Gold Jewellery: What's the Difference Between Solid Gold, Gold-Filled, Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated?

When shopping for gold jewellery, you’ve probably come across terms like gold-plated, gold-filled, and solid gold. While they all contain real gold, the differences in quality, durability, and price can be significant. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed purchase and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Solid Gold: The Timeless Standard

Solid gold jewellery is made entirely of a gold alloy (a mix of gold with other metals like copper or silver). It is measured in karats (K), with 24K being pure gold. However, since pure 24K gold is soft and not suitable for daily wear, most jewellery is made from 14K or 18K gold, which balances durability and beauty.

• Pros: Highly durable, tarnishes exceptionally slowly, retains value over time.
• Cons: Expensive.

Solid gold pieces are often passed down through generations, making them treasured heirlooms. Because of their intrinsic value, they can also serve as an investment.

To learn more about solid gold and what the different karats mean, check out our blog: A beginner's guide to gold jewellery.

Gold-Filled: The Affordable Alternative

Gold-filled jewellery consists of a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal (usually brass or copper) through heat and pressure. The gold layer is much thicker than in gold-plated jewellery, making it more durable and resistant to tarnishing.  You may also see this metal referred to as gold fill, rolled gold, gold bonded or doublé d'or.

• Pros: More affordable than solid gold, long-lasting, won’t easily tarnish or wear off.
• Cons: More expensive than gold-plated jewellery, but still not solid gold.

Gold-filled jewellery offers a great balance of quality and affordability. It’s a fantastic option for those who want the look and feel of gold without the high price tag. With proper care, gold-filled pieces can last for many years without significant wear.

Gold Vermeil: The Premium Plating

Gold vermeil (pronounced “ver-may”) is a higher quality type of gold-plated jewellery. To be considered gold vermeil, the piece must have a thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns) over a base of sterling silver.

• Pros: Higher quality and more durable than standard gold plating.

• Cons: Can still wear off over time, requires proper care to maintain its finish.

Gold vermeil is an excellent option for those who want the look of gold at a more affordable price than solid gold. However, like any plated jewellery, it requires careful handling to maintain its appearance.

Gold-Plated: The Budget-Friendly Option

Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold electroplated onto a base metal. The gold layer is very thin (measured in microns*), making it more susceptible to fading, chipping, or wearing off over time.

• Pros: Very affordable, allows for trendy designs at a lower cost.
• Cons: Wears off more quickly, may cause skin irritation if base metals like nickel are exposed.

While gold-plated jewellery is ideal for fashion-forward pieces that follow trends, it is not a long-term investment. Frequent exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals can cause the plating to fade, revealing the base metal underneath.

*Don't know what a micron is?  Here's a helpful (and delicious) analogy:

Think of gold plating like a light dusting of cinnamon on a latte—it adds colour and a hint of flavour, but it wears off quickly. Gold plating is usually just a few microns thick (a micron is a tiny fraction of a millimeter), so the gold layer is very thin.

Now, imagine gold-filled jewellery as a thick peanut butter sandwich. Instead of just a light dusting, it's got a substantial layer of gold—about 100 times more than standard gold plating. This means it lasts much longer and doesn’t wear away as easily, because the gold layer is fused to the base metal rather than just sitting on top.

 

Which One Should You Choose?

• For everyday wear and investment: Solid gold is the best choice if budget allows.
• For durability at a lower price: Gold-filled offers a good balance between quality and affordability.
• For occasional or trendy pieces: Gold-plated jewellery is a great way to enjoy the look of gold without a big financial commitment.

At Mikel Grant Jewellery, we only work with either gold-filled or solid gold, ensuring our pieces are high-quality, durable, and designed to last. We believe in offering our customers jewellery that maintains its beauty over time without the risk of plating wearing off. Gold-filled and solid gold options provide a level of longevity and craftsmanship that aligns with our commitment to excellence.

Knowing the difference between these types of gold jewellery will help you shop smarter and choose the best option for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re investing in a timeless solid gold piece or opting for a stylish gold-filled accessory, there’s a perfect gold jewellery choice for everyone!