MAY IS GOLD MONTH: UNDERSTANDING THE SHINE

Understanding the Shine – Yellow Gold, Gold-Filled, Gold-Plated & Gold Vermeil

Gold never goes out of style, but not all gold jewelry is made the same. With May being Gold Month, it’s the perfect time to break down the differences between some popular types of gold finishes—so you know exactly what you’re wearing (and paying for).

1. Yellow Gold
What it is: Solid gold alloyed with other metals (like copper and zinc) to strengthen it.

• Purity: Comes in different karats (24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% gold, 14K is 58.3%, etc.)
• Durability: Higher karat = softer. Lower karat = stronger but less gold.
• Value: High—real gold content gives it lasting value.
• Pros: Long-lasting, hypoallergenic (especially at higher karat), holds value
• Cons: Softer at higher karats, more expensive

2. Gold-Filled
What it is: A thick layer of real gold (usually 14K) mechanically bonded to a base metal (usually brass).

• Gold content: Must be at least 5% of the item's total weight in gold.
• Durability: Very durable—can last decades with proper care.
• Pros: Much more affordable than solid gold, more durable than plating, tarnish-resistant
• Cons: Can’t be resized or heavily repaired like solid gold, not as valuable as solid gold

3. Gold Plated (Yellow Plating)
What it is: A thin layer of gold applied to a base metal (like brass or stainless steel) using electroplating.

• Gold content: Very small, measured in microns (often <0.5 micron).
• Durability: Wears off overtime, especially with frequent use or exposure to water/chemicals.
• Pros: Very affordable, looks like gold
• Cons: Wears off quickly, can cause skin reactions if base metal is allergenic, needs replacing

4. Gold Vermeil (Yellow Vermeil)
What it is: Sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold (usually 10K or higher, often 14K+).

• Gold thickness: Must be at least 2.5 microns thick in the U.S.
• Durability: More durable than standard gold plating but not as strong as gold-filled.
• Pros: Good balance between quality and price, hypoallergenic, thicker gold than standard plating
• Cons: Still subject to wear over time, may tarnish if base silver is exposed

Shop gold jewlery at Van Scoy Jewelers in Wyomissing, PA or browse our collection here.