QuestionHello,
I purchased a lot of earrings at auction and they are listed as 14k E/R gold. Can you tell me what the E/R means?
Thank you
Regards
AnswerHello Debra,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
The "E/R" stands for electroplated/rolled gold. That differs from gold filled in that plating is actually a micro-thin layer deposited on a base metal ( usually brass). Not many use the E/R designation though- generally it is expressed 14 kt.E, or no designation as the layer is 1/1000th of an inch thick and will rub off with exposure to household chemicals and daily wear.I think that designation is intended to make one think it is gold filled, when in fact it is plated.
Gold Filled products are expressed as 14/20 GF, or 12/20 GF indicating the gold is 20 % pure gold bonded to a base metal and referred to as filled gold. Gold d'ore is another term used to indicate the metal has a bonded layer of solid gold. In the case of 14 kt. plated gold the gold is bonded by electrolysis to the under layer of , in general , silver.Gold vermeil is 24kt, or as low as 22 kt over a fine silver base.It is much thicker that electroplated gold, but not as thick as gold filled jewelry.
I hope this answers it for you.
Best Regards, Ari
