Here are the 7 best, surprisingly affordable places to buy real gold jewelry

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When you think of real gold jewelry, you probably think of an investment. But buying real gold jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank. Though accessories made of the precious metal will never ring in as low as the Claire’s jewels of your youth, there are affordable brands out there selling high-quality, real gold jewelry for under $150.

But before you spend any of your hard-earned cash on jewelry, it’s helpful to be educated. When shopping for gold jewelry, it’s essential to know the difference between gold-filled, gold vermeil, gold-plated and solid gold jewelry. Here’s a simplified crash course in the terminology:

Gold-plated jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is very low cost, having only a very thin layer of gold around a base metal of brass, copper or some other low-cost metal. The layer of gold is so thin, in fact, that it can rub off after enough wear. That’s why gold-plated pieces aren’t recommended for everyday wear. Gold-plated pieces are also notorious for tarnishing fast, making them not so great for sensitive skin and definitely not water-safe. You may also see gold PVD coating when shopping, which is a type of gold-plated jewelry that is more durable than standard gold plating and resistant to water damage.

Gold vermeil jewelry

Gold vermeil pieces often feature a slightly thicker layer of gold around a base metal of genuine sterling silver. These pieces are low-cost but high quality, only tarnishing when not cared for properly. Gold vermeil jewelry is safe for everyday wear and can be worn by those with sensitive skin. Gold vermeil pieces are also safe to get wet. You may see the gold wear off vermeil pieces eventually, but it takes a good while (and countless wears) to happen.

Gold-filled jewelry

Gold-filled pieces feature a thick layer of gold around a base metal, helping to lower the cost of the jewelry. In filled pieces, gold makes up at least 5% of the volume of the jewelry piece, which is higher than both gold-plated and gold vermeil pieces. You can wear gold-filled pieces every day because they are tarnish- and water-resistant. Plus, they are also safe for sensitive skin. You may see the gold wear off gold-filled jewelry eventually, but only after decades of wear.

Solid gold jewelry

Finally, solid gold pieces are the most expensive of the bunch but the best quality. These pieces have all the perks: They are tarnish-resistant, safe for sensitive skin, withstand water contact and come recommended for everyday wear.

Solid gold pieces come in five karat types: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K. This refers to the amount of pure gold in a piece, the rest being metal alloy. For example, 24K gold is 100% pure gold. The purity level goes down from there: 22K gold is 91.7% pure gold, 18K gold is 75% pure gold, 14K is 58.3% pure gold, and 10K is 41.7% pure gold.

But a higher karat isn’t actually always preferred in jewelry. In fact, 24K gold is almost never used in jewelry. That’s because pure gold is soft, so it scratches and wears extremely easily. That’s why metal alloy is added to gold — to increase its durability.

While 22K gold is sometimes used in jewelry, it isn’t suitable for gemstones. Much more popular is 18K, 14K or even 10K gold, which are the most practical for jewelry making. In fact, the most bought solid gold jewelry is 14K gold, balancing price and durability.

Now that you have a solid gold education, it’s time to shop. Check out these seven retailers making quality gold pieces — yes, that means gold vermeil, gold-filled and even solid pieces — at a more affordable price.

1. Ana Luisa

Ana Luisa makes 100% waterproof and tarnish-proof solid gold jewelry and truly has something for everyone. The brand's designs, starting at just $50, are also Earth-friendly as they utilize recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. All of its gorgeous pieces, from earrings and necklaces to rings and bracelets, are meant to last a lifetime. Luckily for shoppers, Ana Luisa is currently offering up to 30% off during its End of Year sale! You can get 20% off when you buy two items, 25% off when you buy three items or 30% off four or more — remember to use code LASTCHANCE at checkout.

2. Aurate

With a selection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, Aurate sells both gold vermeil and 14K gold pieces. The brand prioritizes affordability and sustainability, using recycled gold instead of mined gold. Aurate also mines its gemstones ethically, ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages for employees. Rings start at $63 while necklaces start at $73.

3. Mejuri

Popular affordable jewelry site Mejuri crafts high-quality gold vermeil and 14K gold pieces meant to last a lifetime. Mejuri’s gold is 95% recycled, helping to reduce the human and environmental harm caused by mining. The brand also uses conflict-free gems in its pieces. Mejuri notably also designs pieces in limited quantities, only making more when there is consumer demand. This thoughtful design process helps cut down on waste associated with the production process. Simple 14K gold studs are $68, while gold vermeil chain necklaces start at $98.

4. Gorjana

California-based jewelry brand Gorjana has been making affordable gold jewelry for two decades. The brand sells solid gold jewelry in 14K and 18K gold, including wildly popular initial jewelry. Gorjana also stocks gold-plated fashion jewelry for those looking for super inexpensive pieces for casual wear. All pieces are minimal, modern and oh-so-sophisticated.

5. Hey Harper

An “anti-luxury” jewelry brand, Hey Harper creates affordable gold jewelry that’s long-lasting yet affordable. The brand prides its jewelry on being waterproof and tarnish-resistant, using 14K gold PVD coating on a stainless steel base metal. Most pieces clock in under $100, making this brand one of the most affordable on the list.

6. Quince

Clothing and jewelry brand Quince creates sustainable and affordable gold jewelry with a minimal feel. You can shop the site for gold vermeil and 14K solid gold options, which span from under $30 to more than $300 for some special pieces. It’s all part of the brand’s goal to create “high-quality essentials at radically low prices.”

7. Amazon

I bet you didn’t think of Amazon as a marketplace for real gold jewelry. Well, think again. Amazon stocks all types of real gold jewelry — from plated and vermeil to filled and solid — in its fashion marketplace. You can even sort by karat to get the quality and hue of gold you want. Major brands like Swarovski, Ross-Simons, Pandora and more stock their gold pieces on Amazon. Check out Amazon Collection — Amazon’s own brand carrying solid gold pieces — for some especially good deals.

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