Jewelry Metal Comparison
Material |
Price |
Durability |
Tarnish/Discoloration |
Allergies |
Best For |
Solid Gold |
Expensive $$$$ |
Excellent |
Doesn’t tarnish (lower karats can dull) |
Hypoallergenic in higher karats |
Luxury, investment pieces, daily wear |
Gold Vermeil |
Moderate to High $$$ |
Good |
Tarnishes over time as gold layer fades. Gold Vermeil is made with gold and sterling silver precious metals. |
Hypoallergenic (925 sterling silver base)
|
Fine jewelry look at lower cost; affordable luxury |
Gold-Filled |
Moderate $$$ |
Very Good |
Minimal tarnish, lasts for years. Usually, Gold-filled is made with brass metal base bonded with gold. |
May cause allergies due to base metal such as brass or other alloys |
Affordable alternative to solid gold |
Sterling Silver |
Moderate $$ |
Good |
Tarnishes easily but is easy to clean |
Hypoallergenic (except rare cases reaction to trace metals in the alloy) |
Affordable fine jewelry, vintage patina look, classic, timeless pieces |
Stainless Steel |
Affordable $ |
Excellent |
Does not tarnish or discolor |
Hypoallergenic (if it does not have nickel) |
Everyday wear like watches, fashion jewelry |
Brass |
Very affordable $ |
Good |
Tarnishes and discolors easily, it can turn greenish color |
High risk of allergic reactions (esp. sensitivities to copper and zinc) |
Fashion jewelry, statement pieces, vintage-style at a low cost |