Gold-Plated Base Metal Circular Medallion with Stainless Steel Insert
Medallion / Watch Back Housing · Yellow Gold plating over a non-precious copper-based alloy or brass.
Purity: None. This is gold-plated base metal (Electroplated/Bonded).
Type
Medallion / Watch Back Housing
Purity
None. This is gold-plated base metal (Electroplated/Bonded).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a non-precious copper-based alloy or brass.
Weight
10-15 grams total weight; gold content is negligible (less than 0.01g).
Description
A utilitarian circular gold-toned metal component featuring a two-piece construction. The outer bezel is a cast base metal with a fading gold-colored finish, while the center is a contrasting brushed steel-tone plate. This is likely a back cover for a budget-tier fashion watch or a souvenir coin bezel.
Key Features
Two-tone metallic contrast, stepped outer rim, and significant surface pitting revealing the base metal beneath.
Color & Finish
Brassy yellow gold with heavy oxidation and flaking; the center is a brushed silver-tone metallic finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. There appears to be a small indentation at the bottom 6 o'clock position, likely a pry-notch for opening rather than a hallmark.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 32mm - 38mm in diameter; common for a men's wristwatch case back or commemorative token.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The central 'inlay' is a circular steel or aluminum disc.
Clasp & Closure
Friction-fit snap back. The outer gold-colored ring and inner steel disc are likely pressed or glued together.
Chain & Links
N/A. The item is a single circular component with a ridged/stepped edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Low-tier industrial casting. The edges are uneven, and the assembly between the two metal types shows gaps where oxidation has formed.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags: The uneven 'flaking' of the color and the appearance of dull, dark grey metal beneath indicate it is not solid gold. No purity stamps like 10K, 14K, or 585 are present.
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced industrial manufacture; likely of Southeast Asian or Chinese assembly origin for the fashion accessories market.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century to Contemporary (1980s-present) based on assembly style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The type of plating wear and visible oxidation suggests several decades of environmental exposure.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mass-market production of luxury-look accessories intended for the general consumer at a low price point.
Condition Notes
Poor. Significant plating loss (brassing) around the outer edges, deep scratches on the steel insert, and visible green corrosion (verdigris) in the crevices.
Value Estimate
Minimal. Value is primarily decorative or for scrap steel/brass. Melt value is $0.00 in gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all chemicals and ultrasound cleaning, as it will strip the remaining plating. Wipe only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
Similar Items
Gold-filled (GF) items would be thicker and last longer; Solid 14K gold watch backs would be stamped with '14K' and would not show grey metal when scratched.
Interesting Facts
Items like this use electroplating which is typically only 0.5 to 2.5 microns thick—roughly 1/100th the thickness of a human hair.