Types of Gold Jewelry
Lowest Quality
Highest Quality
Gold Plated
12k or 14k gold over base metal such as brass, copper, sometimes sterling silver.
Gold layer thickness: 0.5 - 0.25 microns.
Note: May irritate skin.
Gold layer thickness: 0.5 - 0.25 microns.
Note: May irritate skin.
Gold Vermeil
14k or 12k gold over base metal of sterling silver.
Gold layer thickness: 2.5 microns.
Gold layer thickness: 2.5 microns.
Gold Filled
12k or 14k gold over base metal - brass.
Gold content: Layer must be at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.
Gold content: Layer must be at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.
Solid Gold
Composition: 100% 14k solid gold.