Real vs. Gold-Covered vs. One-Gram Jewellery — What’s the Difference?
Jewellery love is universal—but “gold” comes in many shades. Understanding the differences between real gold, gold-plated, and one-gram jewellery helps you shop smart, build trust, and choose pieces that align with your style, budget, and durability needs.
1. What Each Term Means — Simplified
| Type | Description | Durability | Price Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Solid Gold | Made entirely of precious gold alloy (e.g., 22K, 18K) | Very high — heirloom quality | Very high | Investment, heirlooms, sensitive skin |
| Gold Filled | Thick layer of gold (min. 5% by weight) bonded to base metal via heat/pressure | High — lasts 10–30 years | Mid to high | Everyday wear with durability |
| Gold Vermeil/Covering | At least 2.5 microns of gold over sterling silver | Good — hypoallergenic & longer-lasting | Mid | Occasional luxury look without real-gold cost |
| Gold Plated | Thin layer of gold on base metal (brass/copper) with variable thickness | Low — fades quickly | Low | Trendy, short-term fashion |
| One-Gram Jewellery | Pieces plated with about 1 g of real gold over base metal | Moderate — limited long-term value | Low to mid | Affordable statement pieces for events |
2. Key Differences & Insights
Base Metal Matters
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Vermeil uses sterling silver, making it more hypoallergenic and valuable than plated options.
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Gold-filled often uses brass or copper, but the thicker gold layer gives it durability closer to solid gold.
Layer Thickness & Bonding
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Gold-plated may have a thickness from <0.5 to ~2 microns, with no standard.
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Vermeil/Covering mandates ≥2.5 microns; Gold-filled bonds through heat/pressure and contains around 5% gold — far longer lasting.
Value & Resale
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Solid gold holds intrinsic value and can be resold.
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One-gram pieces, despite the label, rarely hold resale value and rely on marketing.
Allergies & Skin Sensitivity
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Vermeil (Gold Cover) is hypoallergenic.
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Plated items may cause reactions once gold fades and exposes base metal.
3. Care Tips & Longevity
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Solid gold: waterproof, tarnish-resistant, and recovers easily with polishing.
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Gold-filled: durable; clean gently with mild soap and soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals.
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Vermeil/Cover: avoid water, perfumes; store dry and wipe after wear to slow fading.
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Gold-plated & One-Gram: treat as statement/occasional wear; clean and store carefully to extend life.
4. Why It Matters for You
Choosing a style isn’t just about looks—it’s about value, skin safety, and how long it lasts.
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Want heirloom quality and investment? Choose solid gold or gold-filled.
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Want affordability with some longevity? Vermeil/Cover is a strong mid-tier option.
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Need something trendy and inexpensive? Gold-plated or one-gram pieces fit the bill—but plan for a shorter lifespan.
5. Reference for more detail
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Please refer to our Gold covering process to how we convert raw pieces to masterpiece jewellery and why its a better alternative
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Also check our Jewellery Care Guide
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