A necklace marked “24kt GB” typically signifies that the piece is gold-plated, not solid gold. Here’s the breakdown:
- 24kt refers to the purity of the gold used in the plating process. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it contains no other metals or alloys.
- GB stands for “gold bonded” or “gold-plated,” indicating that a thin layer of gold is bonded to a base metal, such as brass or stainless steel.
While it gives the appearance of pure gold, the core of the necklace is made of a more affordable material, making it more economical than solid gold. Care is needed, as the gold layer may wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath.