Types of Gold Jewelry at Nordstrom Rack

gold jewelry nordstrom

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day present or something to treat yourself, Nordstrom Rack has a huge collection of pretty gold jewelry that won’t break the bank. In fact, some of the pieces are even on sale (like this intricate cross necklace). Keep scrolling to shop a slew of jewelry that will elevate your everyday looks from basic to boss lady-level chic.

What Are the Different Types of Gold Jewelry?

Solid gold is the highest quality of gold, but it’s too soft and malleable to make into jewelry without a base metal. Instead, gold is alloyed with other metals to create various karats of gold, such as 14k and 18k. The higher the karat, the more pure the gold.

Gold plated jewelry is basically just a very light layer of gold on top of a base metal (like brass or copper). Because it’s so thin, it can rub off easily and tarnishes quickly when exposed to sweat, lotion, perfume, etc. Gold vermeil, on the other hand, is a thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, like sterling silver. US standards require at least 2.5 microns of gold layered on top of the sterling silver, which makes it much more durable and hypoallergenic.