4 Types Of Gold Jewelry
Since ancient times, dating back to 4000 BC or even earlier, gold jewelry has held a special place in human history. Its scarcity made it a coveted symbol of wealth and power among the elite and royalty. However, as the world has evolved, gold jewelry has become more accessible and affordable, allowing everyone to embrace its charm.
Gold jewelry today is not just a luxury item; it has become a statement of fashion, an embodiment of cherished moments, and a personal narrative waiting to unfold. Each piece tells a unique story and holds a world of meaning.
But not all gold jewelry is created equal. Before we embark on our golden journey, it's essential to understand the various types of gold jewelry available. Let's delve into the fascinating world of the four distinct styles that await us!
SOLID GOLD
Pure gold (24K) is made entirely with gold with no base metal. You might wonder why 24K gold jewelry isn't more commonly worn, given its exceptional purity. The answer lies in its delicate nature, as pure gold is incredibly soft and prone to bending. For durability purpose, gold is usually alloyed with other metals to become 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K. The higher the carat, the richer and yellower the gold becomes.
Solid gold is the most expansive but the most durable among all 4 types. It can withstand the rigors of everyday wear, showers and sleeps, while retaining its pristine appearance for years to come. Maintaining solid gold requires minimal effort, with occasional polishing being all that's needed to restore its enchanting luster. A piece of solid gold jewelry can become a lifelong investment, or a family heirloom to be cherished and passed down through generations.
GOLD FILLED
A captivating alternative to solid gold that combines affordability with exceptional quality. A thick layer of gold heat-pressured bond to the base metal, usually copper or brass. It can have up to 100 times more gold than gold plated jewelry.
The benefits of gold filled are tarnish resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a safe and comfortable option for everyone. You can confidently wear your gold filled jewelry in the shower, simply patting it dry afterward. I want to point out that although gold filled is tarnish resistant, it is not 100% tarnish proof. It needs some love and care from you to last longer. If taken good care of, it can last from 5-10 years or more.
To be qualified as gold filled in the US, it is legally required to contain a minimum of 5% gold in its composition. Look for the “1/20 GF” or “1/20 14K” stamp as a mark of authenticity and quality.
While gold filled jewelry offers a myriad of advantages, it's important to acknowledge that the range of styles may be somewhat more limited compared to other materials.
VERMEIL
Pronounce as “Ver-may”. A thicker layer of gold plated on sterling silver. Because of the base metal being sterling silver, vermeil jewelry is slightly more expensive than gold plated jewelry. It has various styles to choose from, but will still tarnish overtime, usually in 2 - 3 years.
GOLD PLATED
A thin layer of gold plated on base metal (brass, copper). Gold plated jewelry is the most affordable option with many styles to choose from, however it has the shortest life span, usually will tarnish within 1 - 2 years.
