You’re about to buy a piece of gold jewelry — maybe a pair of earrings, a pendant, or a ring. But then you see terms like 14 karat , gold plated , gold filled , or even gold vermeil . Huh? What does it all mean?
Don't worry. In this blog I will take you into the world of gold - without complicated talk, but just honest and clear. Because not every 'gold' piece of jewelry is the same... and that is completely okay, as long as you know what you are choosing.
💛 Not all gold is the same
Gold is rarely used pure in jewelry. Why? Because pure gold (24 karat) is actually much too soft for everyday use. That's why it's mixed with other metals, so it becomes stronger — and more affordable.
Below I will explain the differences between the most common types of gold and gold look. But first an important fact:
The higher the carat number, the more pure the gold.
The lower the carat number, the stronger (and usually cheaper).
✨ 14 carat – the perfect balance
Perhaps the most worn type of gold: 14 karat . It contains just over half pure gold, which makes it durable enough for everyday use. The color is warm and classic, and the price is more favorable than 18 karat.
💡 Ideal if you are looking for a valuable and sturdy piece of jewelry that does not wear out too quickly.
✨ 18 carat – pure and luxurious
If you want a richer gold color, 18 carat is your friend. With 75% pure gold, it really exudes luxury. It is softer than 14kt, so not for rough jobs, but oh so beautiful for special occasions or bridal jewelry.
💡 For those who love warm yellow gold and a little extra shine in life.
💛 9 carat gold – strong, stylish and more affordable
9 carat has a lower gold content (37.5%), but is therefore very strong. I often use it for rings – and we wear them every day.
The color is a bit more subtle than 14kt, but still beautifully warm. It is priced favorably between solid gold and goldfilled jewelry, and is therefore a fantastic alternative if you are looking for 'real gold', but do not necessarily want the most expensive.
✨ Goldfilled – gold, but different
Goldfilled jewelry is not solid gold, but it is of a completely different class than simple gold-plated. A thick layer of 14kt gold is applied to another metal under high pressure. This makes it last much longer than 'ordinary' gold-plated jewelry.
💡 A beautiful option if you want the look of real gold, but not the price.
✨ Gilded – for those who love variety
A gold-plated piece of jewelry is actually a piece of jewelry with a gold jacket. Usually there is a thin layer of gold on a base metal such as copper. Nice to play with, especially with trend-sensitive designs. 💡 Gold-plated jewelry is perfect for varied use. The gold layer is thinner than with gold-filled, and can wear out a little over time - especially with intensive wear. But with careful use, they will remain beautiful for a long time.
✨ Brass – gold colored, but not gold
Brass has a natural golden sheen and is often used in larger or flashy jewelry. It doesn't contain any gold, but it does have that warm look.
It is mainly a budget-friendly choice. Important: brass can become duller over time, especially when in contact with moisture.
What do you choose?
There is no right or wrong – it depends on what you are looking for.
9k or gold filled jewelry is great if you want something that will last, without the price of solid gold. 14k is timeless and durable, and 18k is a great choice if you like luxury. And sometimes you just want a beautiful eye-catcher to go with it – then gold plated or brass is perfect.
I prefer to work with 9kt, 14kt and 14k Goldfilled myself - depending on the design and use. Do you have questions or are you unsure which material suits your wishes? Then I would be happy to think along with you.
