What is Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plated? Knowing Your Gold Jewellery
When it comes to gold jewellery and particularly when browsing online, there is an overwhelming variety of choice and to anyone who doesn’t work in the jewellery or precious metals industries it can be quite confusing. What do all these different types of gold mean? You might have seen labels such as filled gold, gold vermeil and gold plating, but do you know the difference between them? When shopping for gold jewellery, it is important to ask and to know what you are buying and how best to care for it because depending on the finish and how the gold has been applied will determine how you wear, store and clean your jewellery.
To help you out, we have put together some information to show you what types of gold there are and their pros and cons.
The Types of Gold Jewellery You Need to Know
Gold vermeil, filled gold, and gold plated are all terms used to describe jewellery that has a layer of gold covering a base of metal. However, the difference lies in the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal used in each process.
What is Solid Gold Jewellery?
Solid gold is gold all the way through. The difference being only the purity or fineness of the gold you choose. If you had a pendant that was 18 ct gold, you would have 75% gold, and then a mixture of silver and possibly copper, but the pendant would be made completely of precious metals through and through.
Pros of Solid Gold Jewellery
Solid gold jewellery is durable and will last forever (within reason of course depending on what you do with it) and can be worn everyday.
It is naturally waterproof. Exposing gold to water won’t harm it, it won’t tarnish – unlike silver.
Knocks and scratches can be easily repaired or polished out.
Solid gold pieces can be recycled easily.
For those with sensitive skin, gold is naturally hypoallergenic. The higher the carat, the less of the other alloy metals there are that can cause reactions.
Solid gold jewellery holds its value, making it perfect for keeping items as heirlooms or investments and there are more options for resales.
Cons of Solid Gold Jewellery
It is expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solid Gold Jewellery
Is it worth it to buy solid gold jewellery?
Absolutely. Solid gold jewellery is a timeless investment, offering durability, lasting beauty, and intrinsic value. Unlike plated or filled alternatives, it won’t wear away over time, making it a wonderful choice for heirloom pieces or everyday luxury.
Can you wear solid gold jewellery every day?
Yes! Solid gold is naturally resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making it ideal for daily wear. However, higher karat gold is softer, so consider your lifestyle when choosing the right karat for you.
Is solid gold valuable?
Yes, solid gold holds significant value due to its gold content and timeless appeal. Its worth depends on purity (measured in carats) and market gold prices. Unlike plated jewellery, solid gold retains its value over time, making it both a beautiful and wise investment.
What is Gold Filled Jewellery?
Filled gold sometimes goes by other names such as rolled gold or bonded gold. Filled gold has a gold layer thicker than gold plating over a brass base. Legally the gold content must be 5% of the total weight of the metal. It is bonded mechanically to the surface of the brass by heat and pressure. It is a permanent bond so will not flake, peel or fall off.
Pros of Gold Filled Jewellery
Filled gold jewellery is an affordable and durable alternative to solid gold, it is a better quality than plated gold with a thicker layer and will not tarnish under normal conditions.
It is also resistant to heat and water like solid gold.
It is hypoallergenic and can be worn daily.
Cons of Gold Filled Jewellery
Care must be taken not to scratch the jewellery because repairing or polishing filled gold is very difficult.
In general you need to take care and avoid anything that can wear down the outer gold layer because exposing the brass core will result in tarnishing and that colour seeping through. This includes wearing harder metals like steel or platinum next to your gold filled jewellery and cleaning with harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Filled Jewellery
What does gold filled mean?
Gold filled jewellery has a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, usually brass, through heat and pressure. Unlike gold plating, it contains significantly more gold and is more durable, making it a longer-lasting and more affordable alternative to solid gold.
How long will gold filled jewellery last?
With due care, filled gold jewellery can last up to a couple of decades.
How should you care for gold filled jewellery?
Clean your gold filled jewellery with soapy liquid and a soft cloth to keep your pieces looking new and shining. However, do not over clean or you might wear down the gold layer too much, likewise, be careful with chemicals such as perfumes and hairspray as this can break down the gold layer and accelerate the tarnishing process.
Can you shower with gold filled jewellery?
It’s best to avoid showering with gold filled jewellery. While more durable than gold plating, exposure to water, soap, and chemicals can cause the gold layer to wear down over time. To keep it looking its best, remove it before bathing or swimming.
What is Gold Vermeil Jewellery?
Gold vermeil jewellery (pronounced ver-may) also goes by other names like silver gilt or silver gilded and is pure or sterling silver coated with a thin layer of gold. The layer is typically thicker than standard gold plating, usually ranging from 2.5 to 3 microns and is applied commonly through electrolysis or another specialist process. It has a solid silver base with a thick layer of gold so the entire item is made of precious metals and often people refer to it as demi-fine.
Pros of Gold Vermeil Jewellery
It balances the elegance and allure of gold but for a price closer to sterling silver.
It takes longer to wear the gold layer down to the solid silver core so it is better than plating but not as durable as gold filled.
It’s hypoallergenic, so long as the wearer does not have a silver allergy.
Cons of Gold Vermeil Jewellery
Gold vermeil will still tarnish due to its silver core, so if it is exposed to water or moisture this can seep into the gold layer. Getting it wet or swimming with gold vermeil jewellery should be avoided.
It is more difficult to repair or polish gold vermeil jewellery. Many jewellers cannot offer this service in their workshops as there are several steps involved and it is a costly process both in time and money, which compared to the price of the item might not make sense.
You can wear gold vermeil jewellery on a regular basis, but you will need to bear in mind that it will need replating every so often and you will have to find a trusted jeweller who can do this for you. Ideally gold vermeil is best worn for special occasions and not daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Vermeil Jewellery
Does gold vermeil tarnish?
Yes, gold vermeil can tarnish over time. Its sterling silver core is prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to moisture, which can seep through the gold layer.
Does gold vermeil wear off?
While more durable than standard gold plating, the gold layer on vermeil jewellery can wear down over time, revealing the silver beneath. Proper care, such as avoiding exposure to water and chemicals, can prolong its lifespan.
Is gold vermeil real gold?
Yes, gold vermeil features a genuine gold layer – typically thicker than standard plating – applied over a sterling silver base. This combination offers the elegance of gold at a more accessible price point.
What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery is made by using electricity or chemicals to bond a very thin layer of gold to the surface of base metal, copper, silver or other alloy metals. Gold plating uses the least amount of gold amongst all the gold finishes, approximately 0.05% of gold and 0.5 to 2.5 microns in thickness.
Pros of Gold Plated Jewellery
Gold plated jewellery is much cheaper than other gold finishes on jewellery because the gold layer is incredibly thin. It is a good affordable option for trying out new styles and designs if you are unsure whether something will suit you or you want to change your jewellery collections frequently.
Gold plated items are also good for traveling if you are afraid of them being lost or stolen.
Cons of Gold Plated Jewellery
Due to the very thin layer of gold, plated jewellery rubs off and wears away very quickly, therefore you would need to have it replated often, which can be costly and more than the original price you paid for the item.
Repairs are also very tricky and there are multiple steps involved to replate which will increase the total cost.
Gold plating is also not water resistant and exposure to chemicals, water, and our own natural oils in our skin and sweat will cause tarnishing.
For those with sensitive skin or metal allergies, plated jewellery should be avoided because once the gold layer has worn away the base metals are exposed and may cause irritations.
It is not something that should be worn on a daily basis but saved for special occasions and events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Plated Jewellery
What does gold plated mean?
Gold plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal, such as brass or copper. While it offers the look of gold at a lower price, the layer is delicate and can wear away over time, revealing the metal underneath.
How to clean gold plated jewellery
To clean gold plated jewellery, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals, water, and abrasive materials, as these can wear away the gold layer. Storing it in a soft pouch when not in use helps prevent scratches.
Does gold plated jewellery tarnish?
Yes, gold plated jewellery can tarnish, especially if the base metal reacts with moisture or chemicals. Over time, the thin gold layer may wear away, exposing the underlying metal, which can darken or discolour. It is recommended not to wear gold plated jewellery everyday and use proper care and storage to help extend its lifespan.
What Type of Gold Jewellery Should You Choose?
In short, the key differences lie in the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal used. Gold filled, vermeil and plating all look similar to solid gold, but they do not offer the same durability and longevity. They are great affordable options for lower budgets or fashion trends, but need care and attention to maintain their appearance. They are destined to fade and do not hold their market value; you will not get very much return on selling them. Solid gold lasts, it holds its value and it is easier to repair, polish, reshape and even recycle. It maintains its colour and is much stronger and water resistant. For fine, luxury jewellery and pieces set with diamonds and coloured gemstones, solid gold is always the best way to go for ultimate quality and to ensure your stones are secure, protected and that the jewellery lasts a lifetime.
Explore Stunning, Expertly Crafted Gold Jewellery
From rings to necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more, at Timothy Roe we expertly create beautiful pieces of gold jewellery made with premium metals and gemstones. We also offer a bespoke jewellery service, so we can bring your vision for a gold jewellery piece to life.
