What is Gold Filled vs Gold Plated vs Gold Vermeil vs Solid Gold

As one of the most classic and trendy jewelry types, gold-plated jewelry has been a fashion choice for most people. When it comes to women’s gold jewelry, words like 14k, 18k, and 24k will come to your mind. You may wonder what is gold filled vs gold plated. And the differences between them are one of the most common questions people have, and it is important to understand the different types of gold jewelry.

In the gold jewelry market, the most common type of gold jewelry is gold-plated. However, due to the high price and complex production process, solid gold body jewelry is less popular than plated gold jewelry among ordinary people. Therefore, this guide will introduce differences and unique characteristics between gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil, solid gold. The aspects of durability and affordability that consumers care about most are completely varied.

What is Gold Plated?

For customers, gold-plated jewelry is one of the most cost-effective jewelry. Because it is plated with a thin layer of gold, the price of a gold plated cross necklace is lower than that of solid gold. Gold-plated refers to the process of plating a thin layer of gold on another metal, usually copper or brass, by electroplating. The content of real gold in gold plated jewelry wholesale is very few, typically far below 1 micron. That is why gold-plated jewelry is prone to fading and wearing off. On the other hand, the affordable gold plated jewelry is suitable for those customers who have limited budgets, as they can save money while getting a beautiful and satisfying piece of jewelry. What you need to notice is that the gold-plated jewelry should be carefully maintained, and you need to wipe it clean and keep it dry after wearing.

At the same time, Seamido provides diversified gold plated jewelry designs, and you can get both women’s and men’s gold plated jewelry you are satisfied with at a lower price. Besides, purchasing wholesale jewelry will be rewarded with additional exquisite gifts.

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What is Gold Filled?

Unlike gold-plated jewelry, the content of real gold in gold filled jewelry is higher than that of gold plated jewelry. So, what is gold-filled jewelry? Gold-filled is a process in which a thick layer of pure gold is permanently bonded to the base metal, usually brass, by a mechanical force. What’s more, the content of pure gold should account for at least 5% of the total weight, such as 12k gold-filled. The gold filled jewelry has better durability, so it is more durable than the gold-plated jewelry and gold vermeil jewelry. The gold filled beaded bracelets can retain their color for many years with normal wear, and they are usually waterproof. On the other hand, this kind of jewelry is cheaper than solid gold and is more expensive than gold plated. Therefore, it is more suitable for those who prefer the texture and durability of pure gold but with a limited budget. It will be a perfect choice for daily wear!

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil is a special type of gold plating. Gold vermeil jewelry is plated with a thick layer of pure gold on a sterling silver base, and the thickness is usually not less than 2.5 microns. Therefore, the ingredients of the gold vermeil jewelry include gold and sterling silver. This kind of jewelry is more durable than ordinary gold plated jewelry. But due to the sterling silver base, which is prone to turning black, the blackened silver may be exposed if it has experienced severe fray. So the thickness of the gold layer is the key. Compared with gold filled jewelry, the gold vermeil earrings are more expensive, but they have the benefit of being hypoallergenic. This type of jewelry will be a great choice for those who like the hypoallergenic property of sterling silver but want the appearance of gold!

What is Solid Gold?

Solid gold is pure gold, and the gold content in some solid jewelry is almost 99.9%. However, the solid gold jewelry wholesale also contains other metal components, such as silver, copper, zinc, because gold its own is too soft. Due to the different materials of different metals, the gold alloy will take on various colors, such as yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. The gold content of solid gold fashion jewelry is expressed in karat (K). For example, 14k gold refers to the 58.5% gold content, 18k gold refers to the 75% gold content, and 24k gold refers to the 99.9% gold content.

Fine jewelry solid gold has the best durability because it will not fade or wear out and can be worn for a lifetime or even passed down from generation to generation. On the other hand, because of the hypoallergenic property, the price of a solid gold chain necklace is higher than that of an ordinary gold necklace. Solid jewelry lovers and those who have sufficient budgets will prefer the solid gold jewelry. On such special occasions as Christmas, a piece of solid gold necklace for women or an 18k solid gold men’s necklace is an unforgettable gift for your lover!

Is Gold Filled or Gold Plated Better?

In terms of durability and longevity, gold-filled jewelry is better than gold-plated jewelry. Because the gold content in the two types is different, the quality of the gold-filled jewelry is higher than the gold-plated jewelry. And gold-filled jewelry, such as gold filled rings, can restore its luster with a careful polish. In comparison, gold-plated jewelry will fade or tarnish over time, and the base metal will be exposed.

However, in the jewelry market, the gold-plated jewelry still occupies the dominant position, and it is one of the most popular jewelry items with a lower cost in daily life. The only thing you need to pay attention to is that the gold-plated jewelry requires careful maintenance. You can use a soft cloth to wipe it to restore its shiny luster and brilliance.

Conclusion

  • To collect and invest, solid gold is the best choice.
  • For durable daily wear, gold-filled jewelry is the most cost-effective and durable choice.
  • For hypoallergenic purposes and if you prefer the appearance of gold, you can choose gold vermeil or solid gold.
  • To catch up with fashion trends and have a limited budget, the gold-plated jewelry allows you to try new styles without any worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is gold-filled still real gold?

Yes! Gold-filled is a mechanical process in which a thick layer of gold is permanently bonded to a base metal using high temperature and high pressure. The gold layer used on gold-filled jewelry is K gold, such as 10k gold, 14k gold, one of the categories of real gold recognized by the jewelry industry.

  • Can you shower with gold-plated jewelry?

No! If you shower with a gold-plated necklace, your gold-plated necklace will fade and discolor gradually. The gold layer is too thin to contact water. In contrast, gold-filled jewelry is more waterproof than gold-plated jewelry, because the real gold content in gold-filled jewelry is higher than that in gold-plated jewelry.

  • Does Gold Plated Tarnish?

Gold-plated jewelry is prone to tarnishing because of the thin layer of gold. Exposing to perfume, moisture, and chemical substances will cause the gold to discolor, tarnish and fade. So it is significant to keep the gold jewelry away from harsh chemical substances.

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