Frequently Asked Questions- The GLD Shop

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is GLD quality any different than other companies?

GLD takes pride in offering best-in-class jewelry that stands out for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. GLD gold-plated, vermeil, and solid gold pieces are all finished to the same high standards used on our six-figure custom pieces. GLD designs every product in-house, giving customers original designs instead of generic styles that other companies often source from third party vendors where their quality is not controlled effectively.

We hand-set every stone for optimal shine and durability, use a proprietary gold plating method, and apply the same premium 14K gold color across our entire line. This consistency ensures that GLD gold-plated, vermeil, and solid gold pieces match seamlessly when layered or stacked.

GLD's commitment to craftsmanship, custom design, and consistent finish makes GLD stand out amongst other men’s jewelry brands.

Is GLD’s gold plating different than standard gold plating?

Yes. GLD uses a proprietary PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) gold plating process – the most advanced and long-lasting gold coating method used in modern jewelry. While many brands use traditional electroplating or market their pieces as “gold bonded,” these methods typically use lower gold quality and weaker adhesion. GLD’s PVD process goes further, using higher gold density and a molecular bonding process that creates a significantly stronger, longer-lasting finish trusted in aerospace and high-performance engineering. GLD’s PVD coatings are:

Waterproof and sweat-resistant
Scratch-resistant
Built for long-term daily wear

PVD gold plating lasts significantly longer than traditional gold plating and most “gold bonded” jewelry due to its stronger molecular bonding and thicker gold layer. GLD consistently outperforms other name brand gold-plated jewelry in both longevity and wear resistance, which is why every plated piece is backed by a Lifetime Guarantee. With over 35,000 five-star reviews, customers frequently report wearing their GLD jewelry for years while maintaining the signature shine the brand is known for.

Is GLD legit?

Yes, GLD is 100% legitimate and trusted by over one million customers worldwide with over 35,000 5 star reviews and over 2.5m followers across social media accounts. GLD is an official licensed partner of the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, DC comics, and MLB, and has been worn by some of the biggest names in music, sports, and entertainment, including Justin Bieber, Micah Parsons, and Kevin Durant.

GLD products are made using real gold, .925 sterling silver, rhodium, moissanite, and solid gold, with industry-leading craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee on gold-plated pieces. We’re committed to transparency, authenticity, and delivering real value across every price point.

Can you shower and workout in gold-plated products?

Yes-GLD gold-plated products are made to be worn in real life, including through showers and tough workouts.

While most gold-plated jewelry isn’t built to handle moisture, sweat, or daily wear, GLD is different. GLD uses significantly more real gold than typical plating, applied using a proprietary process perfected through years of rigorous testing. GLD pieces are crafted with high-grade base metals like 316L surgical-grade stainless steel and .925 sterling silver, which are known for their strength, hypoallergenic properties, and resistance to tarnishing.

This combination allows GLD products to withstand water, workouts, and everyday use without the fading, irritation, or dulling you’ll see from other brands.

Most plated jewelry loses its shine or causes skin irritation when exposed to moisture-but GLD solves this with high-performance materials and a finish designed to last.

That’s why we confidently back every gold-plated product with a lifetime guarantee.

Is GLD Real Gold?

Yes. GLD offers solid gold jewelry in 10K, 14K, and 18K, along with gold-plated (18K over 316L surgical-grade steel) and vermeil pieces (gold over 925 sterling silver with moissanite). Some styles, like white gold vermeil, use a rhodium finish for a bright silver tone. Each product page lists the exact material and composition.

Where Is GLD Jewelry Made?

GLD designs all pieces in Miami and produces jewelry in both the USA and Italy. Many solid gold pieces are made in the USA, while many chains, including vermeil and solid gold styles, are made in Italy.

Does GLD produce their chains in Italy?

Yes. GLD produces many chains in Italy, including vermeil and solid gold styles.

Does GLD produce jewelry in the USA?

Yes. GLD produces many solid gold pieces in the USA, along with key components like clasps and connectors. Vermeil pieces, which use 925 sterling silver as a base and may include finishes like rhodium for color, are produced in Italy.

Which material is right for me: Gold-Plated, Vermeil with Moissanite, or Solid Gold?

GLD offers multiple material options—each with its own benefits depending on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Gold-Plated Jewelry

Made with real 18K gold and/or rhodium, hand-set stones, and backed by a lifetime guarantee—for the best value at an accessible price point.

Key Features:

Hypoallergenic and durable, ideal for everyday wear
Hand-set stones - a technique typically reserved for high-end solid gold jewelry, used on every GLD piece to maximize shine.
Made with real 18k gold and/or rhodium. Most products including chains and watches utilize 316L surgical grade stainless steel as the base metal. This is hypoallergenic and provides customers an affordable piece of jewelry that can last a lifetime.
Same production standards as GLD’s six-figure custom and solid gold pieces.
True 14K gold color, making it ideal for stacking or pairing with vermeil and solid gold.
Covered by GLD’s lifetime guarantee.
A high-quality, cost-effective option for daily or starter jewelry collections.

2. Vermeil with Moissanite Stones

.925 sterling silver base + 2.5+ microns of 18K gold + moissanite

Key Features:

GLD’s vermeil / moissanite is considered fine jewelry due to the all-precious metal composition and moissanite stones.
Features hand-set moissanite stones as with ALL GLD jewelry.
Built using the same craftsmanship as GLD’s custom and solid gold jewelry.
Matches perfectly with GLD’s gold-plated and solid gold pieces thanks to consistent color and finish.
Price range: typically $150–$1,000+, offering great value compared to solid gold.
Ideal for customers looking for premium feel and long-term quality without paying full diamond prices.
GLD Moissanite can often pass handheld diamond testers which is a bonus for many customers.
Note: Franco and Tennis chains use surgical-grade stainless steel for structural reasons-but still feature the same vermeil finish and shine.

3. Solid Gold (10K–18K) with Natural or Lab Diamonds

Solid gold throughout-not plated or filled.

Key Features:

The gold karat refers to the purity of the gold: 10K = 41.7% gold, 14K = 58.3%, 18K = 75% - all GLD Solid gold is solid gold throughout, not plated.
14K is the most popular option, offering balance between purity and durability.
10K is great for high-impact wear, while 18K offers a softer metal and ultra-premium connotation.
GLD also offers 24K Gold customs upon request.
GLD has crafted solid gold custom jewelry for top-tier artists and athletes like Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Kevin Durant, and many others.
Solid gold is perfect for lifelong wear and investment pieces.
Solid gold pairs great with both GLD gold plated and GLD vermeil items due to the consistency throughout.

Is GLD gold plating the best quality? What makes it the best quality?

Is GLD gold plating the best quality? What makes it different?

Yes-GLD uses a proprietary premium plating process that sets a new standard for durability and shine in the industry. Years of innovation and testing have allowed us to perfect a method that applies significantly more real 18K gold than typical gold-plated products.

Unlike many brands that use flash plating or minimal gold layers, GLD’s process is engineered for longevity. Every piece is crafted using real gold, high-performance base metals, and a multi-step application process designed to ensure lasting quality and brilliance.

We also match the exact tone of solid 14K gold, the same shade used in our high-end custom pieces worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. This means you can confidently layer and stack your gold-plated, vermeil, and solid gold GLD pieces- knowing the color and quality will match perfectly.

At GLD, we’re constantly testing and improving our process to stay ahead of industry standards- and that’s why every gold-plated product comes backed by our lifetime guarantee.

What is Vermeil?

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a high-quality jewelry material made by layering real gold over a sterling silver base. To qualify as vermeil, a piece must meet specific standards:

Base metal: .925 sterling silver
Gold karat: At least 12K (GLD uses 18K)
Gold thickness: At least 2.5 microns thick, thicker than standard gold plating

At GLD, we take it a step further by pairing vermeil with moissanite stones offering a fine jewelry experience that rivals solid gold, but at a more accessible price point.

GLD Vermeil = All precious metals + hand-set stones + same production quality used in our six-figure custom pieces. Therefore GLD vermeil is considered fine jewelry.

Key Benefits:

Durable, long-lasting finish with premium shine
Hand-set stones for maximum brilliance
Ideal for mixing with gold-plated or solid gold pieces thanks to consistent color and quality
Considered fine jewelry due to material purity and craftsmanship

Note: While all our vermeil items use .925 sterling silver as the base, certain chain styles-like Franco and Tennis-use 316L surgical-grade stainless steel for structural reasons. These pieces are still finished in the same vermeil gold for a seamless match.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a rare gemstone that looks similar to a diamond but has its own unique brilliance. At GLD, we use high-grade moissanite to offer pieces with stunning clarity and fire- at a fraction of the cost of diamonds. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than almost all other gemstones (second only to diamonds).

Moissanite is also:

Ethically sourced (Conflict-free)
Visually comparable to diamonds
More affordable that diamonds, making it perfect for big looks at better prices
GLD Moissanite even passes some handheld diamond testers due to its high conductivity.

GLD often pairs moissanite with vermeil as a premium and fine jewelry option which bridges between gold plated and solid gold/diamond product offering luxury, quality, and price-accessibility all in one.

Is GLD Jewelry Made With Real Gold/Silver/Rhodium?

Is GLD Jewelry Made With Real Gold, Silver, and Rhodium?

Yes, GLD uses real 14K–18K yellow gold, genuine .925 sterling silver, and authentic white or black rhodium across all materials, including gold-plated, vermeil, and solid gold pieces.

Each item undergoes rigorous quality and durability testing during the production process to ensure it meets our exacting standards. This includes lab testing, wear simulation, and material integrity checks.

GLD also proudly follows all regulations set by the Jewelry Vigilance Committee, ensuring our materials are not only genuine, but responsibly sourced and accurately represented.

How should I store and protect my jewelry?

To keep your GLD jewelry looking its best for years to come, follow these simple care tips:

Keep it dry: Avoid exposing your jewelry to water, steam, or high humidity. When not in use, store it in the GLD dust bag provided or a dry, protective pouch.
Use proper storage: Use a jewelry box lined with tarnish-resistant fabric and separate compartments to prevent scratching. In humid climates, add a small desiccant pack (like silica gel) to help control moisture.
Avoid rubber contact: Do not store your jewelry with rubber products, which can cause damage over time.
Wipe it down: Before storing, gently clean your jewelry with a soft, dry polishing cloth to remove any oils or residue.
Avoid chemicals: Always remove your jewelry before applying perfume, cologne, lotion, or other chemical products, as these can damage plating or gemstones.

For gold-plated or vermeil pieces, avoid over-polishing. Light, occasional cleaning is best to preserve the finish.

By following these guidelines, you'll help protect the shine, color, and longevity of your GLD jewelry across all materials.

Will my jewelry fade, tarnish, or lose its shine?

Not with proper care- and that’s exactly why GLD stands behind its products with a lifetime guarantee. Our gold-plated and vermeil jewelry uses real 18K gold and/or rhodium, layered over premium metals and applied through a multi-step proprietary process.

While all fine jewelry can wear over time with rough treatment, GLD pieces are tested under real-world conditions to outperform industry standards. As long as you follow our simple care guidelines- avoiding harsh chemicals and storing properly- your GLD jewelry will retain its shine for years to come.

How do I claim my prize in GLD's Tattoo Tuesday?

We’re excited to reward our dedicated fans through GLD’s Tattoo Tuesday! Here’s how you can claim your prize:

Proof of Tattoo

To qualify, you must provide proof of your GLD logo tattoo. Please submit a photo or video of your tattoo to us via Instagram @ShopGLD. All tattoos must be approved by GLD.

Prize Details:

$200 Store Credit: For tattoos featuring the old GLD logo or partially qualifying tattoos.
$400 Store Credit: For tattoos featuring the new/current logo that are over 2 inches in size and pre-approved by GLD.

Usage of Store Credit:

Store credit gift codes are for one-time use only.
Store credit cannot be applied to Solid Gold items and cannot be combined with discounts.

Eligibility

You must be the person who received the tattoo to claim the prize.

Please note that all rules and qualifications are subject to GLD’s discretion. For any questions or to submit your tattoo, contact us on Instagram @ShopGLD.

Warranty Information

[Warranty Information](/content/pages/gld-warranty "GLD Warranty Policies"/index.html)

What is the Return Policy?

See full Return Policy [here](/content/pages/returns "https://www.gld.com/pages/returns"/index.html).

Return or Exchange

We accept returns and exchanges for items in brand-new, unworn condition within 14 days of delivery.

What you need:

Your order number
The email address used at checkout

Important notes:

All BOGO or free promotional items must be returned to receive a full refund
Solid Gold, Custom, Moissanite jewelry, and Grillz are not eligible for return or exchange

How it works:

Submit the form
Get your return label
Send your item back
Receive a refund, store credit, or exchange

How does the lifetime guarantee work?

At GLD, we’re dedicated to providing you with the highest quality jewelry. That’s why all purchases of Gold Plated or Vermeil, non-custom pieces come with a Lifetime Guarantee!

If your jewelry gets damaged, fades, or stops working under normal wear, we’ll happily offer a one-time replacement for your piece.

Replacement Fees by Item Type:

Standard Gold Plated – $19.99
All Earrings + Non-Iced Vermeil – $29.99

If your original item is no longer available, you can exchange it for another Gold Plated or Vermeil, non-custom piece of equal or lesser value.

Please note that this guarantee does not cover lost/stolen items, Solid Gold, Custom pieces, Moissanite, Grillz, Watches, or Apparel.

As an International customer, will I have to pay an Import Tax upon placing my order?

GLD is thrilled to serve over 220 countries worldwide!

When ordering from outside the United States, please be aware that you, as the recipient, are responsible for ensuring that the product can be imported into your country. As the importer of record, you must adhere to all laws and regulations of your destination country. You may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, and fees once your shipment reaches your country. Please note that these charges are non-refundable. If you refuse a shipment due to unexpected import fees, the total cost of the order, including original shipping and any return shipping charges, will not be refunded. Customs policies vary by country, so we recommend contacting your local customs office for detailed information. Customs clearance procedures may cause delays beyond our initial delivery estimates, with a standard clearance time of 1 business day.

To help avoid delays with customs, we strongly suggest:

Providing a phone number where customs can reach you upon arrival of your product. This number will be listed on the commercial invoice.
Avoiding refusal of shipments or ignoring requests from carriers regarding duty and/or tax charges. Most carriers will hold a shipment for 5 days after its arrival in your country before abandoning or returning it to the sender.

Additionally, please be aware that orders subject to discounts, including the BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) promotion will be taxed based on the true commercial value of the items, rather than the discounted amount.

I didn’t receive my package but my tracking number says it was delivered?

We’re here to help ensure you receive your order smoothly! If your tracking number indicates that your package has been delivered but you haven’t received it, please first check with your mail carrier, neighbors, or building manager/mailroom. Sometimes packages can be misplaced or delivered to a nearby location.

If you’re still unable to locate your package, please reach out to us. We’ll assist in filing a claim with the carrier on your behalf. Please note that once tracking shows a delivery, GLD is not liable for missing or lost packages. Based on the outcome of the claim, we may or may not be able to replace your order.

We appreciate your understanding and are here to assist you through the process!

Why is my discount code not valid?

We’re here to help you make the most of our promotions! Discount codes are often tied to specific sales and are available for a limited time. If your discount code is no longer valid, it may have expired or been deactivated.

Please note that discounts do not apply to pre-discounted items, Fine Jewelry (Solid Gold, Moissanite, Platinum, Hollow Gold, Sterling Silver), or custom orders. Additionally, only one discount can be used per order.

If you’re having trouble with a discount code, please check its validity period and the terms of the promotion.

If I have questions regarding my solid gold or custom order, how can I get help?

We’re here to support you with any questions about your Solid Gold or Custom order!

Contact our team [HERE](/content/pages/contact "Contact Us"/index.html) anytime.

Here’s what you need to know:

Solid Gold Orders

Timeline: Please check individual product pages for estimated timeline.
Discounts: Discount codes cannot be applied to Solid Gold items.
Returns: Solid Gold items are made to order and final sale.
Repairs: We offer repair services for solid gold items with a flat fee of $99.

Custom Orders

Timeline: Please check individual product pages for estimated timeline.
Discounts: Discounts cannot be applied to Custom items.
Returns: Custom items are made to order and are final sale.
Repairs: We offer repair services for custom items with a flat fee of $99.

Does GLD jewelry turn your neck green?

No, GLD jewelry is crafted with premium, skin-safe materials that are tested to prevent skin irritation or green discoloration. Unlike low-quality gold-plated jewelry, GLD uses hypoallergenic metals on all products from gold plated, vermeil, and solid gold.

Our proprietary gold plating process and base metals are designed to maintain their shine and finish- even with everyday wear. That’s why thousands of customers trust GLD as their go-to daily chain.

How long is the shipping process?

Tracking and Insurance

GLD’s pleased to offer full tracking updates for your package through both email and SMS. We kindly ask that you allow 1-2 business days for processing before your order is shipped.

We encourage you to use the tracking number provided to monitor your order until it reaches you. If your order shows as delivered but you haven't received it, please check with your mail carrier, neighbors, or building manager/mailroom. If you're still unable to locate your package, contact us, and we will assist in filing a claim.

All domestic orders of $599 USD or more will require a signature upon delivery.

Shipping

Domestic Standard Economy:

We happily offer free standard shipping on all orders via FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Delivery typically takes 7-10 business days (please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories).

Expedited:

Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for most items and locations. Orders placed before 9:00 AM EST Monday-Friday are shipped the same day. Delivery will be made via FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, or UPS Express depending on your location. Please note that expedited services cannot be delivered to PO boxes.

International Standard:

GLD ships to over 220 countries worldwide! Enjoy free international shipping via GlobalPost, FedEx and USPS. Delivery usually takes 3-4 weeks.

What does Package Protection cover?

Package Protection gives you peace of mind by covering your order against returns, loss, theft, or damage while it's on its way to you. Here's what's included:

Lost Packages - If your tracking has not updated in 5 or more business days, or the carrier has confirmed the package is lost, we'll take care of it.
Damaged Items - If your order arrives broken or damaged during delivery, we'll make it right. (Photos of the damage are required.)
Stolen Packages - If your tracking shows as delivered but you haven't received your order, we'll look into it. (A photo of your front door or delivery area is required.)
FREE returns under 14 days: Restocking fee would be waived and the label will be free if the return is issued within 14 days from the delivery date.

Please note: Package Protection for loss shipments covers free product replacements only and does not issue monetary refunds. If a replacement item is out of stock, we'll provide store credit or an alternative replacement.

Rest assured - if your package is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, we've got you covered! As long as this is your first reported issue and we're able to successfully file and resolve a claim with the carrier, we'll send you a free replacement. Please note that our Package Protection covers replacements only and does not include monetary refunds.

What Exclusions Apply?

Discount Codes exclude products from the following collections:

Bundles
Customs
Collaborations (subject to availability)
Moissanite
Solid Gold
Platinum
Hollow Gold
Sterling Silver

Discount codes are excluded from e-gift card purchases.

Is GLD’s packaging designed for reuse?

GLD boxes and zipper bags are not intended to be reused, and are intended strictly to contain, protect and present your jewelry item

If I have an additional question that the FAQ page was unable to answer, how can I get help?

If we are unable to answer your question, please visit the [Contact Us page](/content/pages/contact "Contact Us"/index.html). Be sure to include your name, order number, and any other important information that will allow us to better serve your request.

Customer Care

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