Gold Plated vs Solid Gold : Which Should You Buy? Guide
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You have found the diamond ring to buy. There are two rings available. They are of the same design, the same style and the stone is the same, too. However, one costs $189 and the other $1,400.
The difference is in the description of the ring.
While one is described as gold plated, the other is referred to as 14K solid gold.
So, what does it really mean? Is solid gold really that worth the difference of over $1,000 or can you settle on gold-plated jewelry?
These are exact questions new jewelry buyers face and they are entitled to receive an honest answer to these questions rather than a marketing buzz.
So, here is the short answer if you are about to purchase the jewelry that contains lab-grown diamonds, solid gold is always a better choice. Why? It is simply because of the durability, practical use and overall value.
Still, gold-plated jewelry has its value, too. In this article, we will explain the difference between gold-plated, gold-filled and solid gold jewelry and tell you when to choose which material for your jewelry.
We will keep it simple and informative.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry? A Complete Guide
Gold plated jewelry is different from gold jewelry. This is the first thing that needs to be noted.
Gold plating refers to a process whereby a very thin layer of gold is electroplated on another metal to create an item that looks like gold jewelry but which has its core made up of a cheap metal.
What is the Thickness of the Gold?
The gold layer used in gold plated jewelry is rather thin.
In America, gold plated jewelry has to contain at least 0.5 microns of gold layer. Fashion jewelry contains at least 0.5 and 2.5 microns of gold, whereas heavy gold plating contains 2.5 microns and more.
To illustrate how small the gold layer is, you need to know that the thickness of a human hair is 70 microns.
How Long Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry?
Since gold layer is rather thin, it starts wearing off with time because of everyday exposure to friction, humidity and chemicals.
Common causes of wear include:
- Daily rubbing against skin and clothing
- Hand washing, showering, and perspiration
- Lotions, perfumes, soaps, and cleaning products
- Saltwater and chlorinated pools
With the wearing down of the plate, the base metal starts showing through, which results in the loss of the golden color from the jewelry and causes it to look dull and brassy or even coppery.
How Long Will Gold Plating Last?
It depends on the frequency of wear and care.
As a general guide:
- Daily-wear rings and bracelets: around 6 months to 2 years.
- Occasionally worn jewelry: several years with proper care.
- Heavy gold plating: lasts longer than standard plating but will still wear over time.
Is It Possible for Gold Plated Jewelry to Cause Your Skin to Turn Green?
Yes, it can.
Gold in its purest form is hypoallergenic and will not cause your skin to change its color. But when the plating wears out, then the base metal beneath the plating starts reacting with moisture.
This can lead to:
- Green or dark skin discoloration
- Mild irritation or rashes for sensitive skin
- Tarnishing where the base metal is exposed
What Is Solid Gold Jewelry? Every Karat Level Explained
Unlike gold plated jewelry, solid gold jewelry is entirely made out of gold alloy.
There is nothing else but gold in your jewelry, which means there is no base metal under a thin layer of gold, which wears off during the use.
It should be noted that when we say "solid gold," we do not mean pure gold (24 karat). Pure gold is too soft to be used for jewelry making and needs to be alloyed with other metals.
What is a Gold Karat?
The gold karat tells us what amount of pure gold is present in the alloy.
10K Gold (41.7% Pure Gold)
10K gold is made of 41.7% of pure gold, which is the lowest karat gold that can be sold as gold in the United States.
Due to the high content of the metals that make the alloy stronger, it is the most durable and cost-effective solid gold jewelry. The color of 10 karat gold is light.
Best For: People who care about the budget.
14K Gold (58.3% Pure Gold)
14K gold is the most commonly used material for jewelry in the USA.
It has 58.3% pure gold, which makes it very strong and gives a good combination of rich colors and great value. There are three types of 14K gold, namely yellow, white, and rose, and all can be used for any jewelry.
Suitable for: Lab-grown diamonds rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for daily wearing that need great strength but should look luxury.
18K Gold (75% Pure Gold)
18K gold contains 75% of pure gold and thus is of very deep yellow color.
Even if it is softer than 14K gold, it is still very durable and can be polished professionally if there are surface scratches.
Suitable for: For those customers who like pure gold and its color more than other options.
24K Gold (99.9% Pure Gold)
24K gold is almost pure gold and boasts an unmistakable rich yellow hue.
Yet, it is too soft to make most gemstone jewelry and is very rarely used for diamond rings due to deformation during normal use.
Good for: Investments and traditional jewelry but not for daily wear with diamonds.
Why Solid Gold Lasts a Lifetime
The biggest advantage of solid gold is permanence.
Because the entire piece is made from the same gold alloy:
- The color never wears away.
- There is no plating to peel or fade.
- No hidden base metal becomes exposed over time.
Even when wearing 14K or 18K gold rings on a daily basis in 30 or 50 years time they will remain solid gold. Any surface scratches that may accumulate with regular wearing would not change the metal and could be easily polished away.
When creating jewelry that should last for a lifetime including lab-created diamonds solid gold is an ideal choice.
Why Solid Gold Is the Best Choice for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
When considering the purchase of lab-grown diamond jewelry, the type of setting is just as important as the diamond itself. That's why trusted jewelers will usually advise you to choose 14K or 18K solid gold or platinum rather than gold-plated jewelry.
Real Diamond Should Be Placed in a Durable Setting
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is the same as a mined diamond chemically and physically, super-durable, and meant to last forever.
Putting a permanent diamond into a gold-plated setting that can easily wear off or disappear after only a few years makes no sense. Solid gold is just as durable as the diamond placed in the setting.
More Reliable Protection of Your Diamond
The prongs or bezel keep the diamond safely in place.
Only solid gold can provide sufficient stability to secure the diamond for decades to come.
Easy to Resize and Repair
Another key feature of solid gold is its ease of service.
In case you need any kind of resizing, polishing or prong maintenance of your ring, a jeweler will be able to do it straightaway since he deals with solid gold. It is impossible to carry out such processes with gold-plated rings due to the fragility of their coating.
Higher Value Over Time
Though it may seem that solid gold is more expensive at first glance, it tends to have a higher value over time.
In most cases, a lab-grown diamond accounts for the majority of the cost of such jewelry pieces, so purchasing 14K solid gold instead of gold plating is not as expensive as one may think because of the higher durability and better appearance.
Whenever you buy jewelry pieces with lab-grown diamonds, you should purchase 14K solid gold rings when possible. Such settings are durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain for many decades.
A gorgeous diamond deserves a setting made to last for decades!
When Gold-Plated Jewelry Is the Right Choice
Not to undermine the value of gold plating as an adornment method for jewelry, it would be fair to state that it works for some pieces under some conditions.
Jewelry Pieces Inspired by Current Trends
When looking for some daring piece that is inspired by the trend of the day, one can opt for gold plating. The piece may not necessarily stay in your collection forever since trends come and go.
Occasion Pieces
Do you need statement jewelry such as a fancy pair of earrings or necklaces to wear to parties, weddings or any other special occasion? Gold plating offers gold-like jewelry at a lower price and hence it is the right choice.
Budget Conscious Fashion Pieces
When on a budget and searching for simple fashion jewelry pieces that do not have diamonds or precious gems in them, gold plating is the way to go. This is because it is inexpensive but the downside is that it is bound to wear out with time due to regular wear.
Cases Where Gold Plating is Not Advised
When gold plating is not the way to go is when the jewelry is meant to be used for long.
Choose solid gold if you're buying:
- Lab-grown diamond jewelry
- Jewelry with genuine gemstones
- Engagement rings or wedding bands
- Everyday pieces you'll wear for years
- Meaningful gifts designed to become keepsakes
In this case, solid gold is worth every single penny due to its properties.
Caring for Various Kinds of Gold Jewelry
Solid Gold
Solid gold is an easy material to care for. Clean it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Have jewelry with gemstones professionally cleaned and checked once every 6-12 months. Although solid gold jewelry may get some light scratches over time, they are easily polished off.
White Gold
White gold is rhodium-coated to give it its bright white color. As the rhodium coating wears away over time, the jewelry would need to be re-plated once every year or two. The inner part of the jewelry stays solid.
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry demands extra care. Try not to expose them to water, perfumes, lotions, chlorine, or sweat when you can. Store jewelry individually to avoid scratches. Although careful use might extend its life, the gold plating would eventually wear out over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between gold plated and solid gold?
Gold-plated jewelry contains a thin coating of gold over an underlying metal, whereas the solid gold is made from only gold alloy.
Q2: How long does gold plated jewelry last?
The life of gold plated jewelry may vary between several months and a few years, according to usage and maintenance.
Q3: Is 14k or 18k gold better for diamond jewelry?
They are both great selections; however, 14K gold is a better option for daily use because it is more durable, and 18K gold will be richer in color and gold content.
Q4: Can gold plated jewelry be resized?
It is advised not to resize gold-plated jewelry.
Q5: Why should lab-grown diamond jewelry be set in solid gold?
Solid gold jewelry ensures the strength and security required to last a lifetime
Lab-created diamonds are highly durable and have been created in order to last for an eternity. The brilliance of such a diamond will stay with you throughout generations if properly cared for.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the setting of your future piece of jewelry.
Gold plated jewelry may be suitable for fashion items and short-lived trends, but in terms of fine jewelry containing diamonds, solid gold is better suited.
If we consider all the options available, then 14K solid gold will prove to be the perfect choice for everyone. In case you need a deeper shade of gold, you may try 18K solid gold.
When buying a real lab created diamond, make sure to select solid gold setting as well.
All items from our collection are made from authentic 14K or 18K solid gold, which is available in yellow, white, and rose gold. All pieces are set with IGI or GIA certified lab grown diamonds. Since great diamonds need a worthy setting, all our materials are chosen to be premium quality and durable for life.
