One of the most common questions we hear from permanent jewellery artists is about the difference between gold filled, plated, vermeil and solid gold. Each has its place, but when you are creating welded jewellery that is designed to be worn every day, understanding these materials is key to achieving both quality and longevity.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make confident choices for your clients and your business.
Gold Filled
Gold filled is the go-to material for most professional permanent jewellery artists. It offers the beauty and durability of real gold at a fraction of the price of solid gold.
A thick layer of 14k gold is pressure bonded to a base metal core. This process gives you up to one hundred times more gold content than gold plating, meaning it will not flake or fade and it holds its colour beautifully even with daily wear.
Gold filled material starts off as flat gold bonded sheet, which is then rolled, drawn or formed into wire, chain and components. Because of this manufacturing process, it can only be made into certain shapes and styles of charms. For example, detailed or hollow designs often require casting, which cannot be done with gold filled material.
Gold filled chains are perfect for bracelets, anklets and necklaces that your clients will wear twenty four seven. They can be gently polished and even re-welded if needed.
Why artists love it:
•Long lasting and tarnish resistant
•Affordable but still luxurious
•Safe for most sensitive skin types
•Ideal for everyday welded jewellery
Gold Plated
Gold plated jewellery is made by dipping a base metal into a thin layer of gold using electroplating. While it has that initial shine, the coating is much thinner than gold filled, which means it can wear off over time.
Plated pieces are best suited for occasional wear or for trend led designs where clients want a lower price point. It can still be useful for creating display samples or temporary pieces, but it is generally not recommended for welded jewellery that is designed to be permanent.
Keep in mind:
More affordable but less durable
May tarnish or lose colour with everyday wear
Not ideal for welding or long term pieces
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil sits between gold filled and gold plated. It is created by coating a base of sterling silver with a thicker layer of gold compared to standard plating.
Because the base is real silver, it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. However, the gold layer can still fade or lose colour over time, especially with constant contact or heat exposure during welding.
For this reason, gold vermeil is not generally recommended for permanent jewellery, as the finish may not remain consistent with everyday wear.
What to know:
•Sterling silver base makes it hypoallergenic
•Thicker gold layer than plated pieces
•Can lose colour or fade over time
•Not suitable for welding or permanent wear
Solid Gold
Solid gold is the most premium option and has been treasured for centuries. It is made entirely of gold alloyed with small amounts of other metals for strength.
For permanent jewellery, 9k and 14k solid gold are the most popular choices in the UK. Both are hallmarked for authenticity and give a rich, warm tone that feels truly luxurious. Solid gold never tarnishes and will last a lifetime, making it perfect for clients who want a piece that can be passed down or worn forever.
Why it stands out:
•The highest level of quality and longevity
•Will not fade or tarnish
•Can command higher prices in your studio
•A beautiful choice for sentimental or milestone pieces
Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your client base and the type of pieces you offer.
•Gold Filled: The best all rounder for professional permanent jewellery artists. It balances beauty, durability and affordability.
•Solid Gold: Perfect for premium clients or luxury add ons such as bespoke charms or connectors.
•Vermeil: Beautiful and hypoallergenic but not suitable for welding due to potential colour loss.
•Plated: Great for lower cost samples or trend pieces but not designed for permanent wear.
At Links Permanent Jewellery Supplies, we test every item we sell and are PJ artists ourselves. We only stock materials that meet our quality standards. Our gold filled pieces are designed specifically for welded jewellery, giving you reliable, professional results every time.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of material defines the quality of your work and the satisfaction of your clients. When you invest in high quality metals, you are building a reputation for jewellery that truly lasts.
Whether you are stocking your starter kit or expanding your chain selection, always choose materials that reflect the standard of your artistry.
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Tag @linkspermanentjewellerysupplies when you post your welded pieces — we love to see your creations sparkle. 📸
