Gold Jewelry 101
We’ve all been there before: You buy a new gold necklace, and in a week your neck is green and the necklace is rusting. Ugh, not again. Knowing what type of gold you are buying before you make a purchase is important because often, you get what you pay for.
What a lot of people don’t know is that there are so many types of gold jewelry available, which can be very confusing when you’re out shopping.
Here's a quick breakdown of the different types of gold jewelry out there:
Gold-plated jewelry is a very light layer of gold on top of a base metal (usually brass or copper). Since the gold plating is very thin, the gold can rub off easily, thus leaving you with a tarnished, undesirable look, sometimes even turning your skin green. Gold-plated jewelry is typically much cheaper than other types of gold jewelry and can be a good option when buying for a single occasion. But, we say it’s not worth it.
Gold vermeil jewelry is heavy gold plating over sterling silver. Since the gold plating in vermeil is much heavier than that of gold-plated jewelry, the gold will last much longer. However, over time, the gold may wear off. The price tag for gold vermeil is still on the affordable side but is a more reliable option than gold-plated. It’s perfect for trying out new trends that might only last a season.
Gold-filled jewelry is a solid layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base. Since the gold is mechanically bonded to the base rather than plated, it can’t rub off and has the same qualities as solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost. Gold-filled is the secret weapon to indulging in your jewelry addiction without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for everyday looks, able to handle our busy lives without signs of wear. Anticipating jewelry turning should be last on our list of worries, and luckily, we don’t have to worry about getting gold-filled jewelry wet.
Solid gold jewelry is the best quality of gold out there, but it comes with the heaviest price tag. While we can be certain that solid gold jewelry will last lifetimes, it’s not always financially feasible.
Now that you know a little bit more about what you’re buying, here are some of our favorite places to buy gold jewelry.
Simple and Dainty
They sell “simple” and “dainty” gold jewelry perfect for everyday wear. It’s affordable and our favorite place to buy gold-filled jewelry.
The M Jewelers
Even if you haven’t already purchased something from the M Jewelers, you’ve probably seen it on your Instagram feed. Always up on the trends, the M Jewelers sells everything from statement jewelry to everyday staples. You can always bank on a sale, making the solid gold a tiny bit more affordable and the gold vermeil even more affordable. Most pieces are offered in solid gold or gold vermeil, and we can vouch this vermeil will last for at least a year.
Mujeri
Another instagram favorite, Mujeri creates handcrafted jewelry that is perfect for everyday wear. From chunky hoops to essential chains Mejuri has got you covered.
TJ Maxx
Fine jewelry is rarely something that comes to mind when we think of TJ Maxx. But let us let you in on a little secret: TJ Maxx has a fine jewelry section located in their jewelry display cabinets. Here, you can find beautiful solid gold jewelry for a fraction of the cost! Seriously, we have scored solid gold stacking rings from $30-$50, their regular retail price being upwards of $150.
Always make sure to check what kind of gold you are buying before you purchase your jewelry. Sometimes online retailers can get sneaky and overprice jewelry that is just not worth it and will not last.
Don’t forget to show us how you style your jewelry by tagging us on Instagram @theedgemag.