Gold ball necklace: plated, vermeil or solid gold?
Three very different things are sold as a gold ball necklace. Here is how to tell them apart, what each is worth, and how to make a golden finish last.
Short answer: Solid gold lasts longest and costs most. Vermeil is a thick gold layer on silver, and plated is a thin layer over another metal. Ours are stainless steel with an 18k gold plating: a warm look at a friendly price.
- Our gold finish
- Stainless steel with an 18k gold plating
- Best with
- Rose quartz, moonstone, pearl, citrine, tiger’s eye, lapis
- Care
- Put it on last, keep it dry, store it in the pouch
- Personalise
- Engraved medal, gemstones, charms
Solid gold, vermeil and plated: what is the difference?
“Gold” on a necklace can mean three quite different things. Knowing which one you are buying explains the price.
| Type | What it is | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Solid gold | Gold alloy all the way through, stamped with its carat (9ct, 18ct and so on). | The most durable and the most expensive. Heavier. |
| Vermeil | A thick layer of gold over sterling silver. Usually defined as at least 2.5 microns. | Lasts longer than thin plating. Pricier than plated steel. |
| Gold plated | A thin layer of gold over another metal, such as stainless steel or brass. | Affordable. The layer can wear with use, and how fast depends on you. |
Our gold harmony balls are stainless steel with an 18k gold plating. The steel underneath doesn’t rust, and the plating gives the warm colour at a price that makes a keepsake easy to give.
How long does gold plating last?
It depends on how you wear it, so nobody can promise a number of years honestly. What wears plating down is friction, sweat, water, perfume and cleaning products. A pendant that hangs on a bump over clothing gets fewer knocks than a ring or a bracelet, which helps. Cotton and knitwear rubbing against it will still wear it over time.
Making gold plating last
- Put the necklace on last, after perfume, hairspray and body lotion.
- Take it off for showers, baths and swimming. Steel won’t rust, but water and soap wear the plating faster.
- Wipe it with a soft dry cloth.
- Store it in its pouch rather than loose in a bag.
Gold with gemstones
Gold is warm, so it flatters stones in the pink, cream and amber range: rose quartz, moonstone, pearl, citrine and tiger’s eye. Deep blue stones such as lapis also look good against it. Browse the gemstone meanings or choose by month with the birthstone guide.
A note on colour
Gold tones vary from pale to deep, and screens vary even more. If the exact shade matters, message the seller and ask for a photo in daylight.
Gold or silver?
Choose gold if your wardrobe and jewellery lean warm, and silver if they lean cool. If you wear a lot of gold already, a gold ball will look like it belongs. See the silver ball necklace guide for the alternative.
Questions people ask
Will gold plating turn my skin green?
Green marks come from copper in a base metal reacting with skin. A stainless steel base doesn’t do that, which is one reason we use it.
Is a gold-plated harmony ball waterproof?
The steel won’t rust, but water and soap wear plating faster. Take it off for showers and swimming and dry it if it gets wet.
Is gold plated or vermeil better?
Vermeil has a thicker layer of gold on sterling silver and usually lasts longer, but it costs more. Plated steel is the practical choice for a gift and for everyday wear.
Can I get a gold ball necklace with an engraving?
Yes. You can add an engraved medal beside the ball. See personalising a pregnancy necklace.
Keep reading
Silver ball necklace guide
What 925 means, shapes, and how to avoid tarnish.
Gemstones and their meanings
Ten stones, what they traditionally stand for, and how to care for them.
Personalised pregnancy necklace
Engraving, birthstones and charms, and how to order.
Made to order in France
Shop on Etsy (opens Etsy in a new tab)