Four different things get called gold jewellery. They're not the same thing.
Here's what each one actually is.
The four types of gold jewellery, plainly
Solid Gold
Gold all the way through. It won't tarnish, never needs replating and can last generations with proper care.
A solid gold chain would cost several thousand dollars.
Gold Filled
A thick layer of gold permanently bonded to a brass core. More durable than standard gold plating.
Because the base is brass, it can still cause skin reactions for some people.
Gold Vermeil
Sterling silver underneath with gold plating over the top.
The silver base is hypoallergenic, but once the plating naturally wears, silver can tarnish.
18k Gold Plated Stainless Steel
This is what Other Things uses.
A stainless steel base with an 18k gold plating. The waterproof performance comes from the stainless steel beneath, while the gold provides the colour and finish.
Stainless steel won't rust, won't tarnish and doesn't react with most skin.
18k is the gold.
Stainless steel is what makes it durable.
So what does "18k" actually mean?
The "18k" refers only to the purity of the gold used in the plating.
18k gold is 75% pure gold.
24k is purer, but much softer.
9k is harder, but noticeably paler.
18k sits comfortably in the middle β rich colour, everyday durability and the warm gold tone most people expect.
| Type | Base Metal | Gold | Waterproof | Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Gold | Gold Alloy | 75% (18k) | β | β |
| Gold Filled | Brass | ~5% by weight | Mostly | Sometimes |
| Gold Vermeil | Sterling Silver | Gold Plating | No | Usually |
| 18k Gold Plated | Stainless Steel | 18k Gold Plating | β | β |
Will the gold wear off?
Eventually, yes.
Like any plated jewellery, the gold layer slowly becomes thinner over timeβespecially on places that experience constant contact, like a clasp or the underside of a ring.
When that happens, what sits underneath isn't brass or copper.
It's stainless steel.
Still wearable. Still waterproof. Still hypoallergenic.
Harsh cleaners and perfumes will speed that process up. Everyday showers, sweat and swimming won't.
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Why we chose this combination
The brief for Other Things was simple:
Jewellery you don't have to take off.
Stainless steel with 18k gold plating is the combination that makes that possible without the price tag of solid gold.
Is it worth it?
For jewellery you'll wear every day - absolutely.
For something you hope to pass down through generations, choose solid gold.
