Gold Plated vs Gold Filled vs Solid Gold: An Honest Guide
Gold jewelry comes in a few very different forms, and the labels can be confusing. Here is a plain-English guide, including exactly what we make, so you can choose with clear eyes.
Gold plated
Gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of real gold applied over a base metal. It gives you the look of gold at a much friendlier price. Because the gold layer is thin, plating can soften and wear over time, especially with friction, water, lotion and perfume. How long it lasts depends a lot on how it is worn and cared for.
Our everyday gold bangles are 14K gold plated and finished by hand in small batches.
Gold filled
Gold filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal, so it generally holds up longer than plating. It costs more than plated jewelry and less than solid gold. We do not make gold filled pieces.
Solid gold
Solid gold is gold all the way through, mixed with other metals for strength. 14K gold is about 58% pure gold. It will not wear through to another metal because there is no other metal underneath, which is why it is the choice for pieces meant to be worn for decades and passed down. It is also by far the most expensive option.
Our 14K solid gold Hammered, Floral and Eden designs live in our Fine Jewelry collection. They are made to order in your size, take about 3 to 4 weeks, and are final sale.
Quick comparison
How to make gold plated jewelry last longer
- Put it on last, after lotion, sunscreen and perfume have dried.
- Take it off before pools, hot tubs and the ocean.
- Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after long or sweaty days.
- Store it dry, in its box or a pouch, not on the bathroom counter.
Our full jewelry care guide has more.
Which should you choose?
If you love to stack, like to switch things up, or are buying several pieces at once, plated gives you the most look for your budget. If you want one piece you will never take off and plan to pass down, solid gold is worth it. Many people do both: a plated stack for every day, with one solid gold piece at the center.
Shop the pieces
- Free size exchanges on everyday pieces: you just cover $6 return postage. How it works
- Not the right piece? Store credit within 45 days of delivery.
- Arrived broken or not what you ordered? Send us a photo and we will fix it at no cost.
14K solid gold Fine Jewelry is made to order and final sale.
Shop everyday bangles · Shop Fine Jewelry
More guides: see all Aloha Standard guides.
