Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through, gold-filled is a thick layer of gold bonded over a base metal, and gold-plated is a very thin coat of gold over a base metal. You are paying for how much gold is in the piece, which decides how long it keeps its color and whether it can be repaired, resized or passed down.
What is solid gold?
Solid gold means the whole piece is made from a gold alloy, such as 10K, 14K or 18K. If you cut a solid gold chain in half, it would be the same metal inside as outside. Nothing wears off to reveal a different color underneath.
Solid gold can be hollow or solid in construction. A hollow chain is still solid gold, it just has an empty center to keep the weight down. A solid-link chain is filled metal all the way through, which makes it heavier and harder to dent. Our listings tell you which one you are looking at. For the purity side, read 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
What is gold-filled?
Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of gold alloy pressure-bonded to a core of brass or another base metal. In the U.S., the gold layer must be at least 1/20 of the total weight of the piece. You will often see it stamped as 1/20 14K GF or 14K GF.
That layer is much thicker than plating, so gold-filled can hold its color for years with gentle care. Still, it is not solid gold. It cannot be resized or repaired the same way, and if the layer wears through, the base metal shows.
What is gold-plated?
Gold-plated jewelry is a base metal, often brass, copper or stainless steel, with a thin coat of gold applied by electroplating. The gold is a small fraction of the piece. Common stamps include GP (gold plated), GEP (gold electroplated), HGE (heavy gold electroplate) and RGP (rolled gold plate).
Plating is a fair way to get a big look for less, and it is fine for a trend piece or a costume chain. Expect it to fade with daily wear, especially where it rubs against skin, clothes or a clasp. Water, sweat, lotion and perfume speed that up.
We carry a few gold-plated pieces, and every one is labeled as plated on the listing. You will never have to guess.
How do they compare side by side?
|
Solid gold |
Gold-filled |
Gold-plated |
| What is inside |
Gold alloy throughout |
Base metal core |
Base metal core |
| Gold layer |
The whole piece |
At least 1/20 of weight |
Thin surface coat |
| Typical stamp |
10K, 14K, 18K, 417, 585, 750 |
GF, 1/20 14K GF |
GP, GEP, HGE, RGP |
| Color over time |
Keeps its color |
Lasts years with care |
Can fade with regular wear |
| Can be repaired or resized |
Yes |
Limited |
Rarely |
| Holds value as gold |
Yes |
Very little |
No |
Which one should I buy?
It comes down to how you will wear it and how long you want it to last.
-
Choose solid gold for anything you plan to wear daily, sleep in, shower in or keep for years: chains, nameplates, wedding bands, everyday hoops.
-
Choose gold-filled if you want a longer-lasting look on a tighter budget and are fine with gentle care.
-
Choose gold-plated for a fun, short-term piece or an outfit-specific look.
If you have sensitive skin, solid gold is usually the better bet. Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us and we can help you choose.
How can I tell what I already own?
Check the stamp first. A karat mark alone, like 14K or 585, points to solid gold. Letters after it, such as GF, GP or HGE, mean a layer over base metal. Also look at worn spots like the clasp or the inside of a ring. If a different color shows through, it is not solid. For more checks, see How to Tell if Gold Is Real.
Visit or text us
Not sure what you have, or what to buy next? Bring it to our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. You can also browse our solid gold chains or shop by budget in gold under $500.
Solid Gold vs Gold-Plated vs Gold-Filled: What You're Paying For
Solid gold is gold alloy all the way through, gold-filled is a thick layer of gold bonded over a base metal, and gold-plated is a very thin coat of gold over a base metal. You are paying for how much gold is in the piece, which decides how long it keeps its color and whether it can be repaired, resized or passed down.
What is solid gold?
Solid gold means the whole piece is made from a gold alloy, such as 10K, 14K or 18K. If you cut a solid gold chain in half, it would be the same metal inside as outside. Nothing wears off to reveal a different color underneath.
Solid gold can be hollow or solid in construction. A hollow chain is still solid gold, it just has an empty center to keep the weight down. A solid-link chain is filled metal all the way through, which makes it heavier and harder to dent. Our listings tell you which one you are looking at. For the purity side, read 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
What is gold-filled?
Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of gold alloy pressure-bonded to a core of brass or another base metal. In the U.S., the gold layer must be at least 1/20 of the total weight of the piece. You will often see it stamped as 1/20 14K GF or 14K GF.
That layer is much thicker than plating, so gold-filled can hold its color for years with gentle care. Still, it is not solid gold. It cannot be resized or repaired the same way, and if the layer wears through, the base metal shows.
What is gold-plated?
Gold-plated jewelry is a base metal, often brass, copper or stainless steel, with a thin coat of gold applied by electroplating. The gold is a small fraction of the piece. Common stamps include GP (gold plated), GEP (gold electroplated), HGE (heavy gold electroplate) and RGP (rolled gold plate).
Plating is a fair way to get a big look for less, and it is fine for a trend piece or a costume chain. Expect it to fade with daily wear, especially where it rubs against skin, clothes or a clasp. Water, sweat, lotion and perfume speed that up.
We carry a few gold-plated pieces, and every one is labeled as plated on the listing. You will never have to guess.
How do they compare side by side?
Which one should I buy?
It comes down to how you will wear it and how long you want it to last.
If you have sensitive skin, solid gold is usually the better bet. Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us and we can help you choose.
How can I tell what I already own?
Check the stamp first. A karat mark alone, like 14K or 585, points to solid gold. Letters after it, such as GF, GP or HGE, mean a layer over base metal. Also look at worn spots like the clasp or the inside of a ring. If a different color shows through, it is not solid. For more checks, see How to Tell if Gold Is Real.
Visit or text us
Not sure what you have, or what to buy next? Bring it to our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. You can also browse our solid gold chains or shop by budget in gold under $500.