Understanding Gold Jewelry Finishes
What the terms mean, and how much real gold you are getting.
Solid Gold — 10K, 14K, 18K
Gold all the way through, with no layer to wear off. Karat measures purity out of 24 parts: 10K is 41.7 percent gold and the hardest and most affordable, 14K is 58.3 percent and the American everyday standard, and 18K is 75 percent with the richest color. The remaining percentage is alloy metal, which is what creates
yellow, rose and white gold.
Look for: 10K · 14K · 18K, or 417 · 585 · 750.
Wear: Permanent — it can scratch or bend, but the gold never wears away.
Gold-Filled
The most gold of any layered finish. A generous layer is bonded to brass under heat and pressure, at least 5% of the piece's total weight, so it keeps its shine for
decades.
Look for: 1/20 12K GF · 14/20 GF.
Wear: Lasts decades.
Vermeil
Precious metal through and through. Real gold, 10K or higher, over a solid sterling silver core rather than base metal. The gold must be at least 2.5 microns thick
to earn the name.
Look for: 925 with a gold karat mark.
Wear: Years of wear.
Gold PVD
Modern and tough. Gold is vaporized and fused to stainless steel inside a vacuum chamber, creating a surface that shrugs off scratches and tarnish. Made for pieces worn every day.
Look for: Often unmarked, or noted as PVD.
Wear: Daily-wear tough.
Gold-Plated
A thin layer of real gold electroplated onto base metal. The most affordable way to wear an authentic gold surface, and the finish can be renewed by replating.
Look for: GP · GEP · HGE.
Wear: Easy to refresh.
Gold-Tone
The warm look of gold at the friendliest price. Base metal is finished in a golden color throughout, making it light on the wallet and worry-free for bold, statement
styles.
Look for: No stamp.
Wear: Carefree wear.
Understanding Gold
Understanding Gold
Understanding Gold
Understanding Gold
