Gold has long been considered a symbol of value, endurance, and legacy—but in 2025, its worth has become more tangible than ever. Recently surpassing $4,800 AUD per troy ounce (20 March 2025), gold has reached record highs, reinforcing its role as a reliable investment. This shift makes understanding the difference between solid gold, vermeil, and gold-plated jewellery more important than ever—because not all gold jewellery holds lasting value.

In my studio, I primarily work with 9ct and 18ct Gold, following Australian alloy standards. 9ct Gold is an affordable yet durable option, offering strength and longevity while making fine jewellery more accessible. 18ct Gold, with its higher gold content, is more precious and has a deeper, richer hue. It also strikes the perfect balance between durability and flexibility, making it ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, and daily wear pieces that are built to last.

Unlike gold-filled, gold plated or vermeil jewellery, solid gold retains its intrinsic worth. It can be melted down, reshaped, and passed through generations without losing its core material value. As gold prices continue to rise, investing in solid gold jewellery isn’t just about adornment—it’s about choosing something meaningful that holds its value over time.

Learn more about the metals I work with on the Meet Your Metals page.

Vermeil is a term for jewellery made by electroplating a 2.5-micron layer of gold over sterling silver, offering a more affordable way to wear jewellery that looks gold. However, over time, this layer wears away, exposing the silver beneath.

Gold-plated jewellery is even less durable, with a thin 0.5-micron coating over sterling silver or, more commonly, base metals like brass or copper. These pieces tarnish quickly, wear down with regular use, and often cannot be repaired.

Gold-filled jewellery sits between vermeil and solid gold in terms of quality—it’s made by mechanically bonding a thicker layer of gold to a base metal, making it more durable than plating but still not as enduring or valuable as solid gold.

While gold-filled, vermeil and plated jewellery may have aesthetic appeal, they are not designed for longevity. They cannot be remelted or traded for gold value, and they do not hold up to daily wear in the same way that solid gold does.

Gold has always been considered a "safe-haven" asset—when global uncertainty rises, so does its value. The recent surge in gold prices is driven by several key factors. Global economic instability, inflation concerns, and fluctuating interest rates have led investors to seek refuge in gold, which historically holds its value better than paper currency. Additionally, central banks around the world are increasing their gold reserves, further driving demand. Geopolitical tensions and stock market volatility also play a role, as investors turn to gold as a hedge against risk.

For jewellery buyers, this means that solid gold is more valuable than ever—not just as an adornment, but as an asset that retains worth in a shifting economy. Unlike fast-fashion jewellery, which depreciates over time, a well-crafted gold piece is both wearable art and a tangible investment.

Jewellery is more than just a sum of materials—it is craftsmanship, design, and sentiment. A beautifully made solid gold piece carries the weight of both its artistry and its intrinsic worth. While trends in gold plating and vermeil come and go, solid gold remains—both in its material permanence and its enduring significance.

As gold prices rise, choosing solid gold jewellery is an investment in something lasting. Whether it’s 9ct for durability and affordability or 18ct for its luxurious depth and heirloom quality, solid gold ensures that what you wear today can be treasured for a lifetime.