Materials

Gold jewellery comes in many forms — each with its own beauty and value. Here's a simple guide to help you choose with confidence.

 


Solid Gold

Solid gold is the most valuable and durable option. It’s made entirely of gold alloy, with no base metals underneath. Solid gold won’t tarnish, fade, or rub off over time, making it ideal for everyday wear. It comes in different karats, with 14K and 18K being the most common for jewellery — offering the perfect balance between purity and strength.


Gold filled

Our choice

Gold filled jewelry is a high-quality, affordable alternative to solid gold. It is created through a heat and pressure bonding process that fuses a solid layer of gold to the base metal, usually jeweler’s brass. This process creates a durable and long-lasting material that looks and feels like solid gold — without the high price tag. The gold content must be at least 5% of the item's total weight, typically 100 times more gold than gold plated items.

 

Key Benefits:

  • Long-lasting durability – The gold layer in gold filled jewelry is much thicker than gold plated, meaning it won’t easily chip, flake, or fade.

  • Hypoallergenic – Gold filled jewelry is generally safe for sensitive skin, especially if made with a high karat layer like 14k.

  • Tarnish-resistant – With proper care, gold filled pieces can last many years, maintaining their shine and beauty.

  • Affordable luxury – Offers the elegance of real gold at a fraction of the price of solid gold.


Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil is sterling silver that’s been coated with a thick layer of gold — typically at least 2.5 microns thick. It’s hypoallergenic and offers a luxurious look at a more accessible price. To qualify as vermeil, the base must be sterling silver and the gold layer must meet specific thickness and purity standards (usually 10K or higher).


Gold Plated

Gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal such as brass or copper. While it offers the look of gold at a budget-friendly price, the gold layer is quite thin and can wear off over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to water. It’s a good option for occasional or trend-based pieces.


Love your jewelry? Show it some love.

While solid gold is naturally resistant to tarnishing, other materials require thoughtful care to preserve their beauty. Over time, exposure to moisture, oils, and certain chemicals can cause discoloration. With the right care, your pieces will remain beautiful for years to come. Visit our Jewelry Care page to learn more.