You've seen the price tags. A gold necklace for $18 on one site. A near-identical one for $380 on another. What's actually going on — and is the expensive one really worth it?
The short answer: yes. Here's why.
What Is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery is made from a base metal — usually brass, copper, or zinc — that has been coated with an extremely thin layer of gold. That gold layer is typically between 0.5 and 2.5 microns thick. For context: a human hair is roughly 70 microns wide.
This razor-thin gold layer is what gives the piece its shine — for a while.
The problem? That coating wears off. Through contact with sweat, water, lotions, and everyday friction, the gold layer erodes. Within weeks or months (sometimes days), the base metal beneath starts to show — often as a greenish or greyish tinge on your skin, or visible discolouration on the jewellery itself.
What Is Gold Filled Jewellery?
Gold filled sits a step above plated. It has a thicker layer of gold bonded to the base metal under heat and pressure — typically 5% gold by weight. Gold filled pieces last longer than plated, but they're still not solid gold. Over years of wear, they too can eventually show the base metal underneath.
What Is Solid Gold Jewellery?
Solid gold jewellery is made entirely of gold alloy — through and through. There's no base metal core to expose, because there is no base metal. The gold is consistent from the surface to the centre.
Common karats and what they mean:
· 24K — 99.9% pure gold. Extremely soft; rarely used in everyday jewellery.
· 18K — 75% gold. Excellent quality, rich colour, used in fine jewellery worldwide.
· 14K — 58.3% gold. Durable and popular; great value for everyday wear.
· 9K — 37.5% gold. The legal minimum to be called "gold" in Australia.
Solid gold doesn't tarnish. It doesn't fade. It doesn't turn your neck green. A well-made solid gold piece can be worn daily for decades — and passed down to future generations.
Why Does Gold Plated Jewellery Turn Green?
The green tinge you sometimes notice on your skin isn't actually the gold — it's the base metal (usually copper or brass) reacting with your skin's natural oils, sweat, and any products like lotions or perfume. Once the thin gold coating wears away, there's nothing separating your skin from that reactive base metal.
This doesn't happen with solid gold, because solid gold doesn't have a base metal beneath it.
The Real Cost of Cheap Jewellery
Here's the maths most people don't do:
A gold plated necklace at $25 lasts 6–12 months before it looks unwearable. You buy another. Then another. Over five years, you might spend $125–$150 on the same look — and have nothing to show for it.
A solid 9K or 14K gold necklace costs more upfront, but it's still there in five years. In ten. In twenty. Many solid gold pieces actually increase in value over time as gold prices rise.
Real jewellery isn't an expense. It's an asset.
How to Tell If Jewellery Is Real Gold
Look for hallmarks stamped onto the piece:
· 375 = 9 karat gold
· 585 = 14 karat gold
· 750 = 18 karat gold
· 925 = sterling silver (not gold — but a quality silver indicator)
· GP, GF, or GE = gold plated, gold filled, or gold electroplated
If there's no hallmark, be sceptical. Reputable jewellers always hallmark their pieces — it's legally required in many countries, including Australia.
What to Look for When Buying Gold Jewellery
1. Buy from a reputable, established jeweller — not a marketplace seller with no physical presence.
2. Check for hallmarks — always.
3. Ask about the karat — and get it in writing if it's a significant purchase.
4. Understand the return policy — quality jewellers stand behind their work.
5. Consider your lifestyle — if you wear jewellery daily, go 14K or 18K for durability. If it's occasional wear, 18K or higher for luxury.
The Bottom Line
Gold plated jewellery has its place — theatrical costume, trend-chasing fast fashion, a one-night look. But if you want jewellery you'll actually wear, actually love, and actually keep? Buy solid gold.
Your future self will thank you.
Looking for solid gold jewellery from a jeweller you can trust? Browse our collection of 9K, 14K, and 18K solid gold pieces at caratdirect.com.au — all fully hallmarked and built to last.