Solid Gold vs. Hollow vs. Gold Plated
Material and construction answer two different questions. A chain can be made from 585 gold and still have hollow links. A gold-plated chain has a gold layer over another base material. Photographs alone rarely make these distinctions clear.
Solid gold
A piece described as solid 14K / 585 gold is made from a 585 gold alloy.
That alloy contains:
58.5% pure gold.
The term "solid gold" does not mean 100% pure gold.
It means that the underlying material itself is a gold alloy rather than another base material covered with a gold coating.
Hollow gold
A piece can be made from genuine gold while still being hollow internally.
This construction can make a chain appear relatively substantial while weighing less than a more compact construction.
"Hollow" and "real gold" therefore do not contradict each other.
One describes the construction.
The other describes the material.
Gold plated
Gold-plated jewelry uses another material as its core.
A layer of gold is then applied to the surface.
It can initially have a similar appearance to solid gold jewelry, but its underlying material construction is fundamentally different.
Why terminology matters
These differences can be difficult to judge from a photograph.
Look for clear product information including:
14K / 585
solid gold
weight
base material
plating
Our approach
At NTHIRTYTHREE, material should not be a mystery.
That is why our product pages clearly communicate specifications including:
- material
- gold purity
- width
- length
- approximate weight
Our classic gold chains and bracelets are made from 14K / 585 gold and crafted in our atelier in Vicenza, Italy.
In short
Solid gold: the underlying material itself is a gold alloy.
Hollow gold: genuine gold jewelry with a partially hollow construction.
Gold plated: another base material covered with a layer of gold.
They are not the same thing.
FAQ
Is 585 gold solid gold?
A solid 585 gold piece is made from a gold alloy containing 58.5% pure gold.
Is gold-plated jewelry real gold?
Its surface contains gold, but its underlying core is made from another material.
What does solid gold mean?
Solid gold means the jewelry itself is made from a gold alloy rather than simply being coated with gold.
What does NTHIRTYTHREE use?
Our classic gold chains and bracelets are made from 14K / 585 gold.
A 585 material mark alone does not confirm that the links are filled throughout. If construction matters to your choice and the product page does not specify it, ask us before buying. We can clarify the particular model rather than infer construction from karatage.
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Related guides
Further reading on fineness: World Gold Council.