When it comes to jewellery, there's something truly captivating about solid gold. Its timeless appeal and lasting value have made it a favourite among jewellery enthusiasts worldwide. But why should you consider investing in solid gold over more affordable alternatives? We're going to quickly unpack your questions and confusion about solid gold jewellery, and why it remains a cherished choice for personal adornment and investment in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Does solid gold keep its colour forever? Yes.
Solid gold is not only stunning, but it's also built to last. Unlike other metals that may require frequent polishing -- or lose their colour with constant wear -- solid gold jewellery maintains its lustrous shine and beauty with minimal care. It's highly resistant to tarnish, corrosion, and wear, making it a durable option for everyday wear. It's safe to wear in chlorine, fake tan, moisturisers, and is also perfectly fine for acidic skin that would usually shred plating off plated jewellery.
Is solid gold ok for sensitive skin? Yes.
For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, solid gold offers the added benefit of being naturally hypoallergenic. You can enjoy the beauty and elegance of on trend dainty jewellery without compromising your comfort. In extremely rare cases some people may have allergies to an alloy mixed in with the solid gold which could cause a reaction: we will go into the different types of solid gold below.
Is there different types of solid gold jewellery? Yes.
In a world filled with online ads telling you that that item of jewellery is "tarnish resistant", or "waterproof" sadly its just marketing and is absolutely not an indication of quality, value or most importantly: pure gold content. Any marketing message telling you a cheap piece of jewellery will 'last forever' is sadly selling a story and not quality. No jewellery is truly 'tarnish resistant' or 'waterproof' unless it is made of solid gold.
Firstly, its important to know the difference between 'solid gold' and 'pure gold', which we will go into in more detail shortly, but note that the two terms are not interchangeable.
To make an informed purchase on buying 'jewellery that lasts' or solid gold jewellery, it's important to understand the concept of gold purity. 'Pure gold' is too soft for practical use in jewellery, so it is mixed or alloyed with other metals creating 'solid gold'. The karat system is used to measure the gold content, with 24K being the purest form (99.9% gold). By understanding the karat system, you can select a piece that suits your preferences, lifestyle and budget.
What are the different types of gold purity?
9k or '375' is 37.5% pure gold mixed with other durable metals to make it hard, durable, and affordable. 9k is the 'work horse' of the solid gold world. It's the most affordable option and it performs just like its more-pure cousins. It's often used in bulkier designs, chains, and fashion inspired pieces.
14k or '585' is 58.5% pure gold mixed with other durable metals. 14k is a popular affordable option for bridal jewellery like wedding rings. It has a slightly softer hue than other solid gold variations due to its usually higher silver alloy mix.
18k or '750' is 75% pure gold mixed with harder alloys to counteract pure gold's softness. It is the premium choice for wedding jewellery, special occasion gifts or anything that you want to hold its value. Due to its higher pure gold content it has a higher resale option if you were to ever sell the item or melt it.
So solid gold actually isn't solid?
Just liked a baked cake - all of the components put into the mixing pot create the end result: 'solid' gold. The high proportion of 'pure gold' ensures the 'solid gold' metal has a lifelong lustre and keeps up with the activity of being worn as jewellery.
To ensure your purchase is authentic, look for reputable jewellers who provide certification or hallmarks guaranteeing the gold's purity. Rebellious Grace offers a hand-signed certificate of authenticity with all of our solid gold pieces, and attach or stamp hallmarks where possible to ensure your pieces are guaranteed to be solid gold.
Is gold filled 'real' gold?
'Gold filled' jewellery is essentially another mixed metal option, that is hallmarked (marked for authenticity) as 'GF' or '1/20' meaning that the piece is at minimum 1/20th pure gold. We will do another journal on gold filled materials another day as it's a loooooooong topic to unpack.
How can I tell if my jewellery is solid gold?
To avoid falling victim to over-priced mass produced fashion jewellery that holds no real value, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind to authenticate your piece. Look for specific hallmarks or stamps that denote the gold content of the jewellery. In Australia, common markings include "375" for 9K gold, "585" for 14K gold, and "750" for 18K gold. These markings guarantee the authenticity and quality of the piece. Another clue is the weight and density of the jewellery. Solid gold pieces feel heavier and more substantial compared to alloy pieces. The other quick way to tell, is to get a silver or gold polishing cloth and give the item a vigorous rub: solid gold will buff up beautifully, revealing its bright colour whereas plated pieces will discolour instantly.
So, is solid gold worth it?
In short: it's dependant on what you intend the jewellery item to be used for.
Is it just something to wear to an event that goes perfectly with your dress? Then plated jewellery is probably fine.
But are you buying a 40th gift to your long term friend of ten years ? Or planning on personally wearing the item everyday for the next 3+ years? Then yes, invest in solid gold. Splurge on solid gold items that will retain their value, colour and be cherished enough to hopefully be passed down for generations.
You can shop our modern solid gold jewellery in Brisbane or Gold Coast or online.
