Why are there so many types of gold?

Gold jewelry comes in various finishes, but not all gold is the same. At Vero Solís & Co., we want your jewelry to be more than just a momentary accessory—we want it to be something you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Whether you're wearing your pieces daily in the ocean or for special occasions, our goal is to ensure their beauty and luster endures. In the development process, we learned a lot about different types of gold and how to provide the best quality to you. Here's a breakdown of what we learned.

Gold-Plated

Gold-plated jewelry uses a thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or stainless steel. It’s an affordable way to get the look of gold but can easily fade or tarnish, especially with exposure to water and daily wear. While ideal for trendy, occasional pieces, gold-plated jewelry requires care to maintain its shine. It’s not waterproof, and exposure to water can cause the gold to fade. While it provides the look of gold at a budget-friendly price, it lacks the longevity and durability of higher-tier options, requiring more care to maintain its appearance.

Vermeil

Vermeil is a another option in the gold-plated category, featuring a thicker layer of gold over a sterling silver base. However, while it’s more tarnish-resistant, it’s still vulnerable to water exposure and is best for occasional wear to preserve its shine. Gold vermeil, while more durable than standard gold plating, doesn’t quite match the strength of gold-filled jewelry. Thus it’s not recommended for prolonged water exposure, making it less ideal for everyday wear.

 

PVD Gold

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating offers a much tougher finish than traditional gold plating. However, it still doesn’t compare to the longevity of gold-filled or solid gold. Though it’s more resistant to scratches and wear than regular plating, it lacks the thickness and durability of gold-filled, and it can still wear down over time. PVD gold is often chosen for affordability, but it doesn’t offer the same level of luxury or lasting quality.

Gold-Filled

Gold-filled jewelry is a fantastic alternative to solid gold, known for its strength and longevity. With a thick layer of gold comprising 5% of the total weight, gold-filled pieces are much more durable than regular gold plating and are safe for daily use, including in water. Offering the same luxurious look as solid gold at a more accessible price, gold-filled jewelry is highly sought after for its affordability and long-lasting quality.

Solid Gold: The Ultimate Luxury

Solid gold is the pinnacle of luxury and durability. With solid gold, you get a metal that is naturally resistant to tarnishing, rusting, or fading—even after years of wear. Whether you're swimming in the ocean, showering, or just living your daily life, solid gold remains timeless, making it the best investment for jewelry that lasts a lifetime. Ideal for daily wear. It won’t tarnish, fade, or corrode even with constant exposure to water, making it the most durable option for jewelry that can be worn anywhere, anytime.

Quick Summary:

• Gold-Plated: Affordable, not waterproof, tarnishes easily with moisture.
• Vermeil: Tarnish-resistant, water-safe for short periods but not waterproof.
• PVD Gold: More durable, waterproof, and tarnish-resistant. Will tarnish with wear over time.
• Gold-Filled: Highly durable, waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Comprised of a higher percentage of gold than other tiers of gold plating.
• Solid Gold: The best option for durability, 100% waterproof, and tarnish-proof. Offers timeless quality that can be passed on to future generations.