Collapsible content
Gold Plated
- Thin layer of gold applied to a base metal (usually copper or brass)
- Contains 0.03%-0.05% solid gold
- Prone to tarnishing but can be cleaned using a polishing cloth
- Wears off/fades over time and with prolonged use (Occurs more quickly with exposure to liquids and/or chemicals)
To extend the life of your gold plated jewelry store in a cool, dry environment and avoid moisture/water and chemicals
- Broadest variety of styles available
- Most affordable option due to the low content of gold
- Somewhat hypoallergenic, but as the coating fades can cause reactions to those with metal sensitivities to the base metal (most commonly copper or brass)
*** IMPORTANT NOTE: The findings we use do NOT contain Nickel or Lead in the plating or base metal. ***
Gold Vermeil
- Pronounced ver-may
- Contains 0.5 - 1% solid gold and must be at least 2.5 microns of gold plating on top of Sterling Silver, due to US standards (Other countries may have less)
- Much stronger and longer lasting than gold plating since the coating is a lot thicker
- More hypoallergenic than gold plating because the base metal does not contain brass, copper, or nickel
- Great for every day wear
- Can tarnish if not cared for properly (left exposed to moisture and chemicals) but since the gold coating is thicker it is far less likely and mild tarnishing can be wiped clean with a polishing cloth
- More expensive than gold plating due to the higher gold content (Can sometimes be more expensive than gold filled depending on the base metal)
Gold Filled
- Contains 5% solid gold, nearly 100x more gold than gold plating!
- Hypoallergenic properties similar to that of solid gold meaning this option is excellent for those with metal sensitivities (and is a lot more budget friendly than solid gold)
- Solid gold layer (usually 2-3 microns or more depending on weight) that is permanently heat bonded to the base metal (typically jeweler's brass)
- Can be made using 12K or 14K gold with 14K being more common
- Tarnish-resistant and Water-Proof
- Great for every day wear
- Durable and shares many of the same qualities as solid gold without the high price
- More expensive than Gold Plating and Vermeil typically
- Faces limitations due to the way it is manufactured so there are a lot less styles compared to Vermeil and Gold Plated
Solid Gold
- 100% solid gold (no base metal)
- Highest Quality of all Gold Options
- Very Hypoallergenic (Nothing is 100% hypoallergenic!)
- Durable and holds up with ease for every day wear
- Fade-Resistant
- High-Cost (Expensive), which makes it far less accessible and unafforable for most
- Comes in different karats which determines the amount of gold vs the alloy used
- Pure gold (24k) is too soft and malleable to wear in jewelry, so the gold must be alloyed with other metals to give it strength and durability
- 14k solid gold means 14 parts gold (58.3%) and 10 parts alloys (41.7%), while 18k solid gold means 18 parts gold (75%) and 6 parts alloys (25%)
- The lower the karat, the less expensive it is because it contains less gold
Alternative Hardware/Findings
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Clip-On Converters (for Studs)
Vendor:Regular price $6.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per