In Jewellery, what is meant by: 14kt. Gold tone. (is it gold or just plated)?

Question

described for the setting that the stones (blue topaz) are set on.
In this case two earrings and a necklace, came with certificate of Analysis verifing blue topaz. under setting the above was mentioned and it is confusing me. I just want to know if its gold 14kt. or not.

Answer 1

Im a jeweller. Generally, without being an expert, you can tell by the phsycology. In this case, too much back up, a certificate! and only relating to the stones. (blue topaz are not expensive). This takes your attention away from the gold, its "mount", and places importance, on what are cheaper end stones (sorry).
(blue topaz are a coulered topaz, a natural, but common stone, described as semi precious. It is permissable within the legal description, to use heat, and radiation, to turn a colourless topaz, blue, or pink to an exact, even, pleasing colur, and Still call it natural).
You have a product, thats felt it neccessary to "big itself up" with certificates etc...Yet, Not Specifically given you an understanable worded statement as to its exact gold content! Pure marketing!
So, there's the phsycology, too much back up, not enogh proper information. as to the technical....
ANY word after gold denotes an abbridgement to the previous word. Ie, gold plated, gold coloured, gold simulant, etc.
In this case, the carefully chosen, ambiguous, "tone". Well, tone is a shade, of Colour, right?...Gold,...colour! So this is not a hallmark, but a "discription". A gold coloured item, probably plated in 14k cold, But legally, in that statement, could be a polishable metal, resembling the colour of 14k gold.
This is costume jewellery, particularly as topaz its self is mass produced, and colour enhanced. Your certificate may as well come with a box of washing powder, "guaranteing" it washes white'r, its still a certificate..isnt it!
Very sorry for this truthful reply, thogh i hope it helps you and other readers to spot marketing hypes, and its still jewellery you can wear, and if bought by someone else, the thought and meaning is still the same. Generally, only diamonds come with a ("GIA" in the us) certificate, and gold has a properly worded "appraisal" or "valuation" document, by a jeweller with a traceable, retail outlet, or established offices.

Answer 2

I believe that means the stone is real, but the gold is plated. On some people, depending on skin oils that will start to peel away in no time.

Answer 3

If it says 14kt gold tone, then it is not gold, it is just plated with 14kt gold and will wear off in time.

Answer 4

they actually make real gold paint. that's what it sounds like.