Most jewelry under $100 is one of three things: gold-plated, gold vermeil, or gold-filled. Brands often blur the terms. Here is what each actually means — and which one is on each of our pieces, since we label every item with exactly what it is.
Gold-plated
A thin layer of gold bonded over a base metal, usually brass or stainless steel. It is the most affordable way to wear gold, and modern plating over stainless steel (sometimes called PVD plating) resists fading far better than older methods. Honest expectations: with daily wear, plating can wear at friction points over months to a couple of years. Best for: earrings and pieces that don't rub — and budgets under $45. That's why our plated pieces, like our Everyday Huggie Hoops, stay in that range.
Gold vermeil
A legally defined standard in the US: at least 2.5 microns of gold over a core of solid sterling silver — so even the metal underneath is precious. Vermeil is hypoallergenic for most people and the fastest-growing material in demi-fine jewelry. Best for: elevated everyday pieces. Ours: the Vermeil Shimmer Chain and Vermeil Double-Drop Huggies.
Gold-filled
The most durable of the three: a thick layer of gold — by law, at least 1/20th of the piece's weight — mechanically bonded to the core. Gold-filled jewelry is water-resistant, tarnish-resistant, safe for sensitive skin, and with care lasts for many years of daily wear. It is the closest thing to solid gold without the solid-gold price. Ours: the Herringbone Chain Necklace and Baroque Pearl Bracelet.
How to choose
Wear it daily, in the shower, forever → gold-filled. Elevated gift or sensitive skin → vermeil. Trend piece or tight budget → quality plating, worn thoughtfully. Whatever you choose, the material is stated plainly on every Softly Gilded product page — no mystery metal.
Care, in one paragraph
All gold-toned jewelry lasts longer put on after lotion and perfume, wiped with a soft dry cloth after wear, and stored dry. Pearls especially. That's the whole secret.