost exclusively caused by nickel leaching out of low-grade alloys. Averza uses purified copper-brass alloy sealed beneath a hypoallergenic barrier and gold micro-layer, making it completely hypoallergenic.
Gold Vermeil requires a base metal of genuine 925 sterling silver with at least 2.5 microns of gold plating. While luxurious, it is much more expensive and softer. High-micron plated brass offers superior durability for intricate stone-setting (like Kundan and Meenakari) at an accessible price point.
Handcrafted imitation jewellery with real gold luster and hypoallergenic comfort.