When shopping for jewelry, you may see terms such as gold-plated, gold-filled, solid gold, 14K and sterling silver. These descriptions tell you what the jewelry is made from, how much precious metal it contains and how it may wear over time.
Understanding these terms can help you choose jewelry that suits your style, budget and everyday routine.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry has a base metal covered with a thin layer of real gold. The gold is applied using a process called electroplating.
Because the outer gold layer is thin, gold-plated jewelry is usually more affordable than gold-filled or solid-gold jewelry. With regular wear, the plating can gradually fade, especially where the jewelry rubs against skin or clothing.
The life of the finish depends on the thickness of the plating, the base metal, how often the piece is worn and how it is cared for. Water, perfume, lotions, perspiration and household cleaners can cause plating to wear more quickly.
Gold-plated jewelry is a lovely choice when you want the appearance of gold at an accessible price.
What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a substantial layer of real gold to a base metal, often brass. Heat and pressure are used to create a durable bond.
Despite its name, gold-filled jewelry is not filled with gold. The gold is on the outside, but its layer is much thicker than ordinary gold plating. Quality gold-filled material generally contains at least 5% gold by total weight.
With proper care, gold-filled jewelry can retain its finish for many years. It offers a balance between durability, appearance and price, making it a popular choice for jewelry that is worn regularly.
You may see markings such as 14/20 GF. This means the gold layer is 14-karat gold and represents 1/20, or 5%, of the item’s total weight.
What Is Solid Gold?
Solid-gold jewelry is made from a gold alloy throughout the entire piece rather than having gold applied only to the surface.
The term “solid gold” does not necessarily mean pure gold. Pure 24K gold is very soft, so it is often mixed with other metals to improve its strength and create different colours.
Because the gold extends throughout the piece, solid-gold jewelry does not lose an outer gold layer in the way plated jewelry can. It is generally the most valuable and long-lasting of these options, although it can still scratch or bend depending on its karat and design.
What Does the “K” in Gold Mean?
The letter K stands for karat, which measures the purity of gold. It should not be confused with carat, a measurement used for the weight of gemstones.
Pure gold is divided into 24 parts:
- 10K gold contains 10 parts gold out of 24, or approximately 41.7% gold.
- 14K gold contains 14 parts gold out of 24, or approximately 58.5% gold.
- 18K gold contains 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75% gold.
- 22K gold contains 22 parts gold out of 24, or approximately 91.7% gold.
- 24K gold is nearly pure gold.
A higher karat contains more gold and usually has a richer yellow colour. A lower karat contains more strengthening metals and may be better suited to some types of everyday jewelry.
What Is Sterling Silver?
Pure silver is soft, so it is usually combined with other metals to make it stronger and more suitable for jewelry.
Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, commonly copper. This is why sterling-silver jewelry is often stamped 925.
Sterling silver may naturally tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, cosmetics or certain chemicals. Tarnish does not mean the jewelry is poor quality or permanently damaged. In most cases, it can be removed with a suitable silver-polishing cloth.
How Should You Care for Your Jewelry?
Good care can help every type of jewelry look beautiful for longer.
- Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting on your jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercising or cleaning.
- Avoid contact with household chemicals and abrasive products.
- Wipe jewelry gently after wearing it.
- Store pieces separately in a dry place to reduce scratching and tarnish.
- Follow any care instructions provided for your particular piece.
Choosing the Right Metal for You
There is no single “best” jewelry metal. The right choice depends on your budget, how often you plan to wear the piece and how much care you are comfortable giving it.
Gold-plated jewelry offers an affordable way to enjoy the look of gold. Gold-filled jewelry provides a thicker, more durable gold surface. Solid gold offers lasting value, while sterling silver is a beautiful and versatile precious metal with its own distinctive character.
Knowing what these terms mean allows you to shop with confidence and choose jewelry you will enjoy wearing.
Discover nature-inspired handmade jewelry at llanderejewelry.ca.
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