Shopping for gold jewelry comes with a lot of confusing terms. Here's a simple breakdown of the four types you'll see most often, so you know exactly what you're buying.

Solid gold

Solid gold jewelry is gold all the way through, mixed with other metals for strength. Purity is measured in karats: 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% gold, and 14K is about 58% gold. Solid gold won't wear off, but it's also the most expensive option by far - especially at today's gold prices.

Best for: heirloom pieces and wedding bands.

Gold vermeil

Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. In the U.S., the term means the gold is at least 10K and 2.5 microns thick. It lasts longer than standard plating, but because the base is silver, it can still tarnish over time.

Best for: mid-range jewelry you want to keep for years.

Gold filled

Despite the name, gold-filled jewelry isn't filled with gold. A layer of gold is heat- and pressure-bonded to a base metal, usually brass, and must make up at least 1/20 of the item's weight. It's durable, but choices are more limited, since the process works best for chains and simple shapes.

Best for: simple chains and wire earrings.

Gold plated

Gold plating applies a thin layer of gold over a base metal. It makes on-trend, sculptural designs affordable, which is why it's so popular. The key thing to look at is the base metal underneath.

Best for: trend pieces, gifts and building a jewelry wardrobe without a big budget.

Why the base metal matters

The metal underneath the plating affects how a piece wears over time and how it feels on sensitive skin. Olivana Studio jewelry features 18K gold plating, and many of our pieces are made on a durable stainless steel base. The materials are listed on every product page, so you always know exactly what you're wearing.

Quick comparison

• Price: gold plated < gold filled < vermeil < solid gold
• Durability: depends on the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal - solid gold lasts forever; plated pieces last longest with gentle care
• Style range: plated jewelry offers the widest variety of designs

Make plated jewelry last

With a few simple habits - keeping pieces dry, storing them separately and wiping them with a soft cloth - gold plated jewelry can stay bright for a long time. Read our full guide on how to keep gold plated jewelry from tarnishing.

Browse our New Arrivals to find 18K gold plated pieces for every day.