Essential Guide to Gold & Gemstones
Discover the differences between gold types and gemstones with our simple guide to help you choose and care for timeless jewellery.
Gold Guide
What You Need to Know About Gold Options
At Inari Jewellery, we work with Gold-Filled and Gold Vermeil for their perfect balance of quality, longevity, and accessibility. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of gold to help you make an informed decision

$
Gold Plated
Very thin layer of gold plated over stainless steel base or cheaper materials.
- Budget friendly
- Short term wear. Plating wears off

$$ - $$$
Gold Vermeil
Thicker layer of gold plating (~2.5 micron) over Sterling Silver.
- Affordable & contains precious metals
- Gold may eventually lightens

$$$
Gold Filled
Thick sheeets of gold (100x thicker) pressure bonded on base.
- Affordable & doesn't tarnish. Last years with care
- Limitation in design

$$$
Solid Gold
Alloy of solid gold and exist in 9k to 22k options
- Increases in value, low maintenance & doesn't tarnish
- Most expensive

$
Gold Plated
Very thin layer of gold plated over stainless steel base or cheaper materials.
- Budget friendly
- Short term wear. Plating wears off

$$ - $$$
Gold Vermeil
Thicker layer of gold plating (~2.5 micron) over Sterling Silver.
- Affordable & contains precious metals
- Gold may eventually lightens

$$$
Gold Filled
Thick sheeets of gold (100x thicker) pressure bonded on base.
- Affordable & doesn't tarnish. Last years with care
- Limitation in design

$$$
Solid Gold
Alloy of solid gold and exist in 9k to 22k options
- Increases in value, low maintenance & doesn't tarnish
- Most expensive

Gold Filled vs Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil uses a thick layer of gold (2.5 microns) over sterling silver, making it hypoallergenic and ideal for intricate, elegant designs. Gold Filled, with a thicker gold layer (5% of total weight) bonded to brass or copper, is highly durable and perfect for daily wear. While Vermeil suits refined, occasional pieces, Gold Filled offers everyday longevity and resistance to tarnish.

Their Values
Gold Filled delivers long-lasting durability, making it ideal for everyday jewellery with minimal maintenance. In contrast, Gold Vermeil offers hypoallergenic properties and a luxurious look at a more accessible price. Though Vermeil may require more care, its sterling silver base adds intrinsic value, making it perfect for special designs.

Choose based on your needs
Opt for Gold Filled if you need durable, low-maintenance jewellery for daily wear. Choose Gold Vermeil* for sophisticated, hypoallergenic designs suited for special occasions. Both options combine beauty and value—pick the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Gemstone Guide
Explore the meaning behind each gemstone and find the one that resonates with your style and story. Every stone is thoughtfully hand selected by our team to inspire and empower.

STONE OF COMPASSION
Peridot
Balances emotions and relationships. Avoid hot water to prevent cracking

STONE OF HOPE
Opal
Increases confidence and helps realise your potential. Absorbs water; avoid prolonged exposure and impact.

STONE OF TRUTH
Topaz
Encourages honest expression and reflection. Avoid chemicals and prolonged water contact.

STONE OF PASSION
Garnet
Boosts confidence, creativity, and passion. Water-safe but avoid chemicals and heat

STONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Amazonite
Boosts confidence and clears negativity. Water-safe but avoid prolonged exposure.

STONE OF JOURNEY
Iolite
Guides you back to your path and offers clarity. Water-safe but limit extended contact

STONE OF LUCK
Lapis Lazuli
Enhances confidence and luck in love, money, and career. Water-safe but avoid long-term exposure.

STONE OF RECONCILIATION
Tourmaline
Promotes compassion, healing, and friendship. Water-safe but limit extended exposure.

STONE OF COURAGE
Aquamarine
Encourages self-love and emotional clarity. Care: Avoid hot water; water-safe otherwise

STONE OF TRANSFORMATION
Tanzanite
Inspires focus and eases anxiety. Water-safe but minimise long-term exposure.

STONE OF MAGIC
Labradorite
Enhances intuition and spiritual connection. Avoid prolonged water contact.

STONE OF ABUNDANCE
Sapphire
Promotes optimism and emotional balance. Avoid harsh chemicals and extended water exposure.

STONE OF CLARITY
White Zircon
Boosts focus and decision-making. Water-safe but avoid impact and chemicals.

STONE OF BALANCE
Moonstone
Supports emotional clarity and balance. Water-safe but avoid long-term contact.

STONE OF TRANQUILITY
Kyanite
Calms stress and promotes restful sleep. Avoid water exposure to prevent damage.

PURITY
Pearl
Symbolises wisdom, serenity, and purity. Avoid water, chemicals, and prolonged sunlight to prevent damage.

STONE OF LOVE
Rose Quartz
Encourages compassion, self-love, and emotional healing. Avoid water and impact to preserve its delicate structure.

STONE OF PROTECTION
Black Spinel
Shields against negativity and enhances resilience. Water-safe but avoid harsh chemicals and impact.

STONE OF COMPASSION
Peridot
Balances emotions and relationships. Avoid hot water to prevent cracking

STONE OF HOPE
Opal
Increases confidence and helps realise your potential. Absorbs water; avoid prolonged exposure and impact.

STONE OF TRUTH
Topaz
Encourages honest expression and reflection. Avoid chemicals and prolonged water contact.

STONE OF PASSION
Garnet
Boosts confidence, creativity, and passion. Water-safe but avoid chemicals and heat

STONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Amazonite
Boosts confidence and clears negativity. Water-safe but avoid prolonged exposure.

STONE OF JOURNEY
Iolite
Guides you back to your path and offers clarity. Water-safe but limit extended contact

STONE OF LUCK
Lapis Lazuli
Enhances confidence and luck in love, money, and career. Water-safe but avoid long-term exposure.

STONE OF RECONCILIATION
Tourmaline
Promotes compassion, healing, and friendship. Water-safe but limit extended exposure.

STONE OF COURAGE
Aquamarine
Encourages self-love and emotional clarity. Care: Avoid hot water; water-safe otherwise

STONE OF TRANSFORMATION
Tanzanite
Inspires focus and eases anxiety. Water-safe but minimise long-term exposure.

STONE OF MAGIC
Labradorite
Enhances intuition and spiritual connection. Avoid prolonged water contact.

STONE OF ABUNDANCE
Sapphire
Promotes optimism and emotional balance. Avoid harsh chemicals and extended water exposure.

STONE OF CLARITY
White Zircon
Boosts focus and decision-making. Water-safe but avoid impact and chemicals.

STONE OF BALANCE
Moonstone
Supports emotional clarity and balance. Water-safe but avoid long-term contact.

STONE OF TRANQUILITY
Kyanite
Calms stress and promotes restful sleep. Avoid water exposure to prevent damage.

PURITY
Pearl
Symbolises wisdom, serenity, and purity. Avoid water, chemicals, and prolonged sunlight to prevent damage.

STONE OF LOVE
Rose Quartz
Encourages compassion, self-love, and emotional healing. Avoid water and impact to preserve its delicate structure.

STONE OF PROTECTION
Black Spinel
Shields against negativity and enhances resilience. Water-safe but avoid harsh chemicals and impact.