Jewelry Materials Guide: Gold Plated, Rhodium Plated, 14K Gold & 18K Gold Explained
When shopping for jewelry, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by terms like gold plated, rhodium plated, 14K gold, and 18K gold. They can all look similar at first glance, but they’re actually very different when it comes to durability, price, and how you’ll wear them day to day.
At Raiz, we try to keep things simple and honest. Jewelry should feel beautiful, but it should also make sense in terms of what it’s made of, how it wears over time, and how to care for it. Whether you’re building a daily jewelry rotation or investing in something more permanent, knowing your materials really matters.
So let’s break it down!
What Is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is made by coating a base metal with a layer of gold. It gives you the look of gold without the solid gold price point.
Not all plating is the same, though. The base metal and the plating process make a big difference in how long it lasts.
PVD Gold Plating Over Brass
Raiz’s gold plated pieces are made with a brass base and finished with a thick layer of PVD gold plating (Physical Vapor Deposition).
PVD is a more advanced plating method that bonds the gold layer more securely than traditional flash plating, which helps the finish hold up better over time.
Why people choose gold plated jewelry
● More affordable than solid gold
● Great for everyday styling and layering
● Holds color better when made with PVD plating
● Easy way to wear, beautiful pieces without the big commitment
Gold plated jewelry is demi-fine jewelry, so it will naturally show wear over time — but higher-quality plating can significantly extend its life.
How to care for gold plated jewelry
● Keep away from perfumes, lotions, chlorine, and chemicals
● Take it off before showering, swimming, or working out
● Store in a dry pouch or jewelry box
● Wipe it down after wearing to remove oils
What Is Rhodium Plated Jewelry?
Rhodium plated jewelry is what gives silver-toned pieces that bright, reflective finish. It’s commonly used to elevate base metals and add a bit more durability. We use thick rhodium plating over brass in our silver-toned pieces for a cleaner, more polished look.
What is rhodium?
Rhodium is a rare metal in the platinum family. It’s known for being bright white, reflective, and resistant to tarnish.
Why people love rhodium plated jewelry
● Bright, clean silver finish
● More resistant to tarnishing than basic silver plating
● Feels more elevated than standard fashion jewelry
● Lightweight and easy to wear every day
How to care for rhodium plated jewelry
● Avoid water and chemicals when possible
● Store separately so it doesn’t scratch
● Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth
● Skip harsh polishing dips or cleaners
Like all plated jewelry, it will naturally wear down over time depending on how often it’s worn.
Solid Gold Jewelry: 14K Gold vs 18K Gold
Solid gold jewelry is where the realm of legacy pieces exists. This is also where Raiz’s Heirloom Collection enters the room (very soon now). Unlike plated pieces, solid gold is gold all the way through, not just on the surface.
Now, let's talk varying grades of gold. In regards to Karats, we are referring to the ratios between pure gold and alloy metals in any given piece. Because pure 24K gold is too soft for everyday wear, it’s alloyed with metals like copper, silver, or zinc to make it stronger.
What Is 14K Gold?
14K gold is made up of about 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy metals.
It’s one of the most popular choices for fine jewelry (and what’s being used for our Raiz Heirloom Charms) because it’s strong, practical, low maintenance and still has that warm gold look people love.
Why 14K gold works so well
● Durable enough for everyday wear
● Doesn’t tarnish easily
● Great for rings, charms, and pendants
● Long-lasting with minimal upkeep
Why we use it for heirloom charms
Charms and pendants tend to get the most movement and contact throughout the day, so 14K gold is a really smart choice. It holds up well while still having the indefinitely polishable, eternal quality.
Caring for 14K gold
● Clean with mild soap and warm water
● Avoid harsh chemicals
● Store separately to prevent scratches
● Polish lightly when needed
What Is 18K Gold?
18K gold is made with about 75% pure gold, which gives it a deeper, richer yellow tone compared to 14K. It feels a bit more elevated and luxurious, while still being durable enough for fine jewelry. 18K gold is the material we’ve chosen for Raiz’s Heirloom Chains.
Why 18K gold stands out
● Warmer, richer gold color
● Higher gold content
● More elevated, fine jewelry feel
● Great for delicate or refined designs
Why we use it for chains
Chains really show off the color of gold, so 18K gives them a beautiful depth and richness. Paired with solid gold charms, it creates a really balanced, elevated look.
Caring for 18K gold
● Remove during workouts or heavy activity
● Clean gently with soap and water
● Store flat to avoid tangling or scratching
● 18K gold is softer and more malleable than lower-karat gold, so handle with care to avoid dents, bends, or misshaping
How to Choose the Right Jewelry Material
There isn’t really a “best” material; it just depends on how you wear jewelry and what you’re looking for.
Gold plated jewelry works best for:
● Accessible luxury
● Layering and styling
● Low-commitment accessory capsules
Rhodium plated jewelry works best for:
● Silver-toned jewelry lovers
● Clean, modern styling
● Attainable jewelry with a polished finish
14K gold works best for:
● Everyday fine jewelry
● Durable, long-term wear
● Sensitive skin
Heirloom-style pieces 18K gold works best for:
● Elevated fine jewelry
● Rich gold tones
● Minimal, refined designs
● More legacy-focused pieces
As we grow, we find ourselves drawn to creating pieces that can grow with us. We want our jewelry to celebrate your story, honor your memories, and become part of a legacy that lasts for generations.
Soon, we'll be introducing Raiz's Heirloom Collection: crafted in solid gold and designed to be worn often, lived in, layered over time, and eventually passed down. These are pieces made to feel deeply personal—timeless treasures that carry meaning today and for years to come.
More soon.
Love,
Raiz