Not all gold jewelry is created equal.
GOLD-FILLED
Gold-Filled: Built for Everyday Adventure
What it is: Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold (5% by weight) mechanically bonded to a base metal core. At Stone + Salt, we use 14k/20k gold-filled, which means 14k gold makes up 1/20th of the total weight—about 100x thicker than standard gold plating.
Why we love it:
- Durable enough for daily wear - Hiking, swimming, sleeping—it can handle it
- Won't tarnish, flake, or peel - The gold is bonded, not just dipped
- Looks and wears like solid gold - At a fraction of the price
- Low-maintenance - Just wipe with a soft cloth occasionally
Best for:
- Active, outdoorsy lifestyles (aka you!)
- 24/7 wear
- People who want maximum durability
Care: Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. Safe for water, but remove before chlorinated pools or hot tubs. Store safely to prevent scratching.
GOLD VERMEIL
Gold Vermeil: Sterling Silver + 24k Gold + 14k Flash
What it is: Each vermeil piece starts with a 925 sterling silver base, then we apply 2.5 microns of 24k gold (the legal minimum for vermeil), topped with a 14k gold flash for extra durability and a warm, rich finish.
Why we love it:
- Hypoallergenic - Sterling silver is gentle on sensitive skin
- Heirloom value - If the gold ever wears, you still have a sterling silver piece underneath
- Thicker plating than standard vermeil - The 14k flash adds extra protection
- Mid-range, high quality - Premium materials without the solid gold price tag
Best for:
- Sensitive skin or metal allergies
- Pieces you wear often but not 24/7
- Customers who want heirloom value
Care: Remove before swimming, showering, or exercising. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing. Avoid lotions, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Store in a jewelry box or pouch.
Replating available: We offer replating services to keep your vermeil pieces looking new for years (see Care section below).
SOLID GOLD
Solid Gold: The Heirloom Investment
What it is: 100% gold alloy (14k, 18k, or 22k). No plating, no base metal. Just pure, precious metal throughout.
Why it's special: Solid gold is the most durable and valuable option. It won't tarnish, wear, or fade—ever. It's an investment piece that can be passed down for generations.
The trade-off: Solid gold is priced by weight and karat, making it significantly more expensive than gold-filled or vermeil. But it's also a true heirloom piece.
Coming Soon: We're exploring adding solid gold pieces to our collection. Would you wear solid gold jewelry from Stone + Salt?
Interested in our future solid gold pieces? Click here to be the first to know.
GOLD PLATING
HOW TO CHOOSE
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
WHY IT MATTERS
Quality You Can Feel
At Stone + Salt Jewelry, I believe in creating pieces that last—not just for a season, but for years. That's why I use 14k/20k gold-filled and 24k + 14k flash vermeil instead of cheap gold plating.
Whether you choose gold-filled for its durability or vermeil for its hypoallergenic base, you're investing in quality materials, thoughtful design, and jewelry you can wear everywhere—from the mountains to the river to everyday life.