Shopping for gold jewelry online, you will see the same few words again and again: solid gold, gold-filled, gold-plated. They look alike in photos, but they are very different pieces of jewelry. Here is what each one means, how they wear over time, and how to tell them apart.
What is 14K solid gold?
Solid gold is a gold alloy all the way through. Pure gold is too soft for everyday jewelry, so it is mixed with other metals for strength. The “K” stands for karats out of 24. 14K gold is 14 parts gold out of 24, or 58.3% gold, which is why you will often see it stamped 585.
Because the gold goes all the way through, there is no coating to wear off. Light scratches are normal over the years, but the color stays the same underneath.
What is gold-filled?
Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal such as brass. In the United States, the layer has to make up at least 1/20 of the piece by weight to be called gold-filled. It lasts longer than plating, but it is still a coating: with years of wear, the layer can thin and the base metal can show through.
What is gold-plated?
Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold applied over a base metal. It is the least expensive option, and also the one that wears out the fastest. Rubbing, sweat, perfume and water can all wear the coating down, and the metal underneath can then show through or discolor.
Solid gold vs gold-filled vs gold-plated at a glance
| 14K solid gold | Gold-filled | Gold-plated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold content | 58.3% gold all the way through | A thick gold layer over base metal | A very thin gold layer over base metal |
| Wear over time | No coating to wear off | Layer can thin after years | Layer can wear off in months |
| Resizing and repair | Can be repaired and resized by a jeweler | Limited | Usually not possible |
| Price | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
Why solid gold costs more
You are paying for real gold in the piece itself, and gold has real, lasting value. A plated or filled piece is mostly base metal. Solid gold keeps its value, and it stays gold for as long as you own it.
How to tell what you are buying
- Look for the stamp. Solid 14K gold is usually marked 14K or 585. Gold-filled is marked GF or 1/20 GF, and plated pieces are often marked GP or GEP.
- Read the listing carefully. Words like “gold tone”, “gold color” or “gold finish” usually mean plated.
- Be careful with home tests. A magnet cannot prove that a piece is solid gold, because many base metals are not magnetic either. A jeweler can test it for you.
What about sensitive skin?
Some people react to nickel and other metals that are common in plated and filled jewelry. If you have a known metal allergy, check with your doctor before buying any jewelry.
What we sell
Everything we sell is 14K solid gold. We never sell plated or filled jewelry. You can see our full range of necklaces and chains, bracelets, rings and wedding bands, and learn how to look after them on our Jewelry Care page.
Not sure which size or length to choose? Our Sizing Guide will help you find your fit.
