Is MICRON the same as MICRON PLATED?

Yes. MICRON, MICRON PLATED, 3 MICRON, 5 MICRON all denote the same material — gold-plated. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How do I confirm a MICRON stamp is genuine?

Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density, scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* gold-plated hallmark

The MICRON hallmark: meaning, purity & value

Heavy gold plating measured by micron thickness. '3 micron', '5 micron', etc. indicate plating thickness. 5+ microns approaches vermeil/gold-filled durability.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: gold-plated
Common regions: international
Standard: ISO 4523

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: MICRON / MICRON PLATED / 3 MICRON / 5 MICRON. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What MICRON tells you

Heavy gold plating measured by micron thickness. '3 micron', '5 micron', etc. indicate plating thickness. 5+ microns approaches vermeil/gold-filled durability.

How to check it yourself

Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
Confirm the mark reads MICRON or an equivalent such as MICRON PLATED.
Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.

Sources

ISO 4523:2009

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is MICRON the same as MICRON PLATED?: A. Yes. MICRON, MICRON PLATED, 3 MICRON, 5 MICRON all denote the same material — gold-plated. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How do I confirm a MICRON stamp is genuine?: A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density, scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

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