solid gold

What Makes Solid Gold Worth It?

Is solid gold really worth the higher price compared to gold-plated jewellery?

If you’re investing in custom jewellery, especially a name necklace or diamond name necklace, you want something meaningful, safe, and built to last.

This guide answers every major question, compares options, and shows why solid gold is the smartest choice.

09 August, 2025

Gold jewellery comes in many forms but not all "gold" is created equal. The difference between solid gold and gold plated pieces isn't just about price, it's about what you're actually getting for your money.

Is solid gold really worth the higher price compared to gold-plated jewellery?

If you’re investing in custom jewellery, especially a name necklace or diamond name necklace, you want something meaningful, safe, and built to last. At Argent & Asher, our solid gold pieces start from £295 and are crafted to be cherished forever, not replaced.

This guide answers every major question, compares options, and shows why solid gold is the smartest choice.

Also Read: Why Real Gold Initial Necklaces Hold Their Value

What Makes Solid Gold So Special

Built to Last

• Durability: Solid gold does not tarnish, fade, or peel. Even with daily wear, sleeping, showering, or exercising, it retains its integrity (not true of plated pieces) 

Repairable and adjustable: Rings can be resized, chains repaired or extended, broken links fixed. Solid gold is easy for skilled jewellers to restore

• Timeless elegance: The warm glow of genuine gold works with every skin tone and never feels dated Hypoallergenic and Safe For those with sensitive skin, plated jewellery can cause irritation when the base metal surfaces.

In contrast, solid gold, especially 14K or 18K, is naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on skin.

solid gold earring

For more on which gold colour to choose read Which Gold Colour Matches Your Skin Tone.

Retains Value Over Time 

Intrinsic value: The gold content holds its worth even decades later, and customers often resell or trade solid pieces close to their original value depending on market 

Heirloom potential: A solid gold name necklace is more than jewellery, it’s a family legacy, treasured and passed down over generations.

Why I Only Work with Solid Gold 

Quality guaranteed: We never use gold-plating or vermeil. Every piece of jewellery is crafted in genuine 18K or 14K gold, no shortcuts. 

Best-in-class craft: Each letter, connection, and diamond setting is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans.

Customer-first transparency: From price range (name necklaces starting at £585) to preview mock-ups and care instructions, we inform and empower every customer from start to finish.

 

Feature

Solid Gold

Gold-Plated / Filled

Durability

Never fades or peels

Wears off, tarnishes over time

Skin-safety

Hypoallergenic, especially in 14K/18K

May cause irritation if base metals show

Resale or recycled value

High value, can be traded or melted down

Little to no resale value

Repair & resizing

Easily repaired/adjusted

Limited or no repair possibilities

Lifetime

Built to last generations

Short-lived; often transient fashion item

Investment potential

Yes value appreciates with gold market

No intrinsic monetary value

 

Solid gold is, simply put, investment jewellery, with lasting emotional and financial worth 

solid gold bracelets

A Smart Financial Investment

Wearable Wealth

When gold prices rise, your jewellery’s intrinsic value increases too. That means your £585+ custom name necklace isn’t just a cherished keepsake, it’s a wearable store of value

Heirloom Potential

Your piece isn’t just for you, it’s for your children, grandchildren, or future recipients. Many Argent & Asher customers intentionally choose solid gold so their diamond name necklaces become family heirlooms, retaining both meaning and monetary value.

Sustainability & Recyclability

Gold is 100% recyclable. When properly recycled, it retains its purity and can be remade. Choosing solid gold aligns with sustainable luxury, reducing waste and environmental impact over time.

How to Care for Solid Gold Jewellery

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush.

• Clean periodically to remove oils, lotions, and makeup build-up.

• Dry with a soft cloth and store in separate pouches to avoid scratches

For a more in depth maintenance guide read How to Make your Gold Jewellery Shine Like New.

Safe Storage

Store pieces separately in soft cloth or padded compartments. Avoid placing hard jewellery against softer gems. 

When to Avoid Exposure

• Remove your necklace before showering, exercising, or swimming.

• Keep it away from harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine that can dull or damage alloyed surfaces.

Repair and Adjustment

If a chain breaks or a jump ring comes loose, solid gold can readily be repaired. even years after purchase. Necklaces and rings can be resized, altered, or refinished at Argent & Asher or trusted jewellers. 

Also Read: A Buyer's Guide to Diamond Eternity Rings: How to Choose the Perfect One

Real Customer Experience – Proof That This Works

 “I ordered a Signature Diamond Name Necklace for my daughter’s birthday, and the entire process was seamless. From the very beginning, communication was excellent, I was kept up to date throughout, received mock‑up images, and was informed when the necklace went into production. The necklace itself is absolutely stunning, and my daughter is thrilled with her gift. Thank you for the truly outstanding customer service and for delivering such a beautiful piece.”

 – Edel R., verified review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This feedback illustrates how our preview process, craftsmanship, and customer care bring real peace of mind and why solid gold is the heart of what we do.

Gold Name Necklace
Image source - Argent & Asher

Key Takeaways: Why Solid Gold Is Worth It 

Cost vs. value: Solid gold costs more upfront (starting at £585), but avoids repeated replacement and holds lasting worth.

Safety & peace of mind: Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.

Built to last: Repairable, adjustable, and naturally long-lasting.

Heirloom potential: Designed to be passed from one generation to the next.

Sustainable and recyclable: Gold never goes to waste, it’s environmentally responsible.

Trusted process: From previews to production to care, Argent & Asher delivers excellence at every step. 

Next Steps for You

If you’re considering a solid gold name necklace, a diamond name necklace, or a custom jewellery piece with lasting character, here’s how to move confidently:

1. Choose what type of jewellery you want to go for and your name, font, and style , if its a personalised piece. We’ll show you a realistic preview before beginning production.

2. Decide on gold colour and what Karat suits your lifestyle and budget. Our standard offerings are 14K or 18K to balance durability, beauty, and lifetime wear.

3. Confirm and order - pieces begin at £295 depending on type, style, and diamond setting.

4. Receive your piece crafted with care, it’ll arrive ready to wear and enjoy for years. 

5. Care for it well, follow the simple cleaning and storage guide to maintain its shine. 

multiple initial necklace

Final Thoughts

Solid gold is not just a material, it’s a promise. A promise that your custom name necklace will endure life’s milestones, remain beautiful through daily wear, and carry the emotional weight of your personal story.

At Argent & Asher, we specialise in turning names and memories into heirlooms. Choose a piece built to last, safe to wear, and full of meaning. Choose solid gold from the jeweller who makes it personal, reliable, and unforgettable.

Ready to begin? 

Explore our collection or reach out for a bespoke consultation, every journey starts with a name.


August 09, 2025 — Katie Silver
AUTHOR

Katie Silver

Katie Silver is a trusted voice in the world of fine jewellery and the founder of Argent & Asher, the London-based brand known for creating meaningful, personalised pieces that celebrate life’s most important moments. After years of working directly with customers to design their dream name necklaces, initial pendants and milestone gifts, Katie has become a go-to expert for honest jewellery advice.

From understanding how much you should spend on a diamond name necklace to choosing the perfect personalised gift, Katie shares transparent, experience-led insights in every article she writes. Her goal? To take the guesswork out of jewellery shopping and help you invest in pieces that feel personal, timeless, and truly worth it.