The Real Difference Between Gold Plated, Gold Filled, and Solid Gold Jewelry

When you’re shopping for jewelry, you’ll see a lot of terms thrown around: gold plated, gold filled, vermeil, 10k, 14k, 18k, 24k. But what do they all actually mean? And more importantly—which one is worth your money?

At Vaccaro Collection, we believe in transparency, so here’s your guide to understanding the real differences between types of gold.

Solid Gold (10k, 14k, 18k, 24k)

• What it means: Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold mixed with alloys for strength (since pure gold is very soft).

• Pros: Lasts forever, won’t tarnish, holds value.

• Cons: Expensive—especially higher karats like 18k and 24k.

• Best for: Heirloom pieces, investment jewelry, and styles you’ll wear every day for decades.

Gold Filled

• What it means: A thick layer of real gold is pressure-bonded to a base metal (usually brass). By law, that layer must be at least 5% of the piece’s weight.

• Pros: Much more durable than plating, resistant to tarnishing, and gives you the luxe look of solid gold without the price tag.

• Cons: Costs more than plated, but for good reason.

• Best for: Everyday wear you can shower, sweat, and live in it. (Most of our chains are gold filled for exactly this reason.)

Gold Plated

• What it means: A very thin layer of gold electroplated over a base metal.

• Pros: Budget-friendly and trendy.

• Cons: The gold layer is so thin it can rub off quickly, especially on rings and bracelets. Tarnishing is common.

• Best for: Occasional wear, statement pieces, or trying out a new trend.

Bottom Line

If you want jewelry that’s both lasting and affordable, gold filled is the sweet spot. That’s why it’s a cornerstone of Vaccaro Collection, we design our pieces to look like luxury jewelry, but at a price that makes sense for everyday wear.