Solid vs. Plated: What to Know Before You BuyGold Bridal Jewelry
For a bride-to-be, the most important part of her wedding is how she looks on her big day. The look of a beautiful, glowing bride can only come together with the perfect dress and complementing jewelry. With your D-day closing in, it is important to decide the kind of jewelry you would like to wear. But if you have not, this guide is just for you.
When choosing your wedding jewelry, it is important that you consider the look, design, quality, budget, and longevity you are going for. A lasting and affordable piece will be lighter on your pocket and keep the sweet memories of your day fresh, whenever you wear it. Although most brides like to go for diamonds and silver metals, gold bridal jewelry is also a great choice. With time, diamonds can lose their value, and platinum or silver do not offer the kind of glimmering appearance a bride needs to shine out. Gold, apart from being luminous, is also affordable, as it is available in differing purity levels and also in the form of plated jewelry, which offers about the same look. Further, it can be made into delicate and dainty pieces or thick chunky jewelry, according to your preference.
Read on as we discuss more about finding the right piece for your big day!
Affordable Gold?
While platinum or silver may be more affordable, they aren’t as attractive as gold, and less malleable to be made into intricate jewelry pieces. Overall, they cannot give you that perfect look of a bride, as gold can.
However, if you do not have a very high budget, gold also comes in affordable options. You could always go for pieces that have lower amounts of gold, such as delicate 14k gold chains or gemstone-encrusted 14k gold earrings, as a part of your whole ensemble.
Gold-plated jewelry is another very affordable option. They give the same appearance of solid gold jewelry, but have a different base metal, with a layer of gold. Although they may seem less durable, many gold-plated pieces can last with proper care. Gold-plated pieces are available in differing types: from the classic and cheaper gold-plated jewelry, to gold-vermeil and gold-filled. Each of these has a different quality and specific pros and cons. So, before you head off to shop for your wedding dress, let’s discuss each of them.
1. Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is crafted from the process of electroplating, where the jewelry, made with a base metal of brass, steel, or sterling silver, is connected to an electroplating apparatus at one end and a chunk of pure gold on the other. By passing electricity through the solution, a very thin layer of gold is deposited onto the piece.
The appearance of these ornaments is similar to solid gold, bright yellow. However, the layer of gold is so thin that it may wear out with regular use or over a period of a few years. If you are searching for pieces to wear only a few times, this can be a good option, being highly affordable and trendy. However, it isn’t the best for bridal jewelry.
2. Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Gold Vermeil follows the same process as gold plating, but the jewelry is left in for longer to create a thicker layer. Ideally, the layer of gold should be a minimum of 2 microns to be called gold vermeil, and the base metal is silver. This is a little more expensive than gold-plated ornaments. However, the plating is more durable and lasts longer. The appearance, again, is exactly the same as gold. We would suggest that you go for gold vermeil and not gold-plated pieces if you are opting for affordable gold bridal jewelry.
3. Gold Filled Jewelry
This type of jewelry has a number of layers where the gold is permanently alloyed into the base jewelry made of brass or sterling silver. The bonding is achieved through heat and pressure. It doesn’t lose its golden color over time as the gold alloy is bonded with the base metal, unlike vermeil or plating.
By law, the amount of gold in a gold-filled jewelry should be at least 5% of its total weight. Although it is very similar to solid gold, it shouldn’t be confused with it. The appearance is almost permanent, but it only has a layer of gold. It is another lasting option for your bridal ensemble.
Solid Gold
Solid gold jewelry is primarily composed of gold, mixed with a base metal in a minimal percentage. Since gold is a very soft metal, making pure 24k gold jewelry isn’t possible. However, if you are considering buying solid gold bridal jewelry, then the market has varying options.
Gold jewelry is available as rose gold and white gold, apart from the traditional yellow. There also are varying options of purity levels, from 22k to 8k. For a bold look, you can consider statement 22k gold pieces. They are expensive, yet the appearance doesn’t fade away despite minimal care and regular wear, as it does in the case of plated jewelry.
For a more simplistic and elegant look, you could go for gold ornaments with a lesser amount of gold and dainty pieces, such as intricate 14k gold chains, minimalist bracelets, and thin stackable rings. These aren’t just affordable, but also lasting and will remain intact for years to come.
Plated V/s Solid
Many people get confused between gold-plated and solid gold jewelry, in terms of which is which and what to buy. Let’s discuss how to identify real gold from plated jewelry.
First, solid gold jewelry typically has a lighter gold hue, as compared to plated ornaments, as solid gold has a lower concentration of gold on the surface. On the other hand, plated pieces have a higher concentration of gold on the surface, giving them a brighter appearance. Next, gold jewelry has a stamp on it, including the stamp of the manufacturer, a hallmark, and a purity mark. If your jewelry doesn’t have this, it could probably be plated.
There are other tests that you can use, such as a magnet test or a float test. Make sure you verify before buying your gold bridal jewelry.
Now, if you are confused about the kind of gold jewelry you should buy, here is a table to help you understand better:
| Type | Base Metal | Durability | Price | Resale Value | Skin Friendly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Gold | Gold | ★★★★★ | $$$$$ | ★★★★★ | Yes | Heirlooms, Daily Wear, Bridal |
| Gold-Plated | Brass/Copper | ★ | $ | - | No | Trendy Looks |
| Gold Vermeil | Sterling Silver | ★★★ | $$ | ★★ | Yes | Mid-Range Bridal |
| Gold-Filled | Brass | ★★★★ | $$ | ★★ | Sometimes | Budget-Conscious Brides |
Final Thoughts
So when choosing your gold bridal jewelry, consider all the key factors, especially price and longevity. It is suitable to go for something that will last for a while or even your whole life. After all, your wedding is an affair of a lifetime. But also make sure that it is comfortable to wear and gives you the desired appearance.
Now that you know the difference between different jewelry types, you are ready for your bridal shopping. Check out Lexaco’s website for gold jewelry if you are searching for some elegant and trendy pieces for your wedding and your bridal party. We house some of the most unique designs and exquisite pieces that will bring together your complete look.
As you step into a new chapter of love and togetherness, let Lexaco be your jewelry partner, shining as beautifully as you do—timeless, radiant, and uniquely yours.