With so many different types of gold jewelry on the market, consumers are easily confused about the differences between them. To the naked eye, all gold jewelry looks the same, but our jewelry buyer in Chicago knows this is not the case. Here is a helpful breakdown of the type of gold jewelry so you can make an informed decision before your next purchase.
Gold Plated
Gold-plated jewelry only contains a thin layer of 14-karat gold on top of the base metal. In typical gold-plated jewelry, there is only .05 percent or less of real gold. The remainder of the piece is made using either brass or copper. This particular type of jewelry doesn’t last long and easily tarnishes when exposed to water.
Gold Vermeil
Another type of gold jewelry is gold vermeil. Pronounced “ver-may,” this type of jewelry is a step up from gold plated but still lacks the quality that 14-karat gold has. It consists of heavy gold plating over sterling silver. Because this material doesn’t tarnish, it lasts longer than gold-plated jewelry and is suitable for those with metal allergies. Over time, this type of jewelry will lose its luster, but it’s a good mix of affordability and quality.
Gold Filled
Gold-filled jewelry is another step above gold vermeil. It has nearly 100 times the amount of gold as gold-plated jewelry. The gold is mechanically bonded to the base, making it extremely difficult to wear off. This is a great option for those who want quality jewelry without the 14k gold price tag.
Solid Gold
Solid gold is the highest quality gold that you can buy. Solid gold comes in different karats combined with different amounts of alloy. For example, 24k gold is too soft to be used for jewelry, but 14k gold has alloys in it to make it wearable. The term “14k” refers to gold that is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloys. The lower the karat, the less expensive the jewelry is.
Contact Our Jewelry Buyer in Chicago
If you have pieces of jewelry that you no longer wear, consider visiting our jewelry buyer in Chicago. At Chicago Gold Gallery, we will provide you with an accurate quote so you can profit from items you no longer use. Call or visit us today to get started!