There’s a popular saying, Not all that glitters is gold.
Well, this statement becomes real when you’re shopping for gold jewelry.
You begin to see terms like 14k solid gold, 18k gold, gold-filled, gold-plated, and gold vermeil.
These are all different metals with very different quality levels and price points.
In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between gold-filled jewelry, gold-plated jewelry and gold vermeil.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into comparisons, you need to understand how these different types of gold jewelry are made because their construction method directly affects durability, appearance, and value.
Solid gold jewelry is expensive because it's largely made up of gold (usually 14k or 18k).
Most people want the look of gold without the premium price, which is where these alternatives come in.
Gold Filled Jewelry
Gold filled jewelry offers the best value among all gold alternatives.
It's made by mechanically bonding a thick layer of real gold to a base metal core, usually brass or sterling silver.
Is Gold Filled Real Gold?
Yes, gold filled jewelry contains real gold.
The outer layer must be at least 1/20th (5%) of the item's total weight.
This might not sound like much, but it's actually quite substantial because that’s about 100 times thicker than gold plating.
The gold layer in quality gold filled pieces is thick enough to last for decades with proper care.
You can shop our thick gold filled oval hoop earrings.
How Long Does Gold Filled Jewelry Last?
Gold filled jewelry can last 10-30 years or even longer with proper care.
The thick gold layer resists tarnishing, fading, and wears much better than plated alternatives.
Daily wear won't destroy gold filled pieces like it would gold plated items.
You can shower, swim, and exercise while wearing gold filled jewelry without significant wear.
The lifespan depends on the quality of the base metal and how well the gold layer was bonded during manufacturing.
High-quality gold filled pieces from reputable manufacturers often last a lifetime.
Is Gold Filled Waterproof?
No, it’s not. But it is highly water-resistant.
The gold layer protects the base metal from moisture, preventing tarnishing and corrosion.
You can shower, wash hands, and swim while wearing gold filled pieces.
However, avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water because it can eventually affect any jewelry.
Salt water is generally fine for gold filled jewelry, but rinse pieces with fresh water afterward to remove salt residue.
Gold Plated Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal using electroplating.
This creates an affordable way to get the gold look. But the gold layer is extremely thin because it is often measured in microns rather than millimeters.
This thinness makes plated jewelry the least durable option.
How Long Does Gold Plated Jewelry Last?
Gold plated jewelry typically lasts 6 months to 2 years with regular wear.
The thin gold layer wears off gradually, especially at contact points like clasps and bracelet links.
Daily wear also accelerates the wearing process. Friction from clothing, perfumes, and lotions all contribute to the gold layer disappearing.
High-quality gold plated pieces with thicker plating (3+ microns) last longer than cheap alternatives with minimal gold content.
Shop gold filled jewelry in different sizes, shapes and textures from our store.
What is the Difference Between Gold Plated and Gold Filled Jewelry?
The fundamental difference is the durability and gold content.
Gold-filled jewelry contains 50-100 times more gold than gold plated alternatives.
Gold-filled jewelry can be professionally polished and refinished when it starts showing wear, but gold-plated jewelry cannot. Once the thin layer wears off, the piece is essentially ruined.
Their prices also reflect these quality differences.
Gold-filled jewelry typically costs more upfront but provides much better value over time.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is gold plated over sterling silver instead of cheaper base metals.
The gold layer for gold vermeil jewelry must be at least 2.5 microns thick and 10k gold or better.
Gold Filled vs Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil offers a middle ground between gold plated and gold filled options.
The sterling silver base is higher quality than typical plating metals, but the gold layer is still thin.
Gold filled jewelry lasts longer because the gold layer is much thicker.
However, vermeil pieces often have better initial appearance because sterling silver is whiter than brass.
If you're sensitive to base metals, vermeil might be worth the premium over standard gold plated options.
Its sterling silver base is hypoallergenic for most people.
What is the Difference Between Gold Plated and Gold Vermeil Jewelry?
The base metal makes the key difference here.
Standard gold plating uses copper, brass, or other inexpensive metals, while vermeil uses sterling silver.
Sterling silver doesn't tarnish as quickly as copper or brass, so vermeil pieces maintain their appearance longer than basic gold plated jewelry.
Vermeil also costs more than standard gold plating but less than gold filled alternatives.
Find your dream piece from our collection of gold vermeil jewelry.
Which is Better: Gold Filled or Gold Plated?
Gold filled is superior in almost every way that matters:
- Durability: Gold filled lasts decades vs months for gold plated.
- Value: Gold filled jewelry has higher upfront cost but much better cost per year of wear.
- Appearance: Gold filled usually maintains color and shine longer.
- Skin sensitivity: Gold filled jewelry is less likely to cause reactions due to its thicker gold layer
The only advantage of gold plated jewelry is the lower initial price.
But for most people, gold filled provides much better value.
Can I Shower with Gold Filled Jewelry?
Yes, you can shower with gold filled jewelry regularly.
The thick gold layer protects the base metal from moisture and soap.
However, avoid harsh soaps, sulfur-based products, and exfoliating scrubs that might scratch the surface. Gentle cleansers are fine for daily use.
Also, pat jewelry dry after showering rather than rubbing with towels. This will prevent micro-scratches that can dull the finish over time.
What Type of Gold Jewelry Doesn't Tarnish?
Solid gold jewelry (14k and above) doesn't tarnish because pure gold is chemically inert.
Gold filled comes closest to this performance among gold alternatives.
The higher the gold content of your jewelry, the more tarnish-resistant the piece.
18k gold filled offers better tarnish resistance than 14k gold filled.
Gold plated and vermeil pieces will eventually show tarnishing as the thin gold layer wears through to the base metal underneath.
If you want to know whether your jewelry is real gold, read our blog where we provided easy DIY steps to test gold.
Gold Filled vs Solid Gold: The Ultimate Comparison
Solid gold remains the premium option, but gold filled offers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost.
Solid gold jewelry can be sized, repaired, and refinished indefinitely. Gold filled has some limitations but can handle basic repairs and maintenance.
For everyday jewelry that you'll wear frequently, gold filled provides excellent value.
And the price difference is substantial.
You can buy 3-5 gold filled pieces for the cost of one solid gold item.
Caring for Different Types of Gold Jewelry
Gold Filled Care
Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface. Store separately to prevent scratching from other jewelry.
Polish occasionally with a jewelry cloth to maintain shine. Professional cleaning is safe for gold filled pieces.
Gold Plated Care
Handle gently to preserve the thin gold layer. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning chemicals.
Store in a dry place with anti-tarnish strips. Don't use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh polishing compounds.
Vermeil Care
Clean with silver polishing cloths designed for plated pieces. The sterling silver base can tarnish if the gold layer wears thin.
Store in anti-tarnish pouches to protect both the gold layer and silver base.
Which Gold Alternative Should You Choose?
This depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how often you'll wear the piece.
Choose gold filled for:
- Daily wear jewelry
- Pieces you want to last years
- Sensitive skin
- Best long-term value
Choose gold plated for:
- Trendy pieces you'll wear occasionally
- Very tight budgets
- Trying new styles before investing in quality pieces
Choose vermeil for:
- Special occasion jewelry
- When you want sterling silver quality base metal
- Pieces that coordinate with silver jewelry
Investment Perspective
Think about cost per wear when comparing options. A gold filled piece that costs three times more but lasts ten times longer provides much better value.
Quality gold filled jewelry often has resale value, unlike gold plated pieces that become worthless once the plating wears off.
For jewelry you'll wear regularly, investing in gold filled or solid gold makes financial sense over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gold filled jewelry turn your skin green?
No. Quality gold filled jewelry with proper base metals won't cause skin discoloration.
Is gold vermeil always better than gold plated?
Only if you value the sterling silver base. But the gold layer longevity is similar.