When shopping for fine jewelry, the terms solid, hollow, semi-hollow, plated, and vermeil can feel confusing. Understanding these differences helps you make the best choice for both beauty and long-term value. At Hudson Valley Goldsmith, we want you to feel confident in knowing exactly what you’re buying.
Solid Gold Jewelry
Solid gold jewelry is crafted entirely from a gold alloy (a mix of gold with other metals for strength). It’s the most durable and long-lasting type of gold jewelry.
Pros: Strong, valuable, resists wear over decades, can be resized and repaired.
Cons: Heavier and more expensive than other options.
If you’re looking for an heirloom piece that will last generations, solid gold is the gold standard.
Semi-Hollow & Hollow Gold Jewelry
Hollow gold jewelry looks the same as solid gold from the outside but is crafted with space inside to make it lighter and more affordable.
Hollow Gold: Completely hollow inside, very lightweight, but more fragile and prone to denting.
Semi-Hollow Gold: A middle ground—lighter than solid gold, but still has more substance than fully hollow pieces.
These options are great if you want a bold look (like chunky hoops or chains) without the weight or price of solid gold. Just keep in mind they may not hold up as well to everyday wear.
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or copper.
Pros: Affordable, can mimic the look of gold.
Cons: The thin gold layer wears away over time, exposing the base metal underneath. Cannot be polished or resized easily.
This is best for fashion jewelry, not long-term investment pieces.
Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a step up from plating. It’s made with a thick layer of gold over sterling silver.
Pros: Higher quality than regular plating, more durable, hypoallergenic because of the sterling silver base.
Cons: Still not as long-lasting as solid gold, and the gold layer may eventually wear off.
Vermeil offers a beautiful balance between quality and price—perfect if you want the look of gold without the solid gold cost.
Which Is Right for You?
Solid gold → Best for lifelong, heirloom-quality pieces.
Semi-hollow/hollow gold → Best for large, statement styles at a lower cost.
Vermeil → Best for quality, affordable jewelry that looks and feels luxurious.
Plated gold → Best for trendy, short-term pieces.
At Hudson Valley Goldsmith, we specialize in solid gold and fine materials that are made to last for generations. Whether you’re choosing a custom design or selecting from our finished collection, we’ll help you find the perfect piece.
Solid Gold Jewelry
Solid gold jewelry is crafted entirely from a gold alloy (a mix of gold with other metals for strength). It’s the most durable and long-lasting type of gold jewelry.
Pros: Strong, valuable, resists wear over decades, can be resized and repaired.
Cons: Heavier and more expensive than other options.
If you’re looking for an heirloom piece that will last generations, solid gold is the gold standard.
Semi-Hollow & Hollow Gold Jewelry
Hollow gold jewelry looks the same as solid gold from the outside but is crafted with space inside to make it lighter and more affordable.
Hollow Gold: Completely hollow inside, very lightweight, but more fragile and prone to denting.
Semi-Hollow Gold: A middle ground—lighter than solid gold, but still has more substance than fully hollow pieces.
These options are great if you want a bold look (like chunky hoops or chains) without the weight or price of solid gold. Just keep in mind they may not hold up as well to everyday wear.
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Gold-plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or copper.
Pros: Affordable, can mimic the look of gold.
Cons: The thin gold layer wears away over time, exposing the base metal underneath. Cannot be polished or resized easily.
This is best for fashion jewelry, not long-term investment pieces.
Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a step up from plating. It’s made with a thick layer of gold over sterling silver.
Pros: Higher quality than regular plating, more durable, hypoallergenic because of the sterling silver base.
Cons: Still not as long-lasting as solid gold, and the gold layer may eventually wear off.
Vermeil offers a beautiful balance between quality and price—perfect if you want the look of gold without the solid gold cost.
Which Is Right for You?
Solid gold → Best for lifelong, heirloom-quality pieces.
Semi-hollow/hollow gold → Best for large, statement styles at a lower cost.
Vermeil → Best for quality, affordable jewelry that looks and feels luxurious.
Plated gold → Best for trendy, short-term pieces.
At Hudson Valley Goldsmith, we specialize in solid gold and fine materials that are made to last for generations. Whether you’re choosing a custom design or selecting from our finished collection, we’ll help you find the perfect piece.