Gold types explained: Vermeil, gold-filled, gold-plated or solid gold?

Golden variety: The different types of gold jewelry and their character

If you are looking for high-quality gold jewelry, the differences between gold types will help you make the right decision.

In this article you will learn:

  • what types of gold there are
  • how they differ in quality, durability and price
  • and which type suits your needs – whether for everyday use or for life.

Special focus: solid 18K gold , which stands for timeless quality and real value.

OVERVIEW OF GOLD TYPES

Massivgold Ring aus 18 Karat recyceltem Gold – langlebiger Echtgold-Schmuck von Ilikoez

SOLID GOLD – durable & high-quality

“Solid” means: The piece of jewelry is made entirely of a gold alloy – not vermeil, not gold-plated, and not “gold-filled.”

Solid 18K gold—also known as 750 gold—is 75% pure gold, alloyed with select metals for dimensional stability. The yellow gold tone is warm and rich. It doesn't tarnish or discolor and is extremely durable—perfect for jewelry that will last for generations.

18K has been considered a high-quality standard in the fine jewelry segment in Europe for decades.

Advantages of 18K gold:

– Very high material and ideal value
– No abrasion or staining (solid, not coated)
– Very skin-friendly – even for sensitive skin (very good for allergy sufferers)

14K vs. 18K Solid Gold

14K (585) contains 58.5% fine gold and therefore a higher proportion of alloying metals.
In yellow gold, 14K appears somewhat cooler/brighter and less saturated than 18K (750).

In addition, 14K is slightly harder (due to the higher alloy content than 18K) – but the difference is hardly noticeable in a direct comparison.

The clear advantage of 14K is the more attractive price due to the lower gold content.

At ILIKOEZ we manufacture in 18K (750) from 100% recycled gold – upon request we are also happy to create your piece of jewelry in 14K (585).

Our real jewelry collections in 18K gold

Real gold jewelry, high-quality and responsible

View all
Gold Filled Schmuck

GOLD FILLED – slightly more robust, but not for eternity

Gold-filled jewelry consists of a base metal—usually brass—that is mechanically bonded to a thick layer of gold. Unlike simple gold plating, the layer is not merely electroplated but firmly bonded. This makes gold-filled jewelry somewhat more abrasion-resistant and longer-lasting.

However, even this gold layer wears off over time with regular wear. Gold-filled jewelry is an interim solution for those who want a more durable gold look but don't want to invest in solid gold.

Suitable for: Jewelry that is worn occasionally, slightly more durable than gold-plated
Not suitable for: frequent wear, water, friction, long-term use

Vermeil vergoldetes 925er Silber mit Goldschicht

VERMEIL GOLD – gold-plated silver with limited durability

Vermeil is a special form of gold plating: 925 sterling silver is covered with a slightly thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 micrometers) .
Compared to simple gold plating, vermeil is more robust and better tolerated because it does not contain any base metal.

Even though vermeil appears to be high-quality gold jewelry at first glance, it's important to note that the gold layer wears off over time – especially in rings that are worn daily or come into contact with water. Vermeil is therefore a visually appealing, but not permanent, alternative to solid gold.

Suitable for: occasional wear, sensitive skin, golden look at a moderate price
Not suitable for: everyday use, long-term use, wearing while exercising, showering or sleeping

Vergoldeter Schmuck

GOLD PLATED - cheap look & hardly any durability

Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable way to wear a piece of "gold." A very thin layer of gold—usually less than 0.5 micrometers thick—is applied to a base metal such as brass, stainless steel, or silver. This is usually done by briefly immersing the piece in a gold bath (electroplating).

This method makes it possible to offer jewelry with a gold finish at a fraction of the cost. However, the layer is very delicate: Friction, skin contact, or moisture can quickly wear it off, revealing the underlying metal, which can tarnish or cause skin irritation.

In short: Gold-plated jewelry consists of a raw material to which a thin layer of gold is applied. It looks like real gold, but its durability is limited.

Suitable for: occasional wear (e.g. at events), small budget, fashionable looks where durability is not the focus
Not suitable for: daily use, water or skin contact, sensitive skin (depending on the base material)

📌 Conclusion: Which type of gold suits you?

If you value high quality, durability, and sustainability, you should choose 18K solid gold.
Gold-plated alternatives may look fashionable – but they are not made to last forever.

Our tip:

If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime, solid gold is the best choice.
Vermeil or gold filled can be sensible interim solutions –
But if you want to invest in lasting value, genuine jewelry made from 18K recycled gold is unbeatable.

When 14K (585) makes sense:

Do you prefer a slightly cooler/lighter shade of yellow and/or want a more attractively priced option?
Then 14K solid gold is the right choice. It remains solid, genuine jewelry and offers good value for money.


At LIKOEZ, we manufacture in 18K recycled gold as standard, but also in 14K upon request – to suit your style and budget.

Our eternity rings made from 18K recycled gold combine luxury with sustainability

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about gold types

Which is better: vermeil or gold-plated?

Vermeil has certain advantages over simple gold plating: The silver core is more tolerable, and the gold layer is slightly thicker. However, vermeil is not a durable alternative to solid gold. Here, too, the gold layer can wear off over time—especially with daily wear or contact with water. Those who value long-term durability should opt for solid gold.

What does 750 gold mean?

750 gold consists of 75% pure gold—also known as 18-karat. This alloy is ideal for high-quality, long-lasting jewelry: durable, color-stable, and perfect for everyday wear. The yellow tone is shinier and richer than 14-karat yellow gold. At Ilikoez, we use 18-karat recycled gold.

What does 585 gold mean?

14 karat gold is a gold alloy with 585% pure gold, or 58.5%, also known as 14 karat (14K). It is solid, genuine jewelry gold (no plating). In yellow gold, it appears cooler and more matte than 18 karat (750) and is more attractively priced.


ILIKOEZ Note: 18K standard, 14K on request

14K or 18K – which is better?

18K (750) = warmer/richer and shinier tone, premium standard, very skin-friendly.
14K (585) = more attractively priced, slightly harder, color slightly cooler and matte.
The choice should be based on look and budget.


ILIKOEZ Note: 18K standard, 14K on request

Which gold jewelry is suitable for allergy sufferers?

Best suited: 18K solid gold or vermeil , as they do not contain nickel or base metals that can cause skin irritation.

What is gold-filled?

Gold-filled jewelry isn't solid gold, but a base metal (usually brass) that's mechanically bonded to a thicker layer of gold. It lasts longer than gold-plated jewelry, but it's not permanent. The layer can wear off over time, especially with intensive contact with skin, water, or friction.

Why does gold-plated jewelry tarnish?

The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry is very thin. Even after a short period of use, it can wear off due to friction or skin contact. The underlying metal (e.g., brass) becomes visible, oxidizes, and can cause skin irritation. Therefore, gold-plated jewelry is more suitable for occasional wear.

Which gold jewelry is suitable for allergy sufferers?

Best suited: 18K solid gold . It contains no allergenic metals and is particularly skin-friendly. Vermeil can be a good interim solution, provided the gold layer remains intact. Gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry may contain nickel or other irritants if the base metal is exposed.

What does it mean when jewelry is gold-plated?

Gold-plated means that a piece of jewelry is made of a base metal (e.g., brass or stainless steel) and coated with a thin layer of gold. This gold layer is visually appealing but not durable.

Is gold-plated jewelry worth anything?

Gold-plated jewelry has no lasting material value because the gold layer is very thin. However, the emotional or fashion value can be high. For true value retention, solid gold is the better choice.

Can gold-plated jewelry be stamped?

Yes, gold-plated jewelry is sometimes stamped with a hallmark (e.g., "18K GP" for "gold plated"). However, this stamp does not indicate the value or thickness of the gold layer. Only a so-called "hallmark"—an officially certified hallmark—is a true mark of quality and is found exclusively on genuine solid gold or high-quality silver.

What does 24K gold plating mean?

Here, 24-carat (pure) gold was used for the plating. However, the layer itself is still thin—the jewelry is not made of solid gold.

How long does gold-plated jewelry last?

Depending on wear, it can last from a few weeks to a few months. With careful handling, it can last a little longer, but not comparable to solid gold or vermeil.

Gold-plated or real? How do you tell the difference?

Gold-plated jewelry is lighter, tarnishes more quickly, and doesn't have a consistent gold color throughout. When polished, the base metal underneath reveals itself. Genuine gold pieces bear a certified hallmark such as 585 or 750.

Further articles:

THE 4 C'S OF DIAMONDSDESIGN YOUR DREAM RING
OUR GENUINE JEWELRY COLLECTIONS

Questions? Need advice?

I would be happy to accompany you on your journey to your unique piece of jewelry.
Request a non-binding consultation now

Or just contact me via my contact page.

DISCOVER OUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS WITH LAB DIAMONDS NOW

At Ilikoez, you can buy lab-grown diamonds directly online – ethical, certified, and handcrafted. Whether it's an engagement ring or a special gift, all jewelry pieces are individually crafted from recycled 18K gold and officially certified lab-grown diamonds.

View all