Materials
We believe you should know exactly what you are wearing. Here is every material we use, what it is, and how to tell the difference.
Three things are sold as gold
They photograph identically. They do not wear identically.
Gold plated
A thin layer of gold electroplated over another metal, thinner than a single strand of human hair. For perspective, a sheet of printer paper is about 100 microns thick. That surface layer wears off, and the FTC does not regulate how thick plating has to be, so quality varies wildly between brands.
Not used at Gold Club.
14k gold-filled
A substantial layer of real 14k gold mechanically bonded to a core metal under heat and pressure, so the gold stays put rather than sitting on the surface. Far more real gold than plating. Tarnish resistant, well suited to sensitive skin, and built for daily wear.
This is Gold Club Everyday, including every LustraFlex™ band and our chains.
Solid 14k and 18k gold
Gold all the way through, with no core metal at all. It will not flake, peel or wear through, it is water safe, and with care it lasts a lifetime. We work in both 14k and 18k, with 18k carrying a higher proportion of pure gold and a warmer tone. Heirloom quality, made to pass down.
This is Gold Club Reserve.
Why gold-filled is not just another word for plated
It is a distinction worth understanding.
The term gold-filled is regulated. Under U.S. jewelry guidelines, anything described as gold-filled must have a gold-alloy layer accounting for at least 1/20 of the total metal weight, which is 5 percent. Gold Club Everyday contains 7.5 percent gold by weight, comfortably above the minimum.
Gold plating is not regulated at all. There is no minimum thickness, so two plated pieces can look the same and wear very differently. We do not use it.
How to read any jewelry listing
If a listing does not clearly say solid gold or gold-filled, it is most likely gold plated. Watch for language that sounds like a material but is not one:
- “Gold finish”
- “Gold color” or “gold tone”
- “Premium gold”
- “Waterproof jewelry” with no metal named
None of those tell you how much gold you are actually buying. A real material description does.
Diamonds: natural and lab-grown
We offer both, and we are always transparent about which is which. Neither is the better choice in the abstract. They are different choices.
How they are the same
Both are real diamonds, not simulants like cubic zirconia. Both are graded on the same 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. Both are visually indistinguishable to the naked eye, and both are set in Gold Club Reserve pieces.
Natural diamonds
Formed deep within the earth over billions of years, then mined and cut using traditional methods. Each one is geologically unique. People often choose natural for rarity, for potential long-term resale value, or for engagements, heirlooms and tradition.
Lab-grown diamonds
Created in high-tech labs using heat and pressure. Chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, at a lower price point for the same size and sparkle. People often choose lab-grown for value, for a smaller environmental footprint, or for everyday fine jewelry and bolder looks.
Whether you prefer the rarity of earth-formed stones or the accessibility of lab-grown brilliance, we will tell you exactly what you are looking at and help you choose.
The band
Every Everyday bracelet is built on LustraFlex™, our proprietary clasp-free construction. A high-performance elastic core with precision-strung 14k gold-filled beads, made for sweat, water and daily wear, and offered in four sizes from XS to L.
Looking after it
Gold-filled and solid gold are both made for real life, but a little care goes a long way. Rinse after chlorine or saltwater, avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, and clean occasionally with a jewelry-safe cleaner.
Still have a question about materials? Write to us, and a member of our team will reply personally.