Gilded vs Solid Gold: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for jewellery, you will often come across terms like “gold-plated” or “gilded.” But what does that actually mean? And how does it differ from solid gold? Here is everything you need to know before you buy.

What is gilded jewellery?

Gilded jewellery, also called gold-plated jewellery, has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal such as brass, copper, or silver. The gold layer is usually only a few microns thick. It gives the piece the look and colour of gold, but at a fraction of the price.

The downside: over time, the gold layer wears away. You may notice discolouration, especially on areas that rub against the skin, such as the inside of a ring or a bracelet clasp. Sweat, perfume, and water accelerate this process.

What is solid gold?

Solid gold jewellery is made from a gold alloy all the way through. There is no base metal underneath. Whether 9k, 14k, or 18k, the gold content runs throughout the entire piece. This makes it far more durable and resistant to discolouration.

How can you tell the difference?

Look for hallmarks. Solid gold pieces carry a stamp indicating the carat: 375 (9k), 585 (14k), or 750 (18k). Gilded pieces often carry no stamp, or they may be marked “GP” (gold plated) or “GF” (gold filled).

Which should you choose?

For a piece you want to wear every day for years, solid gold is always the better investment. For occasional wear or a trend piece, gilded jewellery can be a more affordable option.

At my studio in Oud-Heverlee I work exclusively with solid gold. Feel free to get in touch for advice.