The Difference Between Solid Gold, Gold Plated and Gold Vermeil Jewelry

The Everlasting Beauty of Gold: Why It's a Timeless Choice for a Mother's Day Gift

For centuries, people have treasured gold for its unique properties, magnificent luster, durability, and beauty. Ancient civilizations used gold for medicinal and religious purposes, while its prominence in decorative objects has been recorded as early as 4000 BC. From the ancient Egyptians to the Roman empires and Chinese dynasties, gold has been used to craft intricate jewelry pieces that have withstood the test of time as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

When Was Gold First Used in Jewelry?

Gold was first used in Eastern Europe around 4000BC to create jewelry. But Electrum, which is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, was used by the ancient Egyptians for jewelry even earlier. Peru's Chavin civilization used gold for jewelry-making around 1200 BCE. Gold casting was used in the Nazca culture around 500 BCE.

Why Gold is the Perfect Gift for Mom

When it comes to Mother's Day gift ideas that won't go out of style, gold is the perfect choice. Its timeless beauty, durability, and elegant aesthetic make it a great present for any special occasion, especially Mother's Day 2023! The significance of gold makes it a particularly meaningful gift, and you can be sure that your mom will love wearing her special piece with pride.

 

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What Types of Gold Jewelry Are Available?

There are three main types of gold jewelry: solid gold, gold plated, and gold vermeil. Each one differs in terms of its composition and the amount of gold it contains. Solid gold is made using pure gold as the starting point, while gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold covering the metal underneath. Gold vermeil is made of sterling silver with a layer of gold plating on top.

Solid Gold Jewelry: The Classic Choice for Timeless Elegance

Solid gold jewelry is made from pure gold that has been processed into a metal alloy. The process also involves adding tiny amounts of other elements to prevent tarnishing, provide strength, and adjust the color or shade of the finished product. To make solid gold jewelry, molten gold alloy is poured into molds or carved by experienced jewelers to create the desired shape ad style. This type of jewelry is considered highly valuable and can be passed down as an heirloom piece. Solid gold jewelry comes in different karats and shades. This is measured in terms of the percentage of pure gold in the metal alloy, with higher karat pieces containing more gold. Rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold are all popular shades of solid gold, and their shade comes from the varying amounts of other elements added to the metal alloy. Solid gold, however, is the most expensive type of gold jewelry, making it a luxurious choice that will set you back more than other types of gold jewelry.

Does solid gold wear easily?

Solid gold does wear easily as the metal is soft and can be scratched or dented. To ensure that your solid gold jewelry lasts, it is best to take care of it by avoiding exposing it to harsh chemicals, lotions, or perfumes, and storing it in an airtight container.

Gold Vermeil: The Best of Both Worlds

Gold vermeil jewelry is a hybrid of gold and sterling silver that gives you the best of both worlds. Gold vermeil jewelry consists of sterling silver coated with a layer of 18k or higher gold. This type of jewelry has all the benefits of solid gold jewelry, such as its aesthetic qualities and luster, but it comes at a lower cost as it contains less gold. Gold vermeil jewelry is an excellent choice if you are looking for something that looks like solid gold but is more affordable. While gold vermeil is relatively durable, it is prone to wear over time so, again, it's essential to care for your jewelry correctly.

How is Gold Vermeil Jewelry Made?

Gold vermeil jewelry is made by coating sterling silver with gold. This is done using an electroplating process which involves dipping the sterling silver into a bath of gold and electrolyte solution. This causes the gold to cling to the metal, forming a thin layer that gives it the look and feel of solid gold without actually being solid gold.

Gold Plated Jewelry: An Affordable Way to Look Like a Million Bucks

Gold plated jewelry is made by covering the metal of the jewelry with a thin layer of gold. This process involves electroplating, which is when a thin layer of gold is bonded with the base metal using electrical current. The thickness of this layer and the metal underneath determines how long the item will last and how much it will cost. Gold plated stainless steel jewelry, for example, is typically more durable than other base metals.

High quality stainless steel jewelry that is gold plated comes with an array of benefits including the fact that stainless steel is hypoallergenic and less likely to wear over time. However, as with solid gold jewelry, gold plated stainless steel jewelry does wear if not cared for correctly so it's important to follow care instructions.

Gold plated stainless steel jewelry is also significantly cheaper than solid gold jewelry, making it the perfect gift for anyone who loves gold but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. Hypoallergenic stainless steel can be worn by people with sensitive skin so if you're looking for something really special to add to your Mother's Day gift box, an 18k gold plated stainless steel jewelry piece from Artizan Joyeria is an excellent option. All of our gold plated stainless steel jewelry is also nickel-free, so you can be sure that your gift will bring her joy without any nasty skin reactions.

What types of items are available in gold plated stainless steel?

Gold plated stainless steel jewelry is available in a wide range of styles, from layered necklace sets and stackable rings to statement earrings and gorgeous bracelet stacks. Gold plated stainless steel jewelry is perfect for a wide range of styles and aesthetics and is great for everyday wear as it is durable and more affordable than solid gold jewelry.

The Major Differences between Solid Gold, Gold Plated and Gold Vermeil Jewelry

When it comes to buying gold jewelry as a Mother's Day gift, a special occasion gift, or simply a treat for yourself, there are many options to choose from, and each comes with unique qualities.

Solid gold jewelry is valuable and there are magnificent pieces to choose from, but they are prone to wear and are going to be a significant financial investment. Gold vermeil jewelry offers the beauty and luster of gold without breaking the bank. However, the base metal is sterling silver which means it's not necessarily hypoallergenic and it is also prone to wear. Finally, there’s gold plated jewelry, which offers the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost. Gold plated stainless steel jewelry is a more affordable option that has all the aesthetic benefits of solid gold but won't break the bank and won't wear as quickly as solid gold or gold vermeil if you take care of your favorite pieces.

Artizan Joyeria's collection of gold plated jewelry is made with nickel-free, hypoallergenic stainless steel and we have a wide variety of designs that range from timelessly elegant pieces to modern statement jewelry for those who love to stand out. Our gold plated stainless steel jewelry sets, like the Le Giraffe Herradura Layered Necklace set or the Vivid Stack with four 18k gold plated bangles have been handpicked and expertly arranged to make shopping for the perfect Mother's Day gift a breeze.

We've also put together the Ultimate List of Mother's Day Gift Ideas so you can personalize your golden gift by choosing the right type of gold plated jewelry for Mother's Day.

Make your Mother's Day Gift extra special with the perfect piece of gold plates stainless steel jewelry to make her day memorable, or level up your own look with a trend-setting piece from our Just In category! We're sure you'll find something to love in our selection and can't wait to be part of your gift-giving experience!