These terms describe different constructions. Solid gold is a non-hollow gold alloy throughout; gold-filled, vermeil, and plated pieces use a gold surface over another metal under different rules.

A United States-scoped comparison of solid gold, gold-filled, vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry that separates the base, surface layer, regulated terms, and expected wear.

What this guide covers

Identify whether gold is throughout the piece or only at the surface.
Read the karat, base metal, application method, thickness or weight ratio, and finish disclosure.
Keep United States definitions separate from other jurisdictions and from wear-life promises.

What each term describes in current US guidance

Construction

Solid gold: Non-hollow gold alloy throughout
Gold-filled: Mechanically applied gold-alloy layer over another metal
Vermeil: Gold coating over sterling silver
Gold-plated: Gold or gold-alloy surface over another material
Guidance: The karat or coating disclosure still matters.

Key US condition

Solid gold: State karat; disclose hollow construction
Gold-filled: At least 10K and at least 1/20 of metal weight for gold-filled
Vermeil: At least 10K and 2.5 micrometers fine-gold equivalent
Gold-plated: Reasonable durability and accurate plating description
Guidance: This is a summary, not a substitute for the current regulation.

Wear question

Solid gold: Surface is the alloy itself
Gold-filled: Surface layer can wear
Vermeil: Surface layer can wear
Gold-plated: Surface layer can wear
Guidance: No static page should promise a fixed service life.

How the terms are compared

Method
The matrix uses current United States FTC wording and compares where the gold sits, what supports it, how the layer is applied, and which threshold or disclosure controls the term.

The practical tradeoffs

Gold throughout

A solid-gold item is not hollow, but it still has a karat and is usually an alloy rather than pure 24K gold.

Known precious-metal base

Vermeil uses sterling silver beneath its qualifying gold coating under current US guidance.

Layer and wear

Gold-filled and plated terms describe different surface constructions. Thickness, coverage, use, and care shape wear; the label alone does not set a lifespan.

Jurisdiction and full disclosure matter

Disclosure
Use FTC thresholds only with a visible United States scope and current review date. A surface-focused reading also cannot prove through-composition by itself; GIA's single plated-gold lab example required microscopy and multiple observations.

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Related guides

Jewelry Metals and Materials Center