Finding the Perfect Alternative to Solid Gold Jewelry
by Jennifer Fleites on Feb 13, 2023
Obviously we all want solid gold jewelry; it’s durable, precious, and the mere definition of classic luxury. But, let’s face it; we can’t all afford to purchase these precious pieces each time we’re looking to spice up our look and play around with different gems and styles. In this blog, i’ll be sharing my favorite alternatives to solid gold jewelry that’ll revolutionize the way you shop for your jewelry. Make your life easier and accessorize without compromising quality for affordability with these solid gold alternatives:
Gold Filled Jewelry : The Most Durable Alternative to Solid Gold Jewelry
Gold filled jewelry is jewelry that is based in either brass or copper and plated with a very thick layer of gold (0.5% of its weight). Due to its thick layer of gold plating, gold filled is considered to be hypoallergenic, waterproof, tarnish-resistant, durable, and a great alternative to solid gold jewelry. However, since its base metal is usually brass or copper, gold-filled is not 100% precious.
Advantages: Hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, waterproof, durable
Disadvantages: Not 100% precious
Perfect For: Someone looking for an alternative to solid gold jewelry that is the most durable and resistant to tarnishing, that doesn’t need to be 100% precious.
Gold Vermeil Jewelry : The Most Precious Alternative to Solid Gold Jewelry
Gold vermeil (ver-may) jewelry is the most precious alternative to solid gold jewelry. Gold vermeil jewelry is jewelry that is based in 925 sterling silver and plated with a thick layer of gold (2.5 microns and higher). Due to its thick layer of gold plating (5X thicker than regular gold plated jewelry), gold vermeil is hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and durable. Since its base metal is 925 Sterling Silver, gold vermeil is also considered to be 100% precious.
Advantages: Hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, durable, 100% precious, more affordable than gold-filled
Disadvantages: Gold plating is not as thick as with Gold-Filled, not waterproof
Perfect For: Someone who wants a piece that is 100% precious, hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, durable, and more affordable than gold-filled jewelry.
Gold Toned Stainless Steel: : The Most Affordable Alternative to Solid Gold Jewelry
Gold toned stainless steel is a good alternative to solid gold if neither gold filled or gold vermeil seem to fit in your budget. Unlike gold plated jewelry that is based in brass or copper and plated with a super thin layer of gold (0.05 to 0.5 microns of gold), gold toned stainless steel is hypoallergenic, waterproof, and much more durable. Gold toned stainless steel is stainless steel that is PVD coated. PVD or physical vapor deposition occurs in a vacuum chamber where the desired shade of gold is deposited onto the steel on a molecular level. This is done by vaporizing zirconium metal and combining it with varying amounts of Carbon and Nitrogen to create the desired tone. This process is what makes gold toned stainless steel so durable.
Advantages: Hypoallergenic, Durable, waterproof, affordable
Disadvantages: Has no real gold
Perfect For: Someone looking for the most affordable alternative to gold jewelry that is still made durable for everyday use.
