Jewelry Guide: Gold, Plating & More
Jewelry Material Guide
Style that stays starts with what your jewelry is made of.
At Tonalé Row, we curate jewelry designed for every day and every decade. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted from materials chosen for their beauty, quality, and longevity. Because every finish wears differently, we want you to know exactly what you’re buying—and how to keep it looking its best.
Use this guide as a quick reference whenever you see terms like gold-filled, vermeil, sterling silver, or PVD in our product listings. Think of it as your personal roadmap to what’s inside your jewelry box.
Material Reference Table
| Material | Description | Durability & Wear | Tarnish Resistance | Price Tier* | Care Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-Filled — thick layer of real gold bonded to a base metal (usually brass; legally ≥ 5% gold by weight) | Substantially more gold than standard plating; mechanically bonded, not flashed. | Very durable; can last decades. | Excellent; gold doesn’t rub off easily. | $$ | Avoid harsh chemicals; store separately. |
| Vermeil — thick gold plating (≥ 2.5 µm) over sterling silver | Legally defined; thicker than typical plating. | Good durability; better than thin plating. | Good; may wear if heavily abraded. | $$–$$$ | Keep dry; avoid abrasion; store in pouch. |
| Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver — sterling silver coated with rhodium | Bright white finish; hard, tarnish-resistant surface. | High durability; resists scratches. | Excellent; rhodium won’t tarnish. | $$ | Clean gently; avoid harsh polishes. |
| Gold-Plated Sterling Silver — silver base with a thin layer of gold | Silver core with decorative gold surface. | Moderate durability. | Good initially; may wear to expose silver. | $$ | Remove before water, lotions, perfumes. |
| Gold-Plated Brass — brass base with a thin gold coating | Fashion-forward look at accessible price. | Lower durability; thickness varies. | Fair; brass may tarnish if plating wears. | $–$$ | Best for occasional wear; keep dry. |
| Gold-Plated Stainless Steel — stainless steel base with thin gold plating | Steel core adds strength and corrosion resistance. | Moderate durability; sturdy core. | Better than brass cores. | $$ | Avoid bleach; wipe dry after moisture. |
| PVD Stainless Steel — stainless steel with Physical Vapor Deposition coating | Dense, hard film adheres at molecular level; tougher than traditional plating. | Excellent durability; resists scratches/fading. | Excellent. | $$–$$$ | Wipe with cloth; avoid abrasives/chemicals. |
| Sterling Silver (92.5) — 92.5% pure silver alloy | Classic precious metal, usually alloyed with copper. | Durable but softer than gold alloys. | Can tarnish; easily cleaned. | $$ | Store in anti-tarnish pouch; clean gently. |
| Solid Gold — pure gold alloy (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) | Gold all the way through (not plated). | Extremely durable; heirloom quality. | Excellent; does not tarnish. | $$$$ | Gentle cleaning only; avoid abrasives. |
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*Price tiers are relative: $ = trend/seasonal, $$$$ = heirloom/investment.
Tips for Choosing & Caring
- Everyday vs. occasional wear: Choose gold-filled, rhodium-plated sterling silver, PVD stainless steel, or solid gold for daily staples. Save gold-plated brass or thin plating for trend pieces.
- Mix your metals: Gold, silver, and rose tones can absolutely be worn together. Layering and proportion are what make a look cohesive—not rigid rules.
- Care essentials: Keep pieces dry, wipe clean after wear, and store separately in soft pouches. Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and aggressive polishing on plated or coated surfaces.
- Transparency: Every Tonalé Row product listing clearly states the material. If you’re ever unsure how a piece will wear, check this guide or reach out—we’ll walk you through it.