Buying guides
Gold-plated, gold-filled, vermeil or solid gold: what's the difference?
Four terms you'll see everywhere, explained in plain English — what each one is, what it costs, and which makes sense for everyday wear.
Walk into any jewellery conversation online and you'll meet four terms: gold-plated, gold-filled, vermeil and solid gold. They're often used loosely, which makes it hard to compare prices fairly. Here's what each actually means.
Solid gold
Solid gold means the piece is gold alloy all the way through. In India, the karat tells you how much gold is in it: 22K is about 91.6% gold, 18K about 75%, 14K about 58.5%. The rest is other metals that make it harder.
- Lasts: a lifetime, and can be resized, repaired and resold for its gold value.
- Costs: the most, and moves with the gold price.
- Best for: heirlooms, wedding jewellery, investment.
Gold-filled
Gold-filled jewellery has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, usually brass. The layer is much thicker than plating.
- Lasts: many years of regular wear.
- Costs: well below solid gold, above plated.
- Best for: people who want long-lasting everyday gold without solid-gold prices. It's less common in India.
Gold vermeil
Vermeil (say "ver-may") is gold plating over sterling silver, usually a thicker plating than standard. Definitions vary between countries, so check what a brand means by it.
- Lasts: longer than standard plating with care; the silver base can show if the gold wears.
- Best for: fine-looking pieces at a mid price.
Gold-plated
Gold plating applies a thin layer of gold over a base metal through electroplating. The base matters: stainless steel is strong and holds its shape for daily wear.
- Lasts: depends on how you wear and care for it — perfume, water and friction wear plating down over time.
- Costs: the least, which is why it's the home of trend-led and everyday designs.
- Best for: trying new styles, everyday layering, gifting, building a wardrobe of pieces.
A quick comparison
| Gold layer | Price | Everyday care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid gold | All the way through | Highest | Minimal |
| Gold-filled | Thick bonded layer | Medium | Low |
| Vermeil | Plating over silver | Medium | Moderate |
| Gold-plated | Thin plated layer | Lowest | Gentle care needed |
So which should you buy?
Choose by how you'll use it:
- Wedding sets and pieces to pass down: solid gold.
- One chain you'll wear for years without thinking: gold-filled or solid gold.
- A wardrobe of everyday pieces you'll mix, layer and change with your outfits: gold-plated is the practical choice — and a few simple habits keep it looking good. Our care guide covers them.
What CHICX is
CHICX pieces are 18K gold-plated stainless steel, priced between ₹999 and ₹1,999. We say that plainly on every product page, because the right choice depends on knowing exactly what you're buying.
Questions
Is gold-plated jewellery fake?
It isn't fake gold — it's a real layer of gold over another metal. It's a different product from solid gold, and honest brands say so clearly.
Which lasts longest?
Solid gold lasts a lifetime. Gold-filled has a much thicker gold layer than plating. Vermeil and gold-plated pieces need gentler care because the gold layer is thinner.
What is CHICX made of?
18K gold-plated stainless steel. Stainless steel is a sturdy base for everyday pieces, and the plating gives the gold finish.
Can I wear gold-plated jewellery every day?
Yes — that's what it's for. Take it off for water, workouts and sleep, keep it away from perfume, and it'll serve you well.
