Gold Rings: The Difference between Solid Gold, Gold Filled, Gold Vermeil, and Gold Plated

Gold, the most beloved metal of jewelry for decades. For many fans of gold, there is an underlying mystery of the different types of gold jewelry available. Think of the last time you were searching for a new jewelry piece. Were you met with options of solid gold, gold filled, gold vermeil and gold plated? Were the price points all over the map? When searching for your next gold jewelry staple one is faced with many options, but what do they all mean? Let us uncover the meaning behind the different types of gold jewelry - specifically rings. 

Solid Gold Rings (Our Personal Fav)

First, the classic solid gold, which is gold the entire way through the ring. Here at Hitched, we only offer solid gold wedding bands and they are available in 14K, 18K and 10K gold (read up on the difference between gold karats here). A solid gold wedding band offers many lifelong benefits such as being tarnish resistant, resizable and light weight - making solid gold the best option for such a treasured piece. Additionally, solid gold rings are a smart investment, as the precious metal maintains its value and can even increase in value over time. 

Gold Filled Rings, Gold Vermeil Rings & Gold Plated Rings

Next, there is gold filled which typically consists of a base metal of brass or nickel. The gold filled jewelry item has a covering of gold over top of the base metal. Within a gold filled ring the gold makes up at least 5% of the total weight and is permanently bonded to the base metal. This is a high quality option that has an affordable price point in comparison to solid gold. It may not last for a lifetime of love and happiness, but it could hold up for a suitable length of time. 

Another type of gold jewelry is the gold vermeil. Within a gold vermeil wedding band, the base is typically made of sterling silver. Gold is then added by electroplating to cover the sterling silver. The gold on the band consists of a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold. Gold vermeil is a go-to option for the quality conscious consumer and is an elevated option opposed to gold plated jewelry. Gold vermeil tends to last longer than gold-plated jewelry, but not as long as gold-filled or solid gold rings like Hitched’s line of gold wedding bands.

Last is gold plated jewelry, which is the most common in everyday fashion jewelry. Gold plated jewelry items consist of a base metal of brass, nickel or other affordable common metals. On top of the base metal of brass or nickel is a very thin layer of gold. On a gold plated jewelry item the gold will make up 0.05% or less of the total weight of the item. Gold plated is the most affordable option of all of the types of gold jewelry, but generally not recommended for long term wear or for those with sensitive skin. 

Gold Types At A Glance:

Solid Gold: 100% gold, higher quality with higher price point, tarnish resistant, the best for wedding rings and other heirloom jewelry pieces. Shop solid gold rings here.

Gold Filled: Typical base metal of brass or nickel, gold consists of 5% of total band weight 

Gold Vermeil: Typical base metal of sterling silver, minimum of 2.5 microns of gold 

Gold Plated: Typical base metal of brass or nickel, very thin layer of gold (0.05% or less)

Which Gold Wedding Band is Right For Me?

At Hitched, we only offer solid gold wedding bands. For pieces that will last a lifetime, solid gold is your best bet. Available in 14K, 18K and 10K Gold, we allow you to pick from a variety of styles offered in yellow, white and rose. Interested in trying out Hitched gold bands at home? Order our gold home try-on kit and try on the perfect mix of gold wedding bands in any ring size! Prefer a more custom experience? build your own kit and test out any 5 styles of your choice. Learn more about the Hitched home try-on and get started here.