What Are You Wearing?

Choosing jewellery isn’t just about style - it’s about durability, comfort, and long-term value. With so many options like Gold and Silver Plated, Gold Filled, Sterling Silver, 9ct, 10ct, and 14k gold, it can get confusing. Some pieces tarnish quickly, while others can last a lifetime.

This guide breaks down the essentials so you can shop smarter, avoid disappointment, and invest in jewellery you’ll treasure for years to come.

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1. Gold & Silver Plated Jewellery: Affordable but Temporary

Gold and Silver Plated Jewellery has a very thin layer of Gold or Silver over a base metal. Common base metals include:

Brass  |  Copper  |  Nickel  |  Zinc alloy  |  Stainless steel

Plated pieces are budget-friendly, stylish, and perfect for one-off occasions. However, despite their availability on the high street and online, they are not designed for daily wear.

Pros: Affordable | Wide variety of trendy styles
Cons: Wears off quickly | Can cause skin irritation
Best for: Occasional wear

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2. Gold Filled Jewellery: Long-Lasting Affordable Luxury

Gold filled jewellery is the modern, standardised term for pieces with a thick layer of Gold bonded to a base metal, usually brass due to its durability and bonding capabilities.

 It is sometimes called “rolled gold,” an older term mostly used for vintage jewellery. Both terms describe the same process.

With a minimum of 5% gold by weight, Gold Filled Jewellery is far more durable than Gold Plated pieces, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear and long-lasting luxury.

While all gold filled pieces must meet the minimum 5% Gold standard, the Gold layer can vary in purity, commonly 10k, 12k, or 14k, with 14k being the most widely used today. Higher karats contain more pure gold, offering a richer colour and slightly greater value, as seen in many of our Luxe Collection chains.

Pros: Long-lasting shine | Hypoallergenic | Affordable alternative to Solid Gold
Cons: Requires gentle care | Pricier than Gold Plated jewellery (but worth it)
Best for: Everyday jewellery that feels luxurious without breaking the bank

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3. Sterling Silver: Timeless and Reliable

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, making it a solid, durable, and affordable precious metal. Unlike plated jewellery, Sterling Silver won’t wear away and can be easily polished to restore its shine.

Pros: Lasts a lifetime with proper care | Hypoallergenic | Can be polished to restore shine
Cons: Can tarnish over time if not cared for properly (easy to clean) | Softer than gold filled, so scratches more easily (but can be polished out)
Best for: Classic, everyday pieces that are meant to last decades

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4. Tips For High Street or Online Jewellery Shopping

- Check the stamp: “GF” = Gold Filled, “925” = Sterling Silver - if in doubt, ask. 

- Avoid cheap plated pieces for daily wear

- Ask about hypoallergenic properties if you have sensitive skin

- Understand return policies - not all jewellery can be exchanged if it tarnishes

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6. Our Advice

At LinQed by Lisa, we focus on jewellery that combines style, durability, and sentiment. Our Gold Filled and Sterling Silver Collections are designed for everyday wear, crafted to last, and perfect as gifts or keepsakes.

Where possible, avoid high-street and online traps of low-quality plated jewellery and aim to invest in pieces that will shine for time.