Key Differences Between Gold Vermeil, Gold Plated, And Gold Filled

By Author: Beads Venue
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Gold vermeil and gold plated may appear the same to some jewelry lovers; however, they are not at all the same and have plenty of distinctive differences. The confusion arises because they all contain a gold layer. So, before you head out to buy gold jewelry, you must consider the qualities or properties of each of these gold categories as it will help you make the right decision.

In this post, we will take a look at the properties of each of these jewelry types.

1. Gold Vermeil

Vermeil is also known as ‘silver grit’. It is high-purity sterling silver plated with a thin layer of gold. These days gold vermeil jewelry is created using an advanced chemical process. In this process, silver is electroplated with gold. So, in a nutshell, two metals are bound together using electric current.

To be eligible to be called gold vermeil jewellery, it has to adhere to certain standards. For instance, in the U.S, the gold on the jewelry piece needs to be at least 2.5 microns thick.

2. Gold Plated Jewelry
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Gold-plated jewelry is made of a low-end base metal that is electroplated with a layer of gold. Gold-plated jewelry may tend to be less costly than gold vermeil, but it can be more valuable if it contains a thick gold layer. It is important to note that, unlike gold vermeil, gold-plated jewelry doesn’t need any minimum thickness requirements.

So, if you compare gold-plated jewelry and gold vermeil jewelry, you can spot the differences. Gold vermeil comprises two precious metals- gold and silver while gold-plated jewelry is made of a low-end metal such as brass or copper with a thin layer of gold. A gold vermeil ornament with a thin layer of gold is prone to wear though and it may need replating.

3.Gold Filled Jewelry

Gold-filled jewelry has a thick layer of gold on it. The layer can be as thick as 100%. The base material could be brass or any other low-end material. Due to such properties, it may be difficult for you to differentiate between true gold and a gold-filled ornament.

This form of jewelry has at least 5 percent gold weight. Unlike gold vermeil, gold-filled jewelry is not created using the electroplating process.

Which Jewelry is Ideal for You?

Gold vermeil jewelry is also called demi-fine jewelry and if you are looking for some high-end jewelry, then jewelry made of gold vermeil is ideal for you.

If you do not mind using a low-end base metal, then you can go for gold-filled jewelry. This jewelry is long-lasting and hence worth your money.

Gold plated jewelry is perfect for jewelry lovers looking for an affordable gold jewelry form; however, it can succumb to water, heat, and wear over time.

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