Gold Vermeil vs. Gold-plated Jewellery: Which One Should You Pick?

A woman’s ensemble is never complete with a few shiny pieces of jewellery, and gold just makes it all the better. Known for its timeless elegance, gold has been worn by the greatest of pharaohs and monarchs, not only as a sign of beauty, but also of grace and status. 

With a wide array of gold jewellery in the market today, it can be hard to choose which one would suit you best, especially when it comes to gold vermeil and gold-plated jewellery. As one of the most accessible gold types, these pieces bring a fresh and modern take to the classic gold. Keep reading below to know what sets these two apart, so you can find the perfect investment piece truly worth their weight in gold. 

What is gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil, pronounced "vur-may" (FYI, it's French!), is a prominent category in the realm of gold jewellery. Unlike other types of gold, there are certain criteria before you can call it vermeil.

For starters, the piece should be made from sterling silver, an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other materials. Since it contains more sterling silver, it’s stronger and closer to real gold than other alternatives, like brass or copper. Additionally, the gold plating must be at least 10 karats and the gold content should be no less than 41.7% -- ensuring its luxurious and sophisticated appearance.

Lastly, its gold plating should measure at least 2.5 microns in thickness, with a micron representing 1/1000th of a millimetre, so it stays beautiful and shiny as long as possible. 

In essence, vermeil pieces are not merely jewellery; it's a testament to craftsmanship and adherence to standards, ensuring that each piece radiates both elegance and longevity.

Why choose Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil has an exquisite appearance. Gold vermeil has a high-end look that mirrors the appearance of solid gold pieces, so it’s hard to tell the difference. The best part? It does not cost as much!

Gold vermeil is more durable. Thanks to its thicker gold plating, vermeil pieces last longer than most gold-plated jewellery and have better resistance to wear and tear. Plus, you can easily remove the tarnished areas by polishing them. 

Gold vermeil is allergy-friendly. Since it’s made from sterling silver, gold vermeil is a safe choice for those with metal allergies.

What is Gold-plated Jewellery? 

Gold-plated jewellery, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option for those who want the timeless sparkle of gold in their ensemble. It uses electroplating to envelop the base metal (usually copper and brass) with a layer of gold. Each piece should have at least 0.5 microns of gold attached to the surface of the base metal to be considered as gold-plated. 

The thing with gold-plated jewellery, however, is that they do not last as long as gold vermeil, since its base metals are not as durable. On average, gold-plated jewellery lasts around a year or so, depending on your usage.

What are the Pros of Gold-plated Jewelry?

Gold-plated jewellery is more affordable. If you want to look classy and stylish without breaking the bank, gold-plated is the way to go. 

Gold-plated jewellery offers a diverse option for base metals. Want to play around with your pieces and experiment with the materials? Then opt for gold-plated pieces! You can enjoy a wide array of options in designing and creating your jewellery pieces since you can use copper or brass as your base. 

Gold-plated jewellery is fashionable and trendy. Gold-plated jewellery frequently showcases stylish and trendy designs, which can suit any taste and fit the fast-changing fashion trends.

What are the cons of gold-plated jewellery?

It tarnishes faster. Since gold-plated jewellery is only made of a thin layer of gold over a base metal, it is more prone to tarnishing, fading, and wear and tear, unlike gold vermeil. 

When the base metal comes into contact with moisture, the gold layer might degrade and tarnish. Similarly, exposure to chemicals such as hair spray, perfume, or lotion may damage gold-plated jewellery.

It is not allergy-friendly. Individuals with metal allergies may experience irritation to their skin due to the base metals employed in gold-plated jewellery.

It does not last as long. The thin gold layer means that gold-plated jewellery may have a limited lifespan compared to alternative options.

How do I know if it’s Gold Vermeil or Gold-plated Jewellery?

When buying gold jewellery, it helps to know how to distinguish gold vermeil from gold-plated jewellery. Here are some great tips to guide you in choosing your gold pieces:

First, check the item for visual cues, such as wear, discolouration, or tarnishing -- which are very common in gold-plated jewellery. You can also inspect hallmarks or markings on the piece to quickly identify them. For instance, if you see "925", this denotes sterling silver in vermeil.  

By checking for these on your pieces, you can make informed choices and buy something that perfectly suits your taste and expectations.

How can I make my gold jewellery last longer?

As with any jewellery, you can make your gold jewellery last longer with proper care and maintenance. Follow these tips to keep them shiny and elegant for as long as possible:

Clean your gold pieces gently. After adorning your jewellery, delicately cleanse it with a soft, lint-free cloth to eliminate any dirt, sweat, oil, or chemicals that may have been stuck there.

Avoid contact with chemicals. Protect your cherished pieces from the harmful effects of chemicals, perfumes, and cleaning agents that may affect its appearance. 

Store properly. Safeguard your jewellery by storing it in a jewellery box or pouch to avoid potential scratching and maintain its sparkly, beautiful condition. You can also use silica gel packets to eliminate any moisture that may tarnish them.

Use your pieces carefully. Remove your gold jewellery before working out or swimming, as this can quickly ruin your gold jewellery.

Gold vermeil jewellery is worth investing in because it’s fashionable and elegant. So when it comes to choosing between gold vermeil and gold-plated pieces, consider your personal taste, budget, and lifestyle. Whichever you choose, how you style and care for them is key to truly enjoying your pieces for years to come.