All About Gold Types

All About Gold

Shopping for gold jewelry can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many terms and price ranges, it can be hard to know what you’re actually purchasing. Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of the different types of gold jewelry so that when the time comes to purchase something special, you can feel confident in your choice.

Below is a simple overview of the most common types of gold jewelry, what those terms really mean, how they affect price, and what you can expect in terms of longevity. Whether you’re investing in a piece built to last or enjoying a trendy style for the moment, you’ll know exactly what to look for.

Solid Gold 

We are starting out with the top of the pyramid, solid gold. Solid gold jewelry pieces are made entirely of gold alloy. This means the gold is not layered or coated over other types of metals, therefore containing the highest gold content and highest price in comparison to other types of gold.

Solid gold pieces are the most durable and long lasting because pure gold does not tarnish. If you are the type to eat, sleep, shower, swim, and more with your jewelry then solid gold is your go to for everyday pieces. It's also ideal for those with sensitive skin!

 

That said, gold is not indestructible. It is a softer metal and will naturally show signs of wear over time. Proper care is still important. The benefit? Solid gold can be repaired, resized, and restored throughout its lifetime, making it perfect for pieces meant to be worn, loved, and eventually passed down for generations.

Gold Filled vs. Gold Plating vs. Gold Vermeil

Gold filled, gold plated, and gold vermeil are three common types of gold jewelry you’ll encounter—and they are not all created equal.

Gold filled jewelry features a thick layer of solid gold that is pressure-bonded to a base metal, typically brass or sterling silver. To be legally classified as gold filled, a piece must contain at least 5% gold by weight. With proper care, gold filled jewelry can last for years and offers a beautiful, budget-friendly option. However, unlike solid gold, these pieces cannot be resized or heavily repaired.

Gold plated jewelry consists of a very thin layer of gold—approximately 0.5 microns—applied over a base metal such as brass or copper.

Gold vermeil is similar in construction but uses a thicker gold layer, around 2.5 microns, bonded over sterling silver. To put this into perspective, there are 25,400 microns in a single inch.

Because of their thinner gold layers, gold plated and gold vermeil pieces contain the least amount of gold and are best suited for occasional wear. They’re perfect for trying out trends or styles before committing to a solid gold investment.

The Gold for You

If you are here you are probably just like us, a jewelry lover always looking for the next perfect piece to add to your collection. When it comes to all the gold types there is no “wrong” option but rather the right one for the right purpose!

For life's most meaningful moments, the declarations of love, milestones, and memories meant to last solid gold is worth the investment.  Engagement rings, wedding bands, push presents, anniversary gifts, and all the special occasions in between we have the solid gold pieces worth investing in, can be worn daily, and cherished for a lifetime.