Solid Gold
Pure gold is 24 karat, which means that gold constitutes 24 of the 24 parts of the metal. Although the terms sound similar, the karat (k) system for measuring gold purity differs from the carat (c) unit of mass used to weigh diamonds. The karat system is used to classify the purity of gold. The karat system determines the proportion of pure gold in a piece of gold jewelry. The higher the purity level, the more pure gold there is in a gold ring or other piece of jewelry.
- Highest Quality but costly
- Good for all skin types and is hypoallergenic
- Great for everyday wear
Gold Filled
It is a high-quality material that is used as a substitute for solid gold in all types of jewelry. The product is simple to maintain and will usually keep its golden luster for a lifetime. Gold-filled jewelry is made up of two or three layers. The base metal is either brass or copper. With heat and pressure, a gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core. Unlike plated (also known as electroplated or "dipped") metals, gold-filled is required by law to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the gold alloy's karatage. Our gold-filled items are made of 14kt gold. 14k Gold-filled products are labeled as 14/20 Gold-filled; 14kt Gold-Filled is also acceptable. It is suitable for the majority of people with sensitive skin.
- Better quality and affordable
- Will not tarnish and is good for wearing everyday
- Great for all skin types and is hypoallergenic
- Water resistant
Gold Plated
Gold plating is a small layer of solid gold applied to a brass or steel base. The plating does not compose any measurable proportion of the products total weight. It is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating will generally wear off rather quickly and expose the brass base product. It does not stand up to heat, water or wear over time.
- Lowest Cost
- Won’t last long and eventually tarnish
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not water resistant
Nodory Note: Gold Plate is not to be confused with "Vermeil" (pronounced vehr-MAY), which is a thicker level of gold plating over sterling silver rather than a base metal. To truly qualify as Vermeil, the plating should be a minimum of 2.5 microns thick and always over sterling silver.)
Gold Vermeil is sterling silver that has been gold-plated. In vermeil, the base is sterling silver. Most of our vermeil is plated with 14K gold. This is a good combination for those with allergy to normal, plated jewelry items. The difference between vermeil, and gold-filled, is in the thickness of the gold and the base metal used.
- Good Quality and affordable
- Will not tarnish and is good for everyday wear
- Good for all skin types and is hypoallergenic
Sterling Silver .925
Sterling Silver is a mixture of pure silver and some other metal, usually copper. The resulting alloy gives the silver strength. The standard is at least 92.5% silver. Hence the .925 stamp you see on some sterling silver items.
Nodory Note: Silver is a soft metal, and this is why you can expect a vermeil piece to be relatively easy to bend unless its core contains other metals that improve its hardness.
To learn about the care for jewelry based on their type of metal, read our post on HOW TO : CARE FOR JEWELRY.