Why Our Jewelry Is Solid Gold Instead of Gold Vermeil, Gold Fill, or Gold Plated

Have you ever wondered about the differences between solid gold, gold vermeil, gold fill, and gold-plated jewelry? If so, you're not alone. Understanding these distinctions is really helpful for making an informed decision about what kind of jewelry you want to invest in. Here we will give an overview of these terms, and explain why we only use solid gold to make our handmade pieces. 

Let's dive into the basics of each type:

1. Solid Gold:

Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold, alloyed with other metals for durability (we use Fairmined silver in our alloys). It's the highest quality and most durable option, offering timeless beauty that lasts a lifetime. Solid gold pieces are will never tarnish and can withstand everyday wear without losing their luster. At W.R. Metalarts, we exclusively use solid gold and we prefer sourcing from Fairmined licensed suppliers to ensure the highest level of ethics and transparency. 

Pros:

• Exceptional durability
• Timeless beauty
• Will never tarnish
• Retains and builds value over time

Cons:

• Higher initial cost compared to other options

Gold vermeil jewelry consists of a base metal (usually sterling silver) coated with a thick layer of gold through a process called electroplating. While gold vermeil pieces can be affordable and visually appealing, the thin layer of gold may wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath.

Pros:

• More affordable than solid gold

Cons:

• Limited durability
• Prone to tarnishing and wear over time
• Requires delicate care to maintain appearance

Gold fill jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal core, typically brass or copper. It offers a more durable option compared to gold plated jewelry, with a thicker layer of gold that can last longer without wearing off. However, the gold layer in gold fill jewelry is still just a coating over a non-precious metal and doesn’t offer the same benefits as solid gold.

Pros:

• More durable than gold-plated pieces
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Not as durable as solid gold
• May tarnish over time, especially with exposure to moisture

4. Gold Plated:

Gold plated jewelry features a thin layer of gold applied to a base metal through a process like electroplating or chemical bonding. While gold plated pieces can be budget-friendly and visually appealing, the thin layer of gold is prone to wearing off with regular wear, exposing the base metal underneath.

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Wide variety of designs available

Cons:

• Least durable option
• Prone to tarnishing and fading quickly
• Requires frequent re-plating to maintain appearance

At W.R. Metalarts, we believe in creating jewelry that embodies quality, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing. That's why we stand by the superior quality of solid gold jewelry. Our pieces are meticulously handcrafted in the USA, using Fairmined licensed gold to ensure transparency and sustainability every step of the way.