It’s likely that you’ll run into a wide range of terms and expressions while looking for gold jewelry. If you are wondering about gold plated vs gold vermeil, here is everything you need to know before buying.
Gold vermeil and gold plating have minute variations. When selecting the appropriate type of metal for your next piece of jewelry, it is crucial to comprehend these key distinctions.
While Gold Vermeil contains a significantly high amount of gold and a thicker layer, Gold plating has a much thinner coating.
Continue reading to discover the basic distinctions between gold vermeil and gold-plated jewelry!
What Does Gold Plated Mean?
Gold-plated jewelry contains the least amount of Gold among all the different types of gold finishes. It is created by covering a thin layer of Gold over a base metal.
The base metal may be a combination of metals, such as Brass, Copper, Nickel, or Aluminum. The gold layers are typically between 0.175 and 2.5 microns thick, and the technique used is frequently chemical or electrical deposition.
Jewelry that is gold-plated typically deteriorates quickly because the gold plating is so thin.
Also Read: Is Gold Plated Jewelry Worth Anything?
Is Gold Plated Real Gold?
Real gold and additional base metal are combined to create jewelry that is gold-plated. Despite the fact that these pieces are not solid gold, the gold used in the plating is genuine.
However, for a piece to be labeled ‘gold plated’ the layer of gold must be equal to or greater than 0.5 microns.
What Does Gold Vermeil Mean?
When sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is used as the base metal, gold vermeil, which is pronounced “vehr-may,” is a high-quality version of gold plating. A minimum of 10K gold with a 2.5-micron thickness is required by law.
Compared to other gold plating, gold vermeil has a thicker layer of plating that is roughly five times as thick, making it much more durable. Gold vermeil offers the ideal balance between cost and quality because of the added thickness, which makes it much more durable than gold-plated jewelry.
In general, sterling silver is more hypoallergenic than alloy metals like zinc and nickel. For those who don’t want to splurge on solid gold, vermeil makes for the next best alternative!
Is Gold Vermeil Real Gold?
Gold vermeil is genuine gold, just like traditional gold plating. At Monica Vinader, we use 18 carat gold alloy, which is the highest gold alloy content that can be used to create jewelry.
We use gold vermeil in both our gold and rose gold jewelry collections because we adore the pieces that can be made from it.
Gold Vermeil Vs Gold Plated – the Key Differences
When comparing gold vermeil to gold plated, there are many differences that make the two gold types stand apart.
- Base metal – whilst gold plating can take place on any metal, from copper to brass, gold vermeil has to be on sterling silver. For a sustainable option, recycled silver makes an excellent base.
- Gold thickness – the second key difference is in the thickness of the metal layer, whilst gold plated has a minimum thickness of 0.5 microns, vermeil has to be a thickness of at least 2.5 microns. When comparing gold vermeil and gold plating, gold vermeil is at least five times thicker than gold plating.
- Durability – due to its added thickness gold vermeil is far more durable than gold plating. combining quality and affordability.
Both gold vermeil and gold-plated jewelry have their own unique advantages. For those wanting a higher quality, but still affordable piece that will endure frequent wear for years to come, gold vermeil is the ideal choice.
Whether you’re looking for earrings or anklets, gold vermeil is a wonderful option. However, due to its slightly lower price point, those who tend to change their style more frequently might want to try out gold-plated jewelry.
When compared to gold plating, gold vermeil is shown to be a higher-quality material for jewelry.
Also Read:
Final Words on Gold Plated Vs Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is the best alternative to solid gold when it comes to purchasing gold-tone jewelry.
Of course, gold-plated is always a fantastic choice for those looking to experiment with trendier styles on a tighter budget. Just don’t count on having a long lifespan!
You Might Also Like: Gold Vermeil Vs 14k Gold
FAQs
Which is Better Gold Plated Or Vermeil?
Gold vermeil is of a higher quality than gold-plated jewelry.
Which Lasts Longer Gold Plated Or Gold Vermeil?
Compared to gold-plated jewelry, gold vermeil is much more robust.
How Long Will Gold Vermeil Last?
Both gold-filled and gold vermeil can last for years with proper care.
