Gold Jewellery Types | Metal Guide | Learn
Solid gold
We exclusively offer solid gold for many reasons:
- Durability: Solid gold is highly durable and resistant to tarnish or corrosion. It required less frequent maintenance and is resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, meaning you can wear it everyday.
- Timeless Value: It retains its value over time, can be recycled, and can be passed down from generation to generation.
- Hypoallergenic: Gold is considered a hypoallergenic precious metal. Solid gold has the highest amount of gold content and most suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Solid gold jewellery offers excellent durability, value retention and hypoallergenic properties especially when compared to gold plated and gold filled options. Investing in solid gold ensures that you are acquiring a piece of jewellery that is not only beautiful and enduring but also holds its value as a cherished heirloom for years to come.
Gold filled
Gold-filled jewellery has a thick layer of gold (at least 5% of the total weight) bonded to a base metal like brass or copper, giving it the appearance of gold.
The base metal core of gold filled jewellery can tarnish or corrode over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to moisture, leading to a shorter lifespan compared to solid gold. This also creates a moderate risk for those with sensitive skin when the gold wears off and the base metal is exposed.
Gold plated / Gold vermeil
Gold-plated jewellery has a very thin gold layer (a minimum of 0.5microns thick) electroplated onto a base metal. Vermeil, which is a specific type of gold-plated jewellery, features a sterling silver base with a thin layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns). The actual gold content of these pieces are very small.
On average, gold plated or vermeil pieces last about a year, even with limited wear and exposure to moisture and need periodic re-plating to keep their gold look intact. These pieces have the highest risk for allergenic considerations, as the gold layer is so thin any slight tarnishing will expose the base metal.
Taels jewellery was born to fill the gap for high-quality yet affordable fine pieces, standing out in a market crowded with fast-fashion and out-of-reach luxury.