Author Jeri K. Augustus / Category Gold Jewelry. Last Updated: June 7, 2024
Reviewed by John Conor. Reading time 23 mins.
Table Of Contents
Key Insights
- Solid gold jewelry is available in three colors: yellow, white and rose gold.
- Available in pendants and rings, we also offer custom gold jewelry design services.
- We manufacture almost all our solid gold jewelry in house and oversee the entire process from start to finish.
Introduction
Solid gold memorial jewelry is an investment - not simply an investment of your memories but also an investment that will not lose its monetary value over the course of time. There are a wide range of different types of solid gold memorial jewelry that range from solid gold cremation jewelry to solid gold permanently sealed jewelry and more. Understanding the difference in solid gold versus gold plated as well as knowing what the different types and styles are available will help you to make an informed decision that will withstand the test of time.
But why Jewelry Keepsakes? Why trust us with such an important decision?
Our Experience & Expertise
Jewelery Keepsakes has been handling, engraving or manufacturing jewelry since 2005. We have a combined team experience of 86 years working with memorial jewelry.
We have been working with solid gold memorial jewelry since 2017. Jewelry Keepsakes has handcrafted over 3000 pendants, rings and bracelets. And we wear what we make! We test what works and what needs to be improved with our jewelry by wearing our creations.
We have continually invested in new and modern equipment. Our process involves the use of powerful lasers that allow us to precision cut fingerprints and custom designs. Jewelry Keepsakes pioneered this process and the accuracy of the fingerprint engraving is second to none.
Quality & Trust
Jewelry Keepsakes has served over 80,000 families since 2005, and we have sold over 100,000 pieces of memorial jewelry. We were one of the first websites to offer memorial products for sale online. And jewelry is all we offer - no urns or other memorial products.
We are not just passionate about our products but also the customer service we provide to families. Customer satisfaction is paramount at Jewelry Keepsakes. We are BBB accredited and post all our customer reviews including Facebook, Etsy, and Google. This allows visitors to the site to make the most informed decision possible based on real customer feedback.
We responsibly source our precious metals from US suppliers that have made a commitment to support ethical suppliers of metals1. From start to finish, we want our customers to know that they are getting a quality product from a company that cares.
I started with Jewelry Keepsakes in 2006 and am proud to be a part of what we offer families. I was raised in a very close knit family and understand the grief that comes with loss as well as how valuable our memories are. There is no price tag we can put on those shared family memories, and if I can play a small role in helping someone find comfort during a time of grief, I consider it an honor to do so.
WHY CHOOSE SOLID GOLD INSTEAD OF GOLD PLATED?
There is a significant difference between solid gold and gold plated2. Understanding the pros and cons of each allows customers to make an informed decision about what is best for their lifestyle and their wallet.
WHAT IS GOLD PLATED?
Gold plated memorial jewelry has a thin layer of gold electroplated onto the surface of a base metal3 - typically sterling silver. This electroplating creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the silver, thus protecting them from harsh environments. Gold plated jewelry generally has a thickness of 1 to 3 microns due to jewelry being exposed to more wear and tear4.
Either 14k gold or 18k gold is used in the plating process. Lower grades of gold, such as these, are more durable versus 24k gold, which is softer and can scratch easily.
PROS: Gold-plated memorial jewelry offers the look of solid gold without the higher associated costs5. It offers families a budget friendly and beautiful alternative to solid gold.
CONS: There are some cons to choosing gold-plated fingerprint jewelry and memorial jewelry. Over time, the plating can wear off. Factors such as the environment, exposure to harsh chemicals, and frequent wear can accelerate the wear and tear on the gold plating6.
WHAT IS SOLID GOLD?
Solid gold memorial jewelry consists of a percentage of gold that is mixed with other alloys, which is where you get the different gold purities7. For instance, 10k gold is 41.7% pure gold, 14k is 58.5% pure gold, and 18k is 75% pure gold. The higher the purity of gold, the softer it is. 14k gold is the most popular gold used in the jewelry industry8.
When it comes to solid gold permanently sealed memorial jewelry, there are three different gold color options: yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
- Yellow gold is a mixture of solid gold and silver and copper alloys. Solid gold yellow gold jewelry is gold in color.
- White gold is a mix of solid gold and white metals like silver, nickel, and palladium. Solid white gold is silver in color.
- Rose gold is a mixture of solid gold and copper9. Solid rose gold jewelry is pinkish in color, and the color of the pink varies based on the amount of copper alloy in the rose gold mixture.
PROS: Solid gold ash jewelry is hypoallergenic (not rose gold), resistant to tarnishing, and highly durable10. Permanently sealed solid gold jewelry is waterproof and indistinguishable from regular jewelry. Solid gold memorial jewelry is easy to clean and will retain or even increase in value over time.
CONS: Solid gold jewelry is considerably more expensive than gold plated jewelry. The higher the karat of gold, the more expensive the product. For example, 10k solid gold jewelry will have a lower price point than 18k solid gold jewelry.
How To Buy Solid Gold Memorial Jewelry
Purchasing solid gold cremation jewelry is an investment in your memories as well as a monetary investment. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing solid gold fingerprint jewelry and memorial jewelry.
TIMELINE FOR ORDERS
The time frame for receiving your solid gold memorial jewelry is different than when purchasing standard memorial jewelry. The timeline also varies depending on the type of solid gold memorial jewelry you are choosing.
Solid Gold Cremation Jewelry. Solid gold cremation jewelry typically takes 3-4 weeks from when your order is placed. This time frame includes order processing, manufacturing, and shipping.
Solid Gold Fingerprint Jewelry. Solid gold fingerprint jewelry has a time frame of about 5-7 business days from when the fingerprint image is received.
Solid Gold Ash Jewelry. Solid gold ash jewelry has a time frame of about 7-10 business days from when the order is placed. This allows for the ash collection kit to be sent to the customer and then returned to Jewelry Keepsakes.
While the ashes are in transit, we design and create the jewelry. Upon receipt of the ashes, the jewelry is filled with the ash resin mixture and allowed to harden. Once the mixture hardens, the gold ash jewelry is shipped to the customer.
Solid Gold Permanently Sealed Jewelry. Solid gold ash jewelry has a time frame of about 10-14 business days from when the order is placed. This allows for the ash collection kit to be sent to the customer and then returned to Jewelry Keepsakes.
While the ashes are in transit, we design and cast the permanently sealed jewelry. Upon receipt of the ashes, the jewelry is filled, and the ashes are sealed inside the jewelry. Your solid gold permanently sealed jewelry is then hand polished and shipped with a signature required.
GOLD PURITY STAMP
Gold items should generally be marked/stamped with gold purity; however, this is only a requirement in the United States if the gold piece also has the makers mark11.
SOLID GOLD RETURN POLICY
Solid gold items are NOT returnable as they are custom made.
Shop Our Solid Gold Memorial Jewelry
We make it easy for you to shop our solid gold fingerprint jewelry and gold permanently sealed jewelry. Here are some ways to help you narrow down exactly what you're looking for!
FILTERING TOOL
Use the filtering tools on the left hand side to filter the types of jewelry you are looking for. Filter by sale price, color of gold, or options such as engraving.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Sometimes the thoughts and feedback of previous customers offer the best insight as to which solid gold ash jewelry and memorial jewelry were a hit or a miss. We encourage our customers to read customer product reviews to help them make an informed decision.
CONTACT JEWELRY KEEPSAKES
Call and speak with one of our team members to get their opinion or thoughts on what piece might work best for you, depending on your individual circumstances. Often times, we can help point you directly to the solid gold cremation jewelry that will best fit your situation.
CUSTOM SOLID GOLD MEMORIAL JEWELRY
Sometimes, what you are looking for may not be available on our site. In this instance, reach out to our customer service team! We specialize in custom jewelry services and can collaborate with you to create a custom solid gold piece that is exactly what you are wanting.
How does it work?
- Consultation. Call us at 1-877-723-7229 or send an email to sales@jewelrykeepsakes.com. Be sure to include as much information as possible, and feel free to send photos or examples of what you are looking for.
- Rendering/Price. We will create a rendering of your custom solid gold jewelry and give different price options depending on the karat and color of gold you are wanting.
- Final Rendering. During this step, we work together to fine tune the details of your solid gold fingerprint jewelry or other solid gold memorial jewelry piece. There is no 'time limit' on this step; we can do as many proofs as needed until we get exactly what the customer wants.
- Production. Once the final proof/price is agreed upon, production begins. This typically last 2-3 weeks.
Key Insights
- We can do virtually any custom design a customer wants.
- Customers are involved every step of the way! Whether it's one proof or twenty proofs, we work with you until the design is exactly what you are looking for.
- Want to see some of our custom designs? Send an email to sales@jewelrykeepsakes.com, and we'd be happy to send you some photos of our favorite custom pieces.
Solid Gold Jewelry Options
Options provide a great way to personalize your solid gold permanenty sealed jewelry and make it your own. Below are some ways in which you can further personalize your selection.
Most solid gold cremation jewelry can be personalized with anywhere from a few characters of engraving to several lines of text engraving. This is an ideal way to celebrate a particular date, initials, a saying you shared with the deceased, or even your favorite verse or song lyric.
We offer several different styles of chains to pair with solid gold fingerprint jewelry. The chains are also available in different finishes, which means you can enhance the beauty of the gold that you selected or create contrast by choosing a chain in a different finish.
Our chains are also available in a wide variety of different lengths. This means that you can choose the way your solid gold ash jewelry falls on the body and integrate it easily into your lifestyle and personal style.
Birsthstones provide a great way to decorate your memories AND your solid gold permanently sealed jewelry. In most cases, we can either add a birthstone directly to the face of the pendant or you can choose a birthstone rider heart to sit next to the pendant on the necklace. The rider hearts are available in four different finishes, allowing you to add contrast or complement the gold.
The color of the gold will vary somewhat depending on the karat that you'd like. This holds true in particular for solid yellow gold and solid rose gold. Please reach out to our customer service team to learn more.
More On Gold Jewelry
One of my favorite gold fingerprint pendants we've done was for a couple that was getting married. The bride and groom had each other's fingerprint engraved on a dogtag style pendant with the bride's being smaller in size. Each had written the words "I love you" on a piece of paper, and we engraved those words on the back of each other's pendant in their respective handwriting. It was their wedding day gift to each other.
Types Of Solid Gold Jewelry & Our Customer Favorites
Our solid gold cremation jewelry comes in two different types: pendants and rings. We have some customer favorites we'd like to share as well as some of the customer designs we've created.
PENDANTS
Solid gold pendants are ideal for both men and women alike, and the wide variety of themes offers hundreds to choose from. Solid gold permanently sealed pendants are a great option for those that want a waterproof pendant. Gold ash pendants like the 14k White Gold Eternal Highway Ash Jewelry combine resin with a bit of cremated remains, and this motorcycle style pendant is a customer favorite.
For those who are looking to touch and feel a remembrance of their loved one, we have solid gold fingerprint jewelry. The dips and swirls of the fingerprint can be felt with the tips of the fingers, creating a very personal connection. All of our solid gold memorial jewelry pendants come with a matching 20" chain.
RINGS
Memorial rings made from solid gold are a terrific option for those who are looking to replace a wedding band or have an accent ring that holds a memory of their loved one. Styles such as the Men's Solid Gold Hammered Fingerprint Ring are not only a customer favorite but also create a beautiful and stunning statement.
Solid gold fingerprint rings are a great idea if you're looking to have a memory of your loved one that does not hold ashes. The solid gold rings are also ideal for those NOT looking for a memorial, but to celebrate the living. Fingerprint engraved gold rings are a great wedding band idea, and the bands can be engraved with the bride and groom's fingerprints.
CUSTOM
Custom orders are a terrific way to capture a design that holds particular meaning. We have done everything from bottle shaped pendants to custom coins and so much more. The design is completely yours, and we collaborate together to come up with exactly what you are looking for.
Solid Gold Memorial Jewelry Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better - gold plated jewelry or gold jewelry?
It really is a personal preference. Gold plated jewelry has a base metal and a thin layer of gold electroplated onto the surface of the pendant. It is affordable and offers the look of 14k gold without the higher associated cost.
Solid gold is durable and available in different karats. Although considerably pricier than gold plated jewelry, solid gold jewelry will retain its value over time.
How long does it take to have a piece of solid gold ash jewelry or gold fingerprint jewelry made?
Solid gold fingerprint jewelry takes about 5-7 business days from when we receive the fingerprint image. Solid gold ash jewelry and gold permanently sealed jewelry takes approximately 2-3 weeks from when we receive the ashes.
I don't see exactly what I want. Do you offer custom gold cremation jewelry?
We absolutely do offer custom solid gold cremation jewelry design services! Send your idea to sales@jewelrykeepsakes.com and let us bring your custom design to life!
Conclusion
Solid gold memorial jewelry provides families with a one-of-a kind way to hold close their memories. We offer a variety of different styles, such as gold cremation jewelry, gold fingerprint jewelry, and more! Come in today and let us help you find an heirloom in memory of your loved one that you will treasure always!
Works Cited
- "Values and Stewardship" Rio Grande, https://www.riogrande.com/about-us/values--stewardship/
- "What is the difference between gold, gold plated and gold vermeil jewelry?" Scenoa, https://sceona.com/blogs/news/differences-between-gold
- "Beginners guide to gold plating" Julie Sims, Valence Surface Technologies, 28 Nov 2022, https://www.valencesurfacetech.com/the-news/gold-plating/
- "Beginners guide to gold plating" Julie Sims, Valence Surface Technologies, 28 Nov 2022, https://www.valencesurfacetech.com/the-news/gold-plating/
- "What is gold plated jewelry?" Rachel Akmakjian, Briteco, 25 Jun 2023, https://brite.co/blog/what-is-gold-plated-jewelry/
- "What is gold plated jewelry?" Rachel Akmakjian, Briteco, 25 Jun 2023, https://brite.co/blog/what-is-gold-plated-jewelry/
- "The difference between types of gold" Ginto Studio, 16 Dec 2022, https://gintostudio.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-types-of-gold-and-the-benefits-of-solid-gold
- "Is gold jewellery a good investment?" Gold.org, https://www.gold.org/about-gold/about-gold-jewellery
- "What are the different colors of gold?" James Allen, 14 Aug 2023, https://blog.jamesallen.com/education/what-are-the-different-colors-of-gold/
- "Difference between: Solid Gold, Gold Plated, Gold Vermeil, Gold Filled Jewellery" Sit and Wonder, https://www.sitandwonder.co/blogs/the-jewellery-journal/difference-between-solid-gold-vs-gold-plated-vs-gold-filled-jewellery
- "National Gold and Silver Marking Act" Stuller, 15 Aug 2012, https://www.stuller.com/articles/view/national-gold-and-silver-marking-act/
Jeri K. Augustus
Meet Jeri K. Augustus, an experienced customer service professional from Great Falls, Montana, with a heart full of compassion for helping others. Jeri has spent more than four decades in the industry and has gained a wealth of personal experience with loss and grief. She has dedicated herself to assisting families in finding meaningful ways to honor their loved ones who have passed on and celebrate those who are still with us.
Jeri's contribution to the cremation jewelry industry is remarkable. She played a key role in developing new lines of modern pendants, cremation rings, and bracelets. She launched a line of photo-engraved jewelry that now includes several hundred styles for families to choose from. She is actively involved in leadership and customer care at Jewelry Keepsakes Inc., where she helps people every day with their inquiries and concerns regarding these products.
Despite her many years in the industry, Jeri remains passionately committed to helping those who are grieving and supporting families as they find personal ways to cherish their loved ones. She still resides in Montana and enjoys spending her free time with her dogs, children, and grandchildren. If you're looking for someone who can guide you with compassion and expertise in selecting a beautiful keepsake to remember your loved ones, Jeri is the perfect person to help.