Guide to Types of Gold Jewelry: Find Your Perfect Match

From gold plated to solid gold, the variety of gold jewelry can be overwhelming. At Made By Mary, we’re passionate about quality, finish, and the nuances that make each piece unique. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of gold jewelry to help you make an informed choice.

What is Gold Plated Jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal through electroplating. This method is cost-effective and allows for a variety of designs. For instance, our Hera Chain Necklace uses 14K gold over a sterling silver base. While affordable, gold plated pieces require proper care to maintain their look.

What is Gold Vermeil Jewelry?

(pronounced Ver-may)

Pronounced “ver-may,” gold vermeil jewelry is similar to gold plated but with higher standards. It must have a sterling silver base and a thicker layer of gold—at least 2.5 microns. At Made By Mary, we use 14K gold for our vermeil, offering durability and a high-quality finish. Proper care, like avoiding water, helps these pieces last for years.

The Details:

The plating/vermeil process can also be used in the details of other pieces! The process is sometimes used over solder joints (keep reading for an explanation on soldering!), used as an extra layer over gold-filled pieces for an extra smooth and even finish, or used to set gems– like in our Gemstone Collection! 

What is Gold Filled Jewelry?

Gold filled jewelry features a thick layer of gold—5% or more of the total weight—bonded to a base metal like brass using intense heat and pressure. This process ensures a durable piece that resists tarnish and chipping. Our gold filled pieces use 14K gold, making them perfect for everyday wear. With the right care, these pieces can last a lifetime.

What is Solid Gold Jewelry?

Solid gold jewelry is made from gold alloyed with other metals like palladium to improve durability. These pieces are the most enduring and can be passed down as heirlooms. Solid gold pieces are made with 14K or higher, providing a balance of color and strength. They are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Too long, didn't read?

Here's the low down:

Plated

• Great option for different shapes

• Bonded by magnetic attraction of a negatively charged base metal dipped into positively charged gold

• Most affordable

Vermeil

• Thick layer of gold

• Like plated, Vermeil is bonded by a positive/negative attraction between the base metal and the gold

• Easily made into any design

• Lasts well with proper care

Gold Filled

• Resistant to chipping+tarnish

• Bonded with intense heat and pressure

• The most common metal type at MBM

Solid gold

• Heirloom quality– the type of piece you can pass down

• Melted+mixed with another metal for color and durability

• Most durable of all gold options

Bonus tip! Nickel is the most common allergy metal, here at Made By Mary, we are nickel-free and do not use nickel in any of our pieces! 

 

Understanding Karats in Gold Jewelry

The "K" in gold, or karat, indicates the gold content in a piece. 24-karat gold is pure gold, but it’s soft and not ideal for everyday wear. We use 14K gold for its perfect mix of durability and beautiful yellow hue, making it ideal for all jewelry types, including necklaces, hoop earrings, and engagement rings.

Soldering in Jewelry Making

(often pronounced saw-der in North America)

Soldering is a technique used to join pieces of metal together. For example, in our gold-filled jewelry, small amounts of gold are melted to fuse ends, ensuring a seamless finish. This process is essential in creating durable and long-lasting jewelry.

Caring for Your Gold Jewelry

Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of your gold jewelry. Store your pieces in a jewelry box, avoid exposure to water, and clean them regularly to prevent tarnish. This is especially important for gold plated pieces, which have a thinner layer of gold compared to other types of gold jewelry.

Understanding the differences between gold types—from solid gold to gold plated—helps you choose the best pieces for your style and needs. Whether you’re looking for fine jewelry for a special occasion or everyday wear, knowing the details ensures you get high-quality, long-lasting jewelry.

We hope that helps you in your search for the perfect piece! If you have any questions on gold material, what Made By Mary offers, or our process you can contact us here or follow along with our process on Instagram.