Gold Vermeil vs. Gold Plated: What’s the Difference?

Gold plated and gold vermeil may look similar, but they have distinct differences. From the thickness of the gold layer to the type of base metal used, we’ll guide you through these distinctions and explain why we always choose gold vermeil for our jewelry at Molenia Jewelry.

What’s the difference?

Material Base

• Gold-Plated: The base metal is often a less expensive material, such as brass, or stainless steel.
• Gold Vermeil: The base metal must be sterling silver, which is higher in quality and hypoallergenic.

Gold Layer Thickness

• Gold-Plated:  The gold layer is typically very thin (less than 0.5 microns), making it more prone to fading or wearing off over time.
• Gold Vermeil: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick by legal standards, making it more durable compared to standard gold-plated pieces
  

Durability

• Gold-Plated: Due to its thin gold layer, it can tarnish or chip relatively quickly, especially with frequent wear. 
• Gold Vermeil: The thicker gold layer and sterling silver base make it more resistant to tarnishing and better for daily wear.

Cost

• Gold-Plated: Typically more affordable because of the thin gold layer and lower-cost base metal.
• Gold Vermeil: Slightly more expensive due to the use of sterling silver and a thicker, higher-quality gold layer.     

What is gold plated jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry features a thin layer of gold applied over a less expensive base metal, such as copper or brass. This process allows jewelers to create affordable pieces since the base material is far more economical than solid gold or sterling silver. However, at [Brand Name], we exclusively use 100% recycled sterling silver as the base for our gold vermeil jewelry. This ensures that our pieces are of a higher quality while remaining accessible and sustainable. Gold vermeil not only offers durability but also lasts much longer than gold plated jewelry, which is prone to tarnishing over time.

Is gold plated a real gold?

Gold-plated jewellery consists of a base metal covered with a thin layer of real gold. Although these pieces are not made entirely of gold, the outer plating is genuine gold. To qualify as ‘gold plated,’ the gold layer must measure at least 0.5 microns in thickness.

How to clean gold plated jewelry?

You might worry that cleaning could worsen tarnishing on your gold-plated jewellery. However, regular gentle care is essential to maintain its shine. For gold-plated pieces, avoid harsh scrubbing—instead, lightly wash them in lukewarm soapy water to preserve the delicate gold layer.

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What is gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil is a refined jewelry-making technique that offers distinctive quality and durability compared to standard gold plating. Dating back to the 19th century, it involves layering gold over a sterling silver base. Unlike traditional gold plating, gold vermeil requires a thicker coating of gold—at least 2.5 microns—which is significantly more robust than the thin layers typically found in gold-plated pieces. This added thickness, combined with the premium sterling silver base, makes gold vermeil an elegant and lasting choice for fine jewelry.

How to clean gold vermeil jewelry? 

Cleaning gold jewelry is simple and can be done from the comfort of your home. For gold vermeil pieces, we recommend using a soft polishing cloth to gently restore its shine while ensuring it remains clean and dry. Carefully rub the jewelry in one direction to remove any dirt or residue, leaving your piece looking as good as new.

 

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