What Is 14k Gold-filled — Is Gold Fill Good Quality?

For those that love the look and feel of solid gold jewelry, but not the price tag, our 14k gold-filled option is an excellent, affordable alternative—one of our favorite jewelry metals ever. Gold-filled pieces have a very thick layer of 14k gold, heat and pressure bonded to a high-quality jeweler’s silver core. The thick outer layer of gold makes it highly durable and safe for people with allergies or sensitive skin. With proper care and storage, gold-filled pieces can still offer decades of love and wear (without breaking the bank).

Why we love 14k gold fill:

GF pieces make top quality and style accessible at an affordable price. Gold fill wears well, making it a durable alternative to the pricier solid gold.

Is gold filled hypoallergenic?

Gold filled jewelry is generally hypoallergenic, though it depends on the base layer used in the piece. We use silver in our pieces (which makes it hypoallergenic!), but some other jewelers may use nickel or copper, so it’s always best to ask.

What Is Sterling Silver — Is It Good Quality?

It’s no secret that we love gold, but we don’t play favorites. Almost all of our designs can also be made in sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and considered a precious metal (and one of the most durable metals, too)! The remaining 7.5% is usually copper, which adds extra strength and durability. Sterling silver is hypoallergenic, so you can wear it every day without risk of irritation. This metal is a classic, versatile option for jewelry makers and collectors alike.

Why we love .925 silver:

It will last for a lifetime! Because sterling silver is a solid metal, you can polish and refinish it many, many times as natural wear occurs.

Sterling silver vs 14k gold

Comparing 14k gold vs sterling silver is a little tricky, because it’s usually a style or color preference that sets the two apart. In terms of durability and longevity, though, they’re very similar! Both 14k gold (whether solid gold or gold filled) is an easy-to-care-for metal that requires minimal upkeep, as is sterling silver.

What is Plated - Is It Good Quality?

Plated jewelry is made by applying a layer of precious metal—like gold or rhodium—over a base metal such as sterling silver, brass, or stainless steel. This technique gives you the luxurious look of solid gold or silver at a fraction of the cost.

Yes—plated jewelry is of good quality when done well. High-quality plated jewelry (especially when plated over sterling silver and sealed with protective e-coating) can be both durable and beautiful. It’s a great option for those who want stylish, hypoallergenic pieces that are gentle on skin and budget. With proper care, plated jewelry can last for years and remain a staple in your collection.

Why we love Plated Jewelry:

We love plated jewelry for its perfect balance of beauty, quality, and affordability. It offers the luxurious look of gold or rhodium without the high price, making everyday elegance accessible. Plated pieces are lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for layering or experimenting with trends. When crafted over sterling silver and protected with an e-coating, they’re often hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnish, making them a smart choice for sensitive skin and long-term wear. Plus, because it uses less raw material than solid gold, plated jewelry is a more sustainable and mindful option for the modern jewelry lover.

Without a doubt, the best jewelry material for everyday wear is solid gold. It’ll never tarnish, rust or fade, and can be worn 24/7! Sleep in it, shower in it, work out in it, whatever you wish. Our best metal for jewelry runner-up, though, is sterling silver! Though it is more susceptible to tarnish than solid gold, it can be cleaned up quite easily…and is hypoallergenic, to boot.

Though it really depends on your budget, style and maintenance needs (which we’ll touch on below), the best metals for necklaces are, again, solid gold and sterling silver! Dainty chains and delicate necklaces can be difficult to clean once they tarnish, so we recommend something that requires minimal upkeep.

The best jewelry metals (if you’d like to avoid tarnish altogether) are solid gold and gold fill (also known as gold filled). While gold filled is, technically, a plated material, the thick layer of solid gold is heat- and pressure-bonded to the sterling silver core, meaning it’s way more durable than something like gold plated or gold vermeil!

There are tons of factors to consider—from durability to budget to maintenance. Think about the following prompts to determine which metal is best for you (and make a pro-con list, if you wish!).

Sometimes gold-filled and solid gold pieces look alike—same with silver and white gold! Here’s how to tell what kind of metal your jewelry is made of.

All gold, platinum and silver jewelry sold is required by law to be stamped with a quality mark, or hallmark, that shows the percentage of the metal used in the jewelry piece.

If you’re buying your jewelry item from a reputable jewelry dealer, it is fairly easy to check what metal is in the jewelry item. Or, if you purchased your pieces online or secondhand, a jeweler will be able to test the metal for you!

No matter the metal you choose, treating your jewelry with proper care will ensure that it will last you a long time and stay looking as nice as the day you bought it! We’ve compiled some of our best care tips for wear, storage, and cleaning below:

While there’s no right answer to “which metal is best for jewelry?”, we hope this overview gives you helpful insight into how to choose between jewelry material options.