Understanding the Difference Between Gold-Filled, Gold-Plated, and Solid Gold Jewelry

When you’re shopping for jewelry, all the different types of gold can be a little confusing—gold-filled, gold-plated, solid gold—what’s the difference, right? Well, if you’ve ever wondered why some pieces are more expensive than others or what makes one type of gold better, let’s break it down.

Gold: The Real Deal

First up is gold, which is exactly what it sounds like—gold (or close to it, depending on the karat) all the way through. It’s the most durable and long-lasting option, which makes it perfect for pieces that are meant to last a lifetime. Gold doesn’t tarnish or wear away over time, which is why it's considered the "gold standard" (pun intended!). If you're looking for something that you can wear every day and pass down through generations, gold is your best bet.

That being said, gold is also the most expensive option because, well, it’s  gold!

10k vs. 14k Solid Gold:

• 10k Gold: This is 41.7% pure gold mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more affordable. It’s the most durable option since it has a lower gold content, making it more resistant to scratches and wear. While 10k is more budget-friendly, it’s not as rich in color as higher karat gold and might not have the same warm, golden hue.

• 14k Gold: This is 58.3% pure gold, making it a popular balance between durability, cost, and color. It has a deeper golden hue compared to 10k and is a bit softer (but still plenty durable for everyday wear). If you want a more luxurious look without going for the highest karats like 18k or 24k, 14k gold is a great option.

So, if you’re after something long-lasting and you don’t mind spending a bit more, solid 10k or 14k gold is a fantastic choice. You’ll get beautiful, durable jewelry that stands the test of time.

Gold-Filled: The Next Best Thing

Gold-filled jewelry is a really great option if you love the look of gold but don’t want to splurge on solid gold. Gold-filled pieces have a thick layer of real gold (usually 5% or more of the piece’s total weight) bonded to a base metal, like brass. This means you get the same luxurious look and feel of solid gold, but at a fraction of the price.

The best part? Gold-filled jewelry is super durable—it won’t tarnish or wear away quickly. It’s perfect for everyday wear, and you don’t have to worry about it losing its gold shine. This is why I offer gold-filled pieces in my collection—it’s affordable but still high-quality and long-lasting.

Gold-Plated: Pretty but Temporary

Now, let’s talk about gold-plated jewelry. While gold-plated pieces can look beautiful and shiny at first, the layer of gold is much, much thinner than gold-filled (we’re talking microns here). Because the gold layer is so thin, it wears off quickly with everyday use, leaving the base metal exposed. This is why I don’t offer gold-plated jewelry at Verstara. It just doesn’t last long enough for the kind of meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces I want to create for you.

Gold-plated can be fun for trendy, short-term pieces, but if you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time, it’s not the best option.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

If you want jewelry that’s going to last, it’s best to stick with gold or gold-filled. Solid gold is the most durable (and expensive) option, while gold-filled gives you the look and feel of solid gold at a more affordable price. I choose gold-filled over gold-plated because I believe in creating pieces that stand the test of time—so you won’t find gold-plated items in my shop.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what’s important to you—whether it’s budget, durability, or just the love of gold, I’ve got you covered with high-quality options that last.

Gold filled options are only available in the new Studio Collection and Silhouette Pendants here at Verstara.