What is the meaning of gold-plated? 28 July 2023 12:57 Updated Gold plating is a layer of a gold alloy which is combined insolubly to the basic metal (steel, brass, nickel silver). The thickness of the layer is given in microns. Related articles Would you recommend an Oris watch to people with a nickel allergy? Why are the majority of sapphire crystals only anti-reflective on the inside?