Gold-Plated vs. Solid Gold: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?

Gold jewellery is timeless—but if you’ve ever shopped for it, you’ll know there’s more to it than just gold is gold. From solid gold to gold-plated, vermeil, and gold-filled, the world of gold finishes can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it down so you can make the best choice for your jewellery box (and your budget).

What’s the Difference Between Solid Gold & Gold-Plated?

Solid Gold – The Heirloom Investment

Solid gold is just that—gold all the way through. Measured in karats (K), its purity ranges from 24K (pure gold) down to 10K (which contains more alloy metals for durability). While solid gold is stunning and long-lasting, it comes with a hefty price tag, making it less accessible for everyday jewellery lovers.

Gold-Plated – Affordable Luxury for Everyday Wear

Gold-plated jewellery gives you the beauty of gold without the high-end price tag. A base metal (like brass or sterling silver) is coated in a thin layer of gold, giving you the warmth and glow of real gold—just without the solid gold cost.

At Nudie Jewellery, we use 18K gold-plated brass to create high-quality, durable fashion jewellery that still feels like a luxury. Plus, with the right care, it can last for years without losing its shine.

Why We Love Gold-Plated Jewellery

• Luxury Without the Cost – You get the look and feel of real gold without the investment.
• Lightweight & Comfortable – Solid gold can be heavy; gold-plated pieces are easy to wear every day.
• Perfect for Trend-Led Styles – Love layering, stacking, and switching up your look? Gold-plated jewellery makes it easy to experiment.
• Less Maintenance – Solid gold can scratch and dent, while gold-plated jewellery is more resistant to daily wear.

But Not All Gold-Plated Jewellery Is Created Equal…

The truth is, gold-plated jewellery varies massively in quality. Some brands use thin, low-quality plating that fades fast, while others (like us!) use a thicker, more durable gold layer to ensure longevity.

This is where terms like gold vermeil and gold-filled jewellery come in—but that’s a conversation for another day. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post where we’ll be breaking down the different types of gold coatings and what to look for when investing in gold-plated jewellery.

At Nudie, we believe in affordable luxury—pieces that make you feel amazing without the designer price tag. That’s why we consciously choose 18K gold-plated brass for its balance of beauty, durability, and accessibility.

Want to explore our minimalist, timeless gold jewellery? Check out our latest collection here