For girls from perhaps age 4 or 5, these stunning 4mm gold studs look like premium 9k gold earrings.  What is gold IP?  Ion plating is one of the most advanced surface finishing processes in the trade. In traditional processes, the gold coating on the surface of the case can be rubbed off easily with wear. Ion plating makes the gold plating more durable, more wear resistant, and also has a higher brightness. IP gold plating is so durable that it's considered permanent for the life of an average piece of jewellery.