If you're like me, you know that there's nothing quite like the elegance of gold jewelry to elevate any outfit.
However, finding the best place to buy gold jewelry can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market in 2024.
That's why I've taken it upon myself to research and test different jewelry retailers to curate a list of the most reliable and reputable places to buy high-quality gold jewelry.
So, if you're ready to invest in timeless and beautiful pieces, keep reading to discover my top recommendations on where to buy gold jewelry.
At LearningJewelry.com, we understand that trust is a vital factor in the diamond buying process. That's why we want to assure you that our articles are written by experts who have extensive knowledge and experience in the diamond industry.
Our primary author Juli Church is a certified diamontologist with over 7 years of experience in sorting and evaluating diamonds for quality and value. She worked at retail stores for Kay and Zales where she learned industry secrets and now uses her insider knowledge to help readers like you to save big on the perfect gem for their needs.
Juli has written hundreds of jewelry and diamond articles and spends much of her free time browsing and helping out in ring buying Facebook groups to keep up with the latest diamond and wedding trends. Her wealth of knowledge and experience has given her a unique perspective on what information truly helps our readers find and buy the perfect diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry.
With our team of experts and our commitment to providing accurate and trustworthy information, you can trust LearningJewelry.com to guide you through the diamond buying process with confidence.
Top 4 Best Places To Buy Real Gold Jewelry Online
If you need the list quick, here are my top picks for finding real gold jewelry from reputable online dealers. Keep reading for more information about each of these shops.
- Best Overall (& Amazing Warranty): James Allen
- Best Unique Designs: Blue Nile
- Most Recycled Gold Jewelry: Brilliant Earth
- Best Solid Gold Chains: Helzberg Diamonds
1. James Allen
Every piece of gold jewelry at James Allen is 100% real and solid gold.
As I browsed their selection, I didn't have to worry about running into painted colors, gold plating, hollow gold, or vermeil. They carry a large selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
I even admired two-tone diamond rings like this stunning 14K two-tone rose and white gold bypass engagement ring below:
James Allen's gold jewelry options include 14k and 18K solid gold jewelry. Most of their rose gold fine jewelry will be 14K, not all. They don't offer any plain gold jewelry, but that doesn't mean you have to get glitter galore!
I inspected many of their diamond necklaces that contain subtle or solitaire diamonds in them. But if you do love glitz and glamour, James Allen is more than happy to accommodate with many options with sparkly melee diamonds.
They have a fantastic warranty that alone makes them worthy of your purchase. I reviewed their policy, and all of James Allen's fine jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty that covers wear and tear. This includes services for rhodium plating white gold jewelry, polishing and cleaning, tightening stones, and retipping prongs.
For engagement rings and wedding bands, they give 1 free ring sizing within the first year if needed. If you don't like your gold jewelry from James Allen, they have a 30-day return policy, and I found it easily initiated through their customer service.
Pros
Cons
- Not many choices in diamond fine jewelry
- Does not cover loss of stones in settings
2. Blue Nile
Blue Nile is also a top-notch place to purchase real gold jewelry online.
As I browsed, I noticed they offer a wide selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry set in solid gold. They have many items that don't include stones and have a massive selection of real solid gold earrings.
Not only do they carry rose, yellow, and white gold jewelry, but I found it interesting that they also carry Italian gold, which is a little different than the norm. It simply has been designed in Italy, but it's kind of cool to be able to purchase some from a reputable dealer.
I admired their unique designs as I compared their offerings.
If you like diamonds or colored gemstones with your gold jewelry, they have many options for each. All of Blue Nile's gold jewelry will be set in either 14K or 18K. It will always be solid gold. The gold jewelry ranges from affordable prices up to very expensive, like this 18K Italian Gold cuff bracelet from their Extraordinary collection:
Blue Nile offers all customers a lifetime manufacturer's warranty, which basically says that if there's a problem within the design or the craftsmanship of the ring itself, also called manufacturing defects.
If your jewelry is damaged due to wear and tear, you'll be out of pocket if you need rhodium plating or stone tightening.
If you're not a fan of Blue Nile's gold jewelry, they also offer 30-day returns, money-back guarantee. I experienced the process, and it was pretty simple and shouldn't cause much stress as you can initiate it online. Keep in mind that Blue Nile does have many special order items and special orders can't be returned.
Pros
- Range of different styles
- High and low prices
- Many plain gold options
Cons
- Warranty doesn't cover breakage or polishing
- special orders can't be returned
3. Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is a familiar name when talking about loose diamonds and responsible sourcing. The biggest way they do this is by providing blockchain diamonds and recycled diamonds. As I researched their offerings, I learned that blockchain diamonds have a trail of where the loose diamond has been in every stage of its production.
The Kimberly Process ensures that diamonds sold weren't used in civil wars. Brilliant Earth argues that is not enough. They wanted even more transparency. Their non-blockchain diamonds are also from Canada, Russia, or Botswana.
While Brilliant Earth isn't a fully green company, they are maximizing their efforts to give back in many ways. One of the ways they do this is through their gold jewelry. I admired their use of recycled gold to ensure responsible sourcing and to be better for the environment.
Not all is recycled, but most is. They carry 14K or 18K gold.
I browsed their collection, and like others, they don't carry any plain gold jewelry. All of it is solid gold too. They do carry a wide selection of unique gemstone gold jewelry. However, they don't have every gold color option for every piece.
Another way Brilliant Earth gives back is through its donations. Currently, the piece above supports Feeding America's COVID Relief Fund.
You get a free lifetime manufacturing warranty when you shop gold jewelry at Brilliant Earth.
I reviewed their warranty options, and unlike some other retailers, they give you the option of purchasing a 3-year warranty to cover routine maintenance. The price of the warranty is based on a sliding scale. It also can't be added without calling the company, which I found inconvenient but not a dealbreaker.
Pros
- Gives back to the community
- Many loose colored stones for gold jewelry
- Customers know origin
- Clear 360 view
Cons
- Have to call after purchasing online to buy warranty
- No plain gold jewelry
4. Helzberg Diamonds
Helzberg Diamonds is a chain retailer that has many stores across the United States. They also have an online store where you can create your own engagement ring or pick from preset jewelry. As I browsed their website, I discovered they also have quite a large selection of gold jewelry.
I found this store to have many similarities to stores like Kays and Zales. But, Helzberg is a family-owned operation. They offer Lifetime Warranty plans for a cost depending on the item purchased and have a 30-day return policy.
There's no need to go searching too hard to find Helzberg's selection of over 200 pieces of gold jewelry. As I inspected their collection, I found the section is entirely made up of gold jewelry without stones. There's plenty of gold jewelry with diamonds and gemstones, but that can be found everywhere else on the site.
Most of this section is solid gold chains, which are increasingly difficult to find online. I noticed that most online retailers are focused on their engagement rings and wedding bands, so this does set them apart from other retailers we mention.
Even though most of their gold jewelry selection is gold hoop earrings and gold chains, I found a lot of variation in their styles. They have popular curb chains, cable chains, rope chains, Cuban link, and spiga chains.
Many of them come in white gold and yellow gold.
I confirmed that Helzberg's extended warranty plan is offered with most of the gold jewelry. It can cover breaks in chains, clasp repair, polishing, cleaning, and rhodium plating white gold, making it a valuable option to consider when purchasing gold jewelry.
Pros
- Many choices for gold chains
- Separate section for plain gold jewelry
- Offers a warranty (paid)
- Can see in-store too
Cons
- Limited selection on gold earrings
- Limited selection on gold pendants
Additional Buying Options
It's worth noting that while we highly recommend James Allen as the top place to buy gold jewelry based on our own research, there are many other reputable and trustworthy retailers out there to choose from. We haven't personally vetted all of these entities, but they are all highly regarded and respected within the industry.
If you prefer to shop online, some additional places to buy gold jewelry include Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Zales, Jared, and Kay Jewelers.
For those who prefer to shop in person, some of the best brick and mortar stores to buy gold jewelry from include Bulgari, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, David Yurman, Graff, Chopard, Mikimoto, Boucheron, Piaget, and Buccellati.
How We Selected The Best Places to Buy Gold Jewelry
Selection
I browsed through numerous jewelry stores and online platforms, comparing their gold jewelry offerings in terms of design, uniqueness, and variety. I focused on retailers with a diverse range of gold jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings, as well as different gold types, such as yellow, white, and rose gold.
Quality
I researched and authenticated the quality of the gold jewelry by looking for hallmark stamps, certifications, and reputable manufacturers. I paid close attention to craftsmanship, gold purity (14k, 18k, or 24k), and the quality of any gemstones or diamonds used in the settings.
Settings and Jewelry Available
I inspected the available settings, from simple gold bands to intricate, custom designs. I also considered the variety of jewelry available, such as engagement rings, wedding bands, statement pieces, and classic everyday wear items, ensuring that each retailer catered to different styles and preferences.
Pricing
I compared prices across various retailers, taking into account the best deals and considering factors such as gold weight, craftsmanship, and brand reputation. I also looked for discounts, promotions, and flexible payment options that would make purchasing gold jewelry more affordable and accessible.
Website Experience
I evaluated each retailer's website for user-friendliness, comprehensive product information, and the availability of high-quality images and videos. I also reviewed the website's search and filter options, making it easier for customers to find their desired gold jewelry.
In-Person Experience
I visited several brick-and-mortar jewelry stores to assess the in-person shopping experience, paying close attention to store ambiance, product displays, and the level of assistance provided by sales associates. I also evaluated their willingness to customize designs and offer personal consultations.
My Experience
I shared my personal experiences with various retailers, detailing the ease of browsing, selecting, and purchasing gold jewelry. I also mentioned any noteworthy interactions with customer service representatives, the process of exchanging or returning items, and the overall satisfaction with the shopping experience.
Customer Service
I rated each retailer's customer service based on responsiveness, helpfulness, and professionalism. I considered their ability to answer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide guidance throughout the gold jewelry buying process. Additionally, I took note of after-sales services such as maintenance, insurance, and appraisal offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Real Gold Good For An Engagement Ring?
Yes, all solid gold is suitable for engagement rings, as long as it's not in high karat. 14K is the norm for engagement rings. 18K rings are still doable, they just may require a little more upkeep. As the gold karat amount increases, the ring's durability decreases.
Gold is the most popular metal for diamond engagement rings. Often time, people don't realize that real gold come in colors other than yellow gold. I've heard often over years people saying they prefer silver to gold. But usually what they're referring to is the actual color of the gold.
Sterling silver is not great to wear as frequently as most engagement ring and men's wedding bands are. It doesn't stand up to everyday situations and moisture the way that gold goes. So, if you're the person that likes the color silver more than yellow gold, you'll be wanting white gold.
Keep in mind that because gold at its original form is naturally yellow, white gold will need rhodium plating from time to time. This gives gold that bright silvery color of white gold. Buying a white gold engagement ring from a retailer that gives free rhodium plating for life like James Allen is essential.
Read also: Black Gold Jewelry - Should you consider it?
Is Real Gold Jewelry More Expensive?
There are a number of reasons why the price of gold jewelry may increase or decrease. The value of gold itself actually increases and decrease for those selling it, much like the stock exchange numbers. Thankfully, gold jewelry at jewelry stores do not fluctuate unless the manufacturer's deem it so.
Real, solid gold jewelry is comes in a range of prices, but is generally more expensive than other metals. Exceptions to this may be gold jewelry that also contains high quality diamonds or gemstones. Another factor that can contribute to the cost of a piece of gold jewelry is the brand.
High profile-name brands like Vera Wang or Neil Lane will be more expensive than unbranded gold engagement rings.
In general, most real gold jewelry is going to be over $100. Gold-plated jewelry may be less expensive, which is real gold, but not solid. You can find cheap gold plated jewelry on Amazon.com.
Solid real gold should be more expensive than other metals like stainless steel, sterling silver, or other alternative metals. It's possible to find gold jewelry pieces that are two-tone with sterling silver that aren't usually over $300.
While many of these factors can be chalked up to personal preference or a "if you like that sort of thing" notion, there are a few things you can be sure of when it comes to the price of real gold. The more gold karats the jewelry contains, the more expensive it'll be.
You'll find that most fine jewelry collections will carry either 14K or 18K gold jewelry. Some have special collections that have jewelry in 22K. Most 24K jewelry is used in other countries, as 24 is pure gold. You can still find pure gold jewelry in America, you're just less likely to happen upon it unless you're searching for it.
The reason is because 24K pure gold is soft. Gold by itself is extremely soft and malleable. 24k gold rings would not stand up to the hustle and bustle of the day, even if you weren't working a manual labor job.
Your ring would be more likely to bend, scratch, dent, and get nicks in it. Not exactly what you'd call a durable wedding band, right? Not to mention, pure gold will be very expensive for less durability.
Read also: 10K vs 14K vs 18K vs 24K gold
That's why there are other karats of gold metal that is used more frequently. If 24 karat gold is pure, 18K gold has 18/24 parts gold. Likewise, 14K is 14 parts, 10K is 10 parts. The number of parts gold is always in front of the K for karat.
The remaining parts in a jewelry piece that aren't gold are a mixture of different metals called alloy. You might see it referred to as metal alloys as well. White gold alloys contain white metals like palladium, nickel, platinum, and silver.
Other gold alloys may be copper, iron, cadmium, and aluminum.
What Should You Look For When Buying Real Gold Jewelry Online?
While it's pretty easy to pop online and see a multitude of different white gold jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right white gold jewelry for you.
Gold Content
Personally, I don't recommend 18K for engagement rings or bracelets and bangles, there's not too much of a threat with a pair of gold diamond earrings. Unless you're not taking care of them, it shouldn't be hard to keep the slightly more delicate 18K diamond stud earrings in good shape.
With chains, I'd be careful the higher karat you go. Gold chains are not 100% durable and usually will break at some point. Throw in some softer gold, and it will be even less protected. Also keep in mind that 18K white gold will need rhodium plating more often than 14K because the natural gold color is increased.
Knowing how much gold content you need or don't need for your purposes will make your quest for gold jewelry easier to narrow down options.
Allergies
When it comes to precious metal in general, many people don't know that it's possible to be allergic to them. We've all probably heard a story or two about how someone purchased a cocktail ring from a department store like Walmart or Kohls and it turned their finger green.
Many people automatically assume this is due to the gold not being real.
This is only half true. Most of the cheap jewelry bought at department stores, Amazon, Ebay, or Etsy is gold plated. They're supposed to tell if so, but not all trustworthy dealers do. When the plating wears off, the base metal is exposed. Many statement pieces and cocktail rings are gold plated.
Nickel is the leading cause of metal allergies. Most fine jewelry today is either nickel free or contains trace amount. People with mild nickel allergies will be able to wear 14K gold without any issue. Rare, severe, nickel allergies may not allow some to wear gold that is mixed with any alloy.
This also means that the less gold in the piece of jewelry, the more exposed you are to nickel allergies, so this should always be a consideration in purchasing real gold jewelry.
Red Flags When Buying Real Gold Jewelry Online
Shopping for gold jewelry is pretty straight-forward, especially when compared to the realm of diamonds and gemstones. But there are some red flags when buying real gold online.
Real gold isn't always solid. It can be plated, hollow, filled, and even vermeil.
When looking for gold jewelry for an engagement ring, you hands down want solid gold. If you want your jewelry to be repaired easily, you'll want solid gold jewelry.
Real gold should be stamped with the amount of karats it is followed by either K or KT. Legally, gold jewelry should be stamped. But if you're not buying off our recommended retailers, you could get duped. Here are some of the gold jewelry you might come across in your search.
Real Gold Plated Jewelry
In your online search, it's highly possible you'll come across jewelry that is either described in the title or description as plated or gold plated. You may even see it phrased as "real 14K gold plated jewelry". It's not lying, to an extent.
When a piece is labeled as gold plated, it means a thin layer of real gold has been painted (electroplated actually) over another metal called the base metal. Base metals of gold plated jewelry can be sterling silver, stainless steel, surgical steel, or unnamed metals.
Over time, the gold plating will start to fade. If it's white gold plated, that silvery color will start to diminish. If it's plated over silver, you'll notice the dullness appearing through the rhodium of the white gold plating. If you have a yellow gold ring that has a silver base metal, that ring will be looking unsightly as it fades.
Not all jewelers will replate jewelry either, so keep that in mind. Gold plated jewelry often causes fingers to turn green because the base metal below the plating contains nickel. Many rings that are described as alloy metal contain nickel.
Gold plating won't usually have a physical stamp on the jewelry, but should be indicated in title or description as what karat the gold plating is. It can be found labeled in some places as 14K GP for gold plated.
Real Gold Filled Jewelry
Gold filled jewelry contains 5% of the value of solid gold. The name itself is misleading, because the words "gold filled" leads you to believe it's..filled with gold. But this isn't quite the case.
Gold filled jewelry has a thick layer of plating that is usually done over brass or another base metal. When comparing gold filled vs gold plated jewelry, they are very similar. It'll last longer than gold plated jewelry, but will eventually meet the same fate.
You won't find many of the best gold chains online at any of our recommended retailers. It is possible to find gold jewelry labeled as gold plated, since the difference between the two is only how thick the plating layer is.
Real Gold Hollow Jewelry
Hollow gold jewelry is made up of real gold, and air. That's right, you're paying for air. Instead of your gold being heavy the way that gold normally is. Hollow gold jewelry is like the proverbial empty soul of gold jewelry.
Aside from the dramatics, hollow gold jewelry is very lightweight. The outside frame of the jewelry is pure and solid gold, but inside its empty. I've seen hollow gold jewelry at both Kay and Zales in for the form of 14K gold hoop earrings and even in gold rope chains.
While the price is cheaper than solid gold jewelry, it does leave something to be desired. Hollow gold jewelry feels even cheaper than it is. Hollow gold jewelry is stamped with the gold karat on the piece as technically the only metal is real gold.
This is also why hollow gold jewelry is one of the more expensive variants of real gold jewelry.
You simply can't tell the difference between hollow and solid gold jewelry on a website. But it won't be hard to notice once you have it in your hands. Places like Amazon, Ebay, Etsy, and Overstock may sell hollow gold jewelry without disclosure.
This is why we recommend purchasing from our trusted recommended retailers that have a solid return policy. Both Kay's and Zales has a great return policy and may carry hollow gold jewelry.
Real Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Vermeil gold is silver jewelry that has been plated with real gold. The difference between vermeil and gold plated jewelry is that gold plated jewelry is plated over any base metal. True vermeil pieces are plated over silver.
How To Get The Best Deal When Buying Real Gold Jewelry Online
I'm going to leave you with a couple lasting tips and reminders to think about when buying gold jewelry online.
Lifetime Warranty
When you buy gold jewelry anywhere, it's important that you purchase from a place that sells lifetime warranties. Contrary to consumer belief, no jewelry lasts forever. It is susceptible to damage. This is especially true for rings.
If you're looking to buy white gold jewelry, you'll want a lifetime warranty to keep up with rhodium plating. If you have diamonds in your ring, you'll want to make sure they get tightened should they ever come loose. When prongs eventually start catching on clothing, you'll want to get them retipped.
Warranties that cover wear and tear will cover all these services. Otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket over the years. Do yourself a solid and buy from someone like James Allen that give it free for life!
Check the Return Policy
One of the biggest reasons why we urge you to purchase from our recommended online diamond retailers, is because we trust them. While you may come across reviews and isolated stories of bad experiences customers have had, remember that many are situationally based and we don't always know the whole story.
What makes our retailers a trusted place is that many of them have 24 hour customer service, online chats, and are required to communicate with customers in a timely fashion. All of them also have a solid return policy. Make sure that no matter where you purchase real gold jewelry from, it has an easy and painless return process just in case you don't like it.
I just love the contrast of all these gemstones together. Other notable combinations for peridot jewelry would be with citrine or tanzanite. A combination of brightly colored gemstones like these would add a splash of excitement in your jewelry collection.
Get Your Gold Jewelry Online From...
James Allen is the best place to buy gold jewelry for anyone who values quality, craftsmanship, and a wide selection of options. Their commitment to using only 100% real and solid gold ensures that every piece of jewelry is both beautiful and durable.
From engagement rings to diamond necklaces, James Allen offers a range of styles in white, yellow, and rose gold, with options for subtle or more pronounced diamonds.
Their lifetime warranty covering wear and tear, as well as a 30-day return policy, make them a top choice for anyone looking to invest in high-quality gold jewelry.
