What is the difference between gold plated and solid gold jewellery?

Solid gold is made from genuine gold alloys, while gold plated jewellery is a thin layer of gold bonded over a base metal. Solid gold is more durable, valuable, and long-lasting.

How can you tell if jewellery is solid gold or gold plated?

Solid gold is stamped with karat marks (10k, 14k, 18k, etc.). Gold plated items may be marked 'GP' or 'GEP'. Solid gold feels denser and doesn’t flake, unlike plated layers.

Which is better: gold plated or solid gold?

Solid gold is stronger, longer-lasting, and retains value over time. Gold plated jewellery is cheaper and trendy but the layer wears off, exposing the base metal.

The Glossary

Gold Plated vs Solid Gold: Which Should You Choose?

13 September 2025

Gold jewellery isn’t all the same—some pieces are solid through and through, others just plated. Here’s how to tell the difference, and the benefits and drawbacks of both.

What’s the Difference?

Solid gold jewellery is made from real gold alloyed with other metals for strength. The common karat grades are 10k, 14k, and 18k solid gold. The grades are named according to the strength of pure gold it contains. 10k contains 41.7% pure gold blended with alloys, 14k contains 58.3% pure gold and 18k contains 75% pure gold.

24k gold doesn't make good everyday jewellery because its extreme softness makes it easily scratch, dent, and bend, making it impractical for daily wear.

Gold plated jewellery, on the other hand, uses a base metal like brass or copper and adds a thin layer of gold on top. It has the look of gold at first glance but lacks the lasting power.

How to Tell Them Apart

Karat stamps: Solid gold pieces are marked with 10k, 14k, 18k, etc. Plated pieces may carry marks like GP (gold plated) or GEP (gold electroplated).
Weight: Solid gold feels heavier and more substantial. Plated jewellery is usually lighter.
Durability: Solid gold doesn’t flake. Plated layers eventually wear down, exposing the base metal underneath.
Professional check: Jewellers can confirm with acid or electronic tests if you’re unsure.

Pros & Cons

Solid Gold

Pros:

Durable and long-lasting—perfect for everyday wear.
Holds value and can be passed down as heirlooms.
Comes in different karats (10k, 14k, 18k) to balance colour and strength.
Hypoallergenic if nickel-free.

Cons:

More expensive upfront than plated options.
Softer than harder metals—may scratch with rough wear.

Gold Plated

Pros:

Affordable—gives you the look of gold at a lower price.
Great for trend-driven or occasional pieces.
Lightweight and easy to style.

Cons:

The thin gold layer wears away over time.
Exposed base metal may tarnish or irritate skin.
Low to no resale or heirloom value.

Conclusion: Solid Gold Wins Every Time

While gold plated jewellery can be fun for short-term trends, solid gold is the real investment—built to last through school runs, date nights, and everything in between. It’s jewellery you can wear today and pass down tomorrow.

Solid Gold at Matayi

All Matayi pieces are crafted only in 10k, 14k, and 18k solid gold. That means every hoop, pendant, and stacking ring is made to shine without fading, flaking, or losing its value. Our designs are minimalist, timeless, and perfect for everyday wear—so you can focus less on upkeep and more on making memories with your family.