Gold plated badges are high-quality metal badges that have a thin layer of real gold electroplated onto the surface. This process gives the badge a luxurious, bright gold finish that looks and feels like solid gold, but at a much more affordable price.

The badge starts as a stamped or die-struck metal base (usually brass, copper or alloy). It is thoroughly cleaned and then placed in an electroplating bath where a controlled electric current bonds a fine layer of gold to the surface. The result is a smooth, highly reflective, premium gold appearance.

Gold plated badges can be finished in a range of tones — from bright polished gold to softer antique gold or rose gold — depending on the type of gold used and the final polishing. While they offer beautiful shine and elegance, it’s important to note that gold plating is a surface finish only. With regular wear over time, the gold layer can gradually wear away, revealing the base metal underneath.

With the wide variety of production methods and manufacturers in the custom badge and cufflink industry, terminology can often be confusing. Many products share similar names or overlapping descriptions for essentially the same finish. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a clear guide to the most common alternative terms used for gold plating:

– Gold Plated Badges
– Gilt Plated Badges
– Gilt Badges