Metals Used in Personalized Jewelry - Gold

Gold-filled jewelry is a great alternative to solid gold. Gold filling is an actual layer of solid 14k gold that is pressure bonded to durable metal such as silver, copper or brass that will not flake or chip. Gold filled jewelry has the same appearance as solid gold jewelry, because the part you see is the gold part! Naturally, though, is much more affordable. The gold content of gold-filled jewelry runs about 1/20 of the total weight and this proportion is government regulated, which does help give you a sense of security when purchasing it.

Gold plated jewelry is shiny and attractive gold jewelry but has much less gold content than gold-filled jewelry and is therefore, all things being equal, less expensive than gold or gold-filled jewelry. By definition, it is a base metal such as steel or brass that is electroplated, or bonded mechanically, with a very thin layer of gold, usually around 10k in weight. Differing thicknesses of gold can be applied to the base metal to increase the durability of the gold plating, but it can wear or chip off with everyday wear. While gold plated jewelry is less expensive than gold or gold-filled, its pretty look won't last as long.

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is sterling silver that has been gold plated, usually with 22k to 24k gold. Vermeil has a light wash of gold, thinner than gold plated jewelry and gold filled jewelry. Vermeil jewelry is always made with a sterling silver base.

Pure gold, or 100% gold, is 24kt gold, but it is very soft (and highly expensive, of course), and therefore not practical for everyday or casual wear. Most solid gold is either 18kt, 14kt, or 10kt in descending portions of gold content. 18kt gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc, which give it strength and durability. 14kt gold is 58% gold and 10k gold is 41% gold. 14kt gold lends itself nicely to hand stamping and makes a beautiful and meaningful name necklace.