Real 18K Gold vs Gold-Plated Name Necklace: How to Tell
Buying guide
A real gold name necklace is solid gold all the way through, and the seller states the karat (for example 18K, or the hallmark 750). A gold-plated, gold-filled or vermeil necklace is another metal, such as brass, steel or silver, with a layer of gold on top that can wear off over time. Read the product wording carefully, look for the karat, and compare the price: a solid 18K gold Arabic name necklace with diamonds costs thousands of dirhams, not a few hundred.
Shop the Arabic Name Necklace18K gold · Free delivery in the UAE · Pay in instalments with Tabby or Tamara (UAE and KSA) · Help on WhatsApp
By Lana Al Kamal
Founder and jewellery designer, GIA-trained, Dubai · Updated 12 November 2026
As featured in
Harper's Bazaar ArabiaEmirates WomanGrazia ArabiaJdeed MagazineKey takeaways
- Solid 18K gold is 75% gold all the way through; plated, vermeil and gold-filled pieces only have a gold layer on another metal.
- Check the listing for the karat or hallmark (18K or 750) and for words such as plated, vermeil, 925 or CZ.
- The Lana Al Kamal Arabic Name Necklace is solid 18K gold with diamonds and costs AED 4,250 to AED 4,850 (November 2026).
What is the difference?
| Solid 18K gold | Gold-plated / vermeil | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | 75% gold mixed with other metals, all the way through | Brass, steel or silver with a thin gold layer |
| Wording to look for | "18K gold", "solid gold", "750" | "gold-plated", "gold tone", "vermeil", "PVD", "gold-filled", "925 with gold" |
| Over time | Keeps its colour; can be polished | The layer can wear through, especially with water, perfume and daily wear |
| Stones | Often real diamonds or gemstones, with details given | Often cubic zirconia or crystal |
| Gold value | Has real gold value | Little or no gold value |
The World Gold Council explains karats and hallmarks. Our 18K vs 21K guide explains what 75% gold means.
Pieces in this guide
Arabic Name Necklace★★★★★ 5.0 (1 review)From AED 4,250Shop now
Arabic Letter NecklaceAED 3,200Shop now
Love Bracelet★★★★★ 5.0 (1 review)AED 3,900Shop now
How can you tell when buying online?
Five checks before you pay:
- The karat is stated. A solid gold piece says 18K, 21K or 750/875. "Gold colour", "gold tone" or just "gold" is not enough.
- The small print. Search the description for "plated", "vermeil", "filled", "925", "stainless steel" or "brass".
- The stones are described. Real diamonds come with a carat weight and clarity; "CZ" or "zircon" means they are not diamonds.
- The price makes sense. A solid gold name piece with diamonds cannot sell for the price of a plated one.
- The seller is a jeweller. Look for a named brand, a physical base and a way to ask questions before you buy.
What does a solid 18K gold name necklace look like?
As an example, the Lana Al Kamal Arabic Name Necklace is made to order in solid 18K yellow, white or rose gold, using a golden-bubbles texture. On names with dotted letters, each dot is a 0.03 ct VS diamond. The name piece is about 2.5–3 cm. Prices (November 2026) depend on the number of letters: AED 4,250 for 3 letters, 4,450 for 4–5, 4,650 for 6–7 and 4,850 for 8–9, the same in every gold colour.
Want something smaller? The Arabic Letter Necklace is one solid 18K gold letter (about 10 x 14 mm) set with a VS diamond, AED 3,200 (November 2026). For more on choosing the name and style, see the Arabic name necklace guide and where to buy an Arabic name necklace in Dubai.
What to buyArabic Name Necklace, from AED 4,250Is solid gold worth it?
If the necklace is a gift for a milestone or something she will wear every day, yes: it will not change colour, it can be cleaned and polished, and the gold itself keeps value. A plated necklace can be fine for a fashion piece you will wear a few times, but expect the colour to change. Every Lana Al Kamal piece is 18K gold, from the name necklaces to the Love Bracelet in Arabic calligraphy with 0.30 ct of diamonds (AED 3,900, November 2026).
How long does delivery take?
The Arabic Name Necklace is made to order in about 15 working days. Delivery then takes about 3 working days within the UAE, where it is free, and about 5 working days to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC. Not sure how a name will look? Send it to our team on WhatsApp before you order.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a name necklace is real gold?
Check that the seller states the karat (18K, 21K or the hallmark 750/875), that the description does not say plated, vermeil, filled or steel, and that the price is in line with solid gold.
Does gold-plated jewellery turn black or fade?
The gold layer on plated jewellery can wear through over time, especially with water, perfume and daily wear, showing the metal underneath. Solid gold keeps its colour.
Is gold vermeil real gold?
Vermeil is sterling silver with a layer of gold on top. It has some gold, but it is not solid gold.
Is the Lana Al Kamal Arabic Name Necklace solid gold?
Yes. It is solid 18K gold in yellow, white or rose, with 0.03 ct VS diamonds as the letter dots.
How much is a real 18K gold Arabic name necklace?
Lana Al Kamal's Arabic Name Necklace is AED 4,250 to 4,850 (November 2026), depending on the number of letters.
Browse the Arabic Calligraphy collection
Not sure which one?
Send our team a photo or a question on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.
WhatsApp our teamKeep reading
Arabic Name Necklace in 18K Gold: The Complete GuideBuying an Arabic Name Necklace in Dubai: 8 Checks18K vs 21K Gold: Which Is Better for Jewellery?
About Lana Al Kamal
Lana Al Kamal is an architect and jewellery designer who founded her Dubai-based fine jewellery brand in 2018. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a member of the Dubai Chamber jewellery designers group. Every piece is made in 18K gold.
