Is GLD Real Gold? Materials, Quality, and What You’re Actually Getting

From Pittsburgh beginnings to collaborations with the leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB and WNBA. GLD has built its name on high-quality materials, best in class durability, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re eyeing a bold Cuban link chain or a custom iced pendant, you deserve to know exactly what you're getting. Here’s the full breakdown, materials, quality, and why GLD stands apart.

Yes, GLD uses real gold, sterling silver, rhodium, moissanite, and VS diamonds in its jewelry. But unlike most modern jewelry brands, GLD offers multiple tiers of products: from gold-plated to solid gold. Your choice defines the level of investment—but every tier carries the same commitment to quality.  

This guide breaks it all down: materials, grading, finishes, and how GLD’s jewelry stacks up when it comes to transparency, authenticity, and long-term value.

GLD's Jewelry Materials: Real Gold at Every Level

GLD offers three primary metal types across its collections:

1. Gold-Plated Jewelry (Most Popular)

• • Surgical grade stainless steel core (hypo-allergenic and durable)
    
  • Plated with real 18k gold using GLD’s multi-step plating process for extreme durability
    
  • Hand-set stones

This is the most accessibly priced tier, crafted for those who want that premium look and feel without breaking the bank. GLD’s gold plated products are a great value and come with a lifetime guarantee. 

2. Vermeil Jewelry

• • Uses a solid .925 sterling silver base.
    
  • Thick 18K real gold plating (+2.5 microns).
    
  • Paired with high-grade moissanite stones

Vermeil is an elevated option offered by GLD: vermeil is typically slightly heavier and built with all precious metals. GLD also pairs vermeil with moissanite stones for a fine jewelry experience that rivals solid gold, but at a more accessible price point.

3. Solid Gold Jewelry

• • Crafted from solid 10k-18k gold throughout
    
  • Some styles paired with SI-VVS natural or lab diamonds
    
    

GLD has many solid gold options readily available to ship immediately. Additionally, GLD offers all designs and styles in 10-24k solid gold, as a limited edition or made-to-order process. The made to order process is a VIP process for those who want a truly bespoke experience You'll find these in the “Solid Gold” collection.

Pro Tip: You’ll find product labels like “14K Solid Gold with VS Diamonds” or “10K Solid Gold” on each product page, so you always know exactly what you’re going to get at GLD.

So… Is It “Real” Gold?

Yes, and let’s clarify the layers of luxury.

• At GLD, gold plated products are real gold. The gold plating provides a strong gold surface on top of surgical-grade stainless steel for extra durability and quality. Due to the thick layers of real 18k gold, gold plating from GLD is considered real gold. 

Tip: When purchasing gold plated products, make sure to research and assure the brand is using real gold, has a strong plating process, and a proven testing protocol. GLD excels against the competition in all of these areas. 

• Vermeil uses a silver base with a thicker real 18k gold coating that meets the U.S. FTC standard of 2.5+ microns of gold. Due to the use of real gold, thick plating, and all precious metals, vermeil is considered real jewelry.
  
  
• Solid gold is exactly what it sounds like: precious metal all the way through. Whether its 10k, 14k or 18k, solid gold jewelry is always considered real gold.
  
  

GLD clearly labels these distinctions on each product page so customers know what they’re paying for and what to expect.

Stones: Moissanite, CZ, and VS Diamonds

GLD’s stones are chosen with design intent and performance in mind, each type has its purpose: 

• CZ
  • Used in many gold-plated pieces
  • Highly shiny
  • Brilliant in daily light and night 
    
    
• Moissanite
  • Often used in GLD’s vermeil jewelry
  • Premium diamond alternative with stunning clarity
  • Ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale for durability, harder than almost all other gemstones
  • Ethically sourced and nearly indistinguishable from diamond
  • GLD moissanite often passes handheld diamond testers due to its high conductivity
    
    
• Natural and Lab Diamonds (Si-VVS)
  • Natural or lab created, certified, and featured in select solid gold pieces
  • VS diamonds offer high clarity and visual brilliance. 

How Do You Know GLD Jewelry Is Authentic?

GLD takes materials seriously. Here’s how they back that up:

• Every piece goes through durability testing, wear simulation, lab testing, and material validation
  
• Follows Jewelry Vigilance Committee guidelines for sourcing accuracy and consumer transparency
  
• Materials, weights, and finishes are listed directly on product pages, no guessing
  
• GLD’s lifetime warranty covers defects in manufacturing or craftsmanship. Customers can purchase with confidence. 

GLD Materials vs Traditional Jewelers

“Why is this chain $200 here when it’s $2,000 from a traditional jeweler?”

Traditional retailers often only carry jewelry with a large markup. Since GLD designs and produces all of its own jewelry, the value can be passed on to the customers. GLD also offers a variety of materials catering to different budgets. The GLD approach spans:

• Gold-plated options for everyday wearers
  
• Vermeil + moissanite for elevated durability, precious metal bases and fine jewelry
  
• Solid gold + diamonds for luxury-level shoppers
  
  

Found a GLD piece you love, like the best-selling cuban link chain, and want to know if it comes in solid gold? Just look under the “Materials” tab for a link to its solid gold counterpart, or search the solid gold collection. All other products can be made to order and customized through the VIP program for a fully bespoke experience.  

Do GLD Chains Tarnish or Fade?

GLD chains are built for long-term wear, crafted with real 18k gold and high-grade base metals. GLD chains are known for their tarnish resistance as well as advanced plating techniques and protective finishes designed to lock in shine for life. This combination allows GLD products to withstand water, workouts, and everyday use without fading, irritation, or dulling. 

GLD goes further than other brands with:

• Proprietary multi-layer plating for maximum durability using real 18k gold
• Rigorous testing that ensures resistance to tarnish and wear
• A lifetime guarantee and gold care guide that keeps your jewelry ready for anything
  
  

Final Word: Yes, GLD is Real Gold

GLD uses real 10K–18K gold in every tier of jewelry. Whether it’s plated, vermeil, or solid gold, the choice comes down to how you wear it and what you want out of your piece. With options like moissanite or VS diamonds, lifetime coverage, and custom design programs, GLD ensures every piece goes beyond jewelry. It becomes a statement of confidence from a jewelry brand you can grow with, no matter how your style changes.

Now that you know the details, the real question is: Which piece will you make yours?