Gold Plated

The lowest quality option. Often made from a base of inexpensive materials like low quality nickel, copper, or brass, with the thinnest layer of gold lightly plated on - often times not real gold and only a ‘gold coloring’. This gold coloring can rub off in only a couple wears, turning black once exposed to air and causing skin irritation. We do not use any gold plated materials in our designs.

Gold Filled

Hypoallergenic and a good option for sensitive skin lovers who can sometimes only wear real gold. Gold filled is the closest you can get to real gold while still being cost effective and long lasting. This precious metal consists of a base made of high-quality jewelers brass or jewelers copper, with a thick layer of real solid clad 14K Yellow Gold; heat and pressure bonded to the base to ensure there is no flaking or peeling. The materials used to create gold filled jewelry pieces are highly regulated, and we only purchase materials from suppliers who adhere to the highest industry standards. The amount of real solid gold used in a gold filled design has to make up a minimum 5% weight of the gold filled jewelry piece.

Often waterproof and resistant to tarnishing - gold filled can last you years to a lifetime with proper care. You can find many vintage pieces from the 1920s - 1950s that still hold their color with much loved wear.

18k Gold Filled

18k gold filled is a thick layer of 18k yellow gold bonded to a base metal such as sterling silver or a high quality jewelers brass. 18k yellow gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals such as copper, zinc, and sterling silver to create the hardness needed for 18k gold to be wearable. This makes 18k gold 75% pure gold by weight.

18k yellow gold filled is perfect for those seeking a warm, rich color that is durable and lustrous. It is a perfect, affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry.

To learn more about the care of 18k gold filled, please visit our jewelry care page

Gold Vermeil

One of the highest quality options out there when you are looking to purchase a piece of jewelry to add to your collection. Gold Vermeil is a thick layer of 14k yellow gold which is then electroplated and is a high-quality sought after alternative next to real gold. This form of jewelry is highly regulated and is 25 times thicker than flash plated costume jewelry. The core of a gold vermeil piece is always 925 sterling silver, a precious metal that will always hold its value with time. Hypoallergenic and high-end, this is a good option for those with skin sensitivities, as it will always be gentle against your skin. With the proper care, gold vermeil is one of the greatest choices you can make as it can last many years of wear; and you will always have a valuable piece of jewelry due to its precious metal sterling silver core.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the most well-known precious metals used in both luxury and heirloom jewelry pieces. It is also used as the base of gold vermeil pieces. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Fine silver is 99.9% silver in its purest form. Beautiful, but suffers from softness and malleability. It is then alloyed with copper to make it 925 sterling silver, which is durable for metal work and everyday jewelry wear.