When it comes to permanent jewelry, the metal you choose matters. Your piece is meant to be worn every day, so it needs to stay beautiful, strong, and comfortable — no fading, no irritation, no worry.
At Bonded by Gigi in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, we use only sterling silver and gold-filled chains, the two most popular and trusted options for permanent jewelry. Here’s why we love them — and why they’re the best choice for long-lasting sparkle.
💎 Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated: What’s the Difference?
Gold-filled and gold-plated might sound similar, but they’re very different in quality and durability.
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Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold applied to the surface of another metal. That layer can wear off fairly quickly with daily wear, exposing the base metal underneath.
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Gold-filled jewelry, on the other hand, has a thick layer of real gold that’s pressure-bonded to a core metal — usually jewelers’ brass. The gold layer is about 100 times thicker than what you’d find in gold plating, which makes it far more durable and resistant to tarnish or fading.
Gold-filled jewelry is the industry standard for permanent jewelry because it’s strong, hypoallergenic, and made to last through daily wear, showers, and everything in between.
💖 Why Gold-Filled Is Better Than Solid Gold for Permanent Jewelry
This one surprises a lot of people — but solid gold isn’t always the best choice for permanent jewelry. Solid gold is a softer metal, which means it can bend or stretch more easily over time — not ideal for jewelry that’s meant to stay perfectly fitted around your wrist, ankle, or neck.
Gold-filled chains strike the perfect balance: strong enough to hold their shape, yet still luxurious and beautiful with that rich gold shine. They’re the sweet spot between lasting quality and comfort for permanent jewelry that’s truly meant to be lived in.
✨ What About Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is another favorite for permanent jewelry because it’s timeless, hypoallergenic, and has a gorgeous bright white shine. Like gold-filled, it’s built for everyday wear — and it pairs beautifully with charms, initials, and meaningful add-ons.
💗 Choose Your Perfect Metal at Bonded by Gigi
When you visit our pink, vibrant boutique inside The Market of Lake Geneva, you’ll get to explore our full collection of gold-filled and sterling silver chains, ranging from delicate and dainty to bold and eye-catching.
Whether you’re celebrating friendship, love, or just life itself, your piece will be made to last — with the right metal to keep your sparkle shining for years to come.
✨ Visit us at Bonded by Gigi, inside The Market of Lake Geneva, 830 W Main St, or book your appointment at https://www.bondedbygigi.com/pages/permanent-jewelry.