The difference between gold vermeil and gold plated jewellery

When it comes to jewellery, there are a lot of terms that can be confusing. Two of the most commonly misunderstood terms are gold vermeil and gold plated. While they might sound similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Gold vermeil is a type of jewellery that is made by coating sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. The gold used in vermeil is typically 14k or higher, which means it has a higher percentage of pure gold than other types of gold jewellery. This gives vermeil its distinctive colour and shine.

Gold plated jewellery, on the other hand, is made by coating a base metal (like brass or copper) with a thin layer of gold. The thickness of the gold layer can vary depending on the quality of the plating process, but it is generally much thinner than the layer used in vermeil.

One major difference between these two types of jewellery is their durability. Because vermeil has such a thick layer of gold, it tends to be more durable than plated jewellery. Gold plating can wear off over time as the base metal underneath begins to show through. Vermeil, on the other hand, will maintain its colour and shine for much longer.

Another difference between these two types of jewellery is their cost. Vermeil tends to be more expensive than plated jewellery because it uses more precious materials (like sterling silver and high-quality gold). However, many people believe that this extra cost is worth it because vermeil looks and feels more luxurious than plated pieces.

In conclusion, while both gold vermeil and gold plated jewellery might look similar at first glance, there are some important differences between them. Vermeil tends to be more durable and expensive because it uses higher-quality materials like sterling silver and thicker layers of real gold. Plated pieces are less expensive but may not last as long due to their thinner layering process. Ultimately, the choice between these two types of jewellery comes down to personal preference and budget.