Solid gold means the metal is gold throughout the piece, usually mixed with stronger alloys to give it durability, and stamped with a hallmark (9ct, 14k, 18k) showing the purity. It holds its value, can be resized and repaired, and lasts for decades with normal care.
Gold plated jewellery is a base metal, often brass or sterling silver, coated in a thin layer of gold by electroplating. The plating typically wears off within a few months to a few years depending on how often you wear the piece and how thick the plating is. Once the plating wears, the base metal underneath shows through.
Plated jewellery suits short term wear or fashion pieces. Solid gold suits anything you want to keep for years, especially rings, wedding bands and fine pieces worn daily. The price difference reflects the difference in material and longevity.
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