Solid Gold, Gold Filled, and Gold Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to gold jewelry, not all pieces are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three most common types and why we proudly use gold filled for our demi-fine pieces at Laura Cox Collection.

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

Solid gold jewelry is exactly what it sounds like. It is made entirely of gold mixed with other metals for strength. The number, like 10k, 14k, or 18k, tells you how much pure gold is in the blend (ex. 14k gold contains at least 58.3% pure gold). It is beautiful, durable, and made to last a lifetime. While it is perfect for heirloom pieces, it also comes with a higher price tag. All items in our Fine Jewelry Collections are solid gold.

Gold Filled

Gold filled jewelry offers the best of both worlds. It is made by bonding a thick layer of real gold, at least 5 percent of the total weight, to a base metal like jeweler’s brass using heat and pressure. It contains 50-100 times more gold than gold plated jewelry and is

Waterproof*
Tarnish resistant
Safe for sensitive skin
Designed to last for years with proper care

*Just be kind to it—chlorine and harsh chemicals aren’t always friends with solid gold and gold filled jewelry.

This is why we use gold filled materials only in our Demi-Fine collection. You get high quality, everyday wearable pieces that look and feel like solid gold without the fine jewelry price tag. All items in our Demi-Fine Jewelry Collections are gold filled.

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal, creating the look of solid gold at a more accessible price point. While it can be a beautiful choice for occasional wear, the thin gold layer may wear down or tarnish over time, especially with frequent use. Because gold plating is not closely regulated in the U.S., it's difficult to judge long-term quality by appearance alone. At this time, we do not offer any gold plated pieces at Laura Cox Collection. However, we’re always exploring new materials and may introduce high-quality gold plated or vermeil styles in the future if we find trusted vendors that meet our standards.