Alternatives to Solid Gold Jewelry

Jewelry has the ability to elevate our style, express our personality, and commemorate special moments in our lives. Among all types, jewelry lovers desire a piece of solid gold jewelry because of its durability, glow, and resistance to rust, corrosion, or tarnish. 

The truth however remains that not everyone can afford these precious pieces because of the high price tags per ounce. 

But here is the good news- you don’t have to compromise on beauty and quality just because you are on a budget; there are alternatives to solid gold jewelry that will give the same beauty more affordably- PVD-gold plated Stainless steel, Gold-filled Stainless steel, and Gold Vermeil.

Each of these alternatives has its unique features and the crux of this blog is to help you understand each of them vividly and allow you to make informed decisions on which to go for when you want to purchase a piece of gold jewelry. 

Check Out The Solid Gold Jewelry Alternatives 

Make your life easier and accessorize without compromising quality for affordability with these solid gold alternatives:

PVD-Gold Plated Stainless Steel

Gold-plated jewelry has rapidly gained popularity as an alternative to solid gold because of its affordability and close resemblance to real gold. You probably might have heard about the tarnishing nature of traditionally gold-plated jewelry and think it isn’t the best option when considering durability. 

But what if we told you that there is gold-plated jewelry that is waterproof,  built to last, and doesn’t tarnish like the regular ones you know?- That’s the PVD-Gold plated stainless steel.  You may wonder what makes this a perfect alternative:

• The Physical Vapor Deposition process of coating- where thin layers of solid gold are deposited on the metal through vaporization. This makes the jewelry’s thickness and durability ten times more than the regular gold plating. 
• The stainless steel base metal is a composition of chromium, iron, and nickel- this makes the jewelry resilient, tarnish-free, and lasts longer.

PVD-gold plated stainless steel jewelry will not last forever, but will last a very long time with minimal care required. So, if you want exceptional durability, rust and tarnish resistance, and the jewelry’s ability to maintain glamour for a very long time, this alternative is a go-to.

Extra Tip: You can wear this jewelry to the pool, or gym and not fear it oxidizing or tarnishing.

Gold-Filled Stainless Steel

Gold-filled Stainless steel jewelry is another alternative that is quite more expensive than gold-plated jewelry but significantly lower than solid gold. It has a closer resemblance to solid gold than other alternatives and has excellent strength and durability. 

To make this, instead of electroplating, the jewelers take a very thick layer of solid gold (at least 0.5% of the weight)  and use pressure and heat to bond it to a stainless steel metal to create a gold fill. 

The gold-filled stainless steel is designed to last very long as the layer of gold ensures that the jewelry won’t easily tarnish, fade, or lose its luster even when you wear it regularly.

If you want a piece of gold jewelry that offers a balance between durability and cost, this alternative is a go-to

Extra Tip: Gold-filled Stainless steel is not the same as gold-filled brass or copper and they should not be mistaken; the latter are commonly available and will tarnish once the plating wears off.

Gold Vermeil

Gold Vermeil is another appealing alternative to solid gold jewelry crafted in fine or sterling silver and covered in gold through a process called electrolysis.

Aside from being made with 92.5% pure silver, authentic gold vermeil is plated in a thin gold layer that is at least 10 karats; that’s 41.7% gold content and is at least 2.5 microns thick. In other words, Gold vermeil pieces are made with precious metals such as sterling silver, with heavy plating to guarantee long-lasting wear. 

When deciding on gold vermeil, it’s essential to weigh your priorities. If you value affordability and the aesthetic of gold, gold vermeil can be an attractive choice. However, it may require more attention to maintenance compared to thicker-plated alternatives because its thin plating can make it wear off faster than other alternatives.

Extra Tip: Vermeil is a French word pronounced: “vehr-may”.

How To Make The Best Choice From These Solid gold jewelry Alternatives 

Before you go for any of these solid gold alternatives you need to consider certain factors so that you will pick one that suits you perfectly.

Consider Your Style Preferences

Your jewelry should be picked to make you feel confident about your looks, so you need to consider your personal style and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Each alternative has its unique appearance. 

PVD-gold plated stainless steel will give a modern and sleek look while Gold-filled stainless steel and Gold Vermeil give classic looks.

Think About The Occasions

Some alternatives are suitable for everyday wear while others could be reserved for special events. 

Go for a Budget-friendly option

The goal is for you to get elegance at an affordable price. Some of the alternatives are more expensive than others, so you should look at the money at hand to know which alternative to go for.

Resale Potential

Some people like to consider the resale value of their jewelry. While alternatives may not fetch as high a resale price as solid gold, their durability can still make them appealing to buyers.

Buy From Reputable Retailers

One of the best decisions you can make when choosing an alternative to solid gold jewelry is to purchase from a reputable retailer. Check out others’ reviews about them, their certification, return and warranty policies, etc. This is essential for you to receive quality jewelry, transparent transactions, and reliable customer support while avoiding scams and subpar products

Final Verdict

You don’t have to be worried if you find solid gold expensive; you can now be at your best style and within your budget with PVD-Gold Plated Stainless Steel, Gold-Filled Stainless Steel, and Gold Vermeil. Though each has its unique benefits, you can weigh the options and see which fits best into your style and budget.

Also, if you are wondering where you can get the best and affordable PVD plated jewelry; you can check out Pearlory.