Countless jewellery buyers find themselves confused by the maze of gold terminology. Terms like "gold plated," "gold filled," and "gold vermeil" appear on price tags everywhere. Yet many shoppers have no idea what these labels actually mean.
Not all gold jewellery pieces are created equal. Each type uses different manufacturing processes and contains vastly different amounts of actual gold. These differences dramatically affect quality, durability, and price.
All three options serve as more affordable alternatives to solid gold. Solid gold remains a luxury reserved for those with deeper pockets. However, among these budget-friendly alternatives, significant differences exist in both quality and cost.
Understanding these differences helps you make smarter purchasing decisions. You'll know exactly what you're buying and how long it should last.
A Quick Price Range Overview:
- Gold plated: $10-50 for most pieces
- Gold vermeil: $50-200 for similar items
- Gold filled:$30-150 for comparable jewellery
- Solid gold: $200-2000+ depending on karat weight
Gold Plated Jewellery: The Budget Option
Gold plated jewellery starts with a base metal core. Manufacturers then apply an extremely thin layer of gold through electroplating. This gold layer typically measures less than 0.05% of the item's total weight.
The electroplating process involves dipping the base metal into a gold solution. An electric current bonds tiny gold particles to the surface. This creates a golden appearance at minimal cost.
Most gold plated pieces have no regulated thickness standards. The gold layer can be incredibly thin—sometimes just a few atoms thick. This explains why the colour fades so quickly with regular wear.
The base metal makes an enormous difference in the overall quality of gold plated jewellery. Here's how common base metals compare:
Brass: The most affordable option. Prone to tarnishing and may cause skin reactions. Offers decent durability but limited lifespan.
Copper: Often causes green discoloration on skin. Very affordable but not suitable for sensitive skin types.
Stainless Steel: Hypoallergenic and durable. Higher cost but excellent for people with metal allergies.
Sterling Silver: Premium base metal choice. Hypoallergenic and long-lasting. Commands higher prices but offers superior quality.
Gold Vermeil: The Premium Plated Choice
Gold vermeil elevates the plating concept with strict quality standards. By law, vermeil must use sterling silver as the base metal. No exceptions.
The gold coating must measure at least 2.5 microns thick. This standard makes vermeil significantly more durable than basic gold plating. The gold layer is roughly 50 times thicker than typical plated jewellery.
Sterling silver provides an excellent foundation. Silver naturally resists corrosion and won't turn your skin green. It also offers intrinsic value beyond the gold coating.
Most vermeil pieces use 14-karat gold or higher for the plating. This ensures rich colour and better tarnish resistance. Quality vermeil can last several years with proper care.
Gold Filled: The Durability Champion
Gold filled jewellery uses an entirely different manufacturing process. Instead of plating, manufacturers mechanically bond a thick gold layer to the base metal core.
This bonding happens through heat and pressure. The process creates a permanent fusion between the gold and base metal. Unlike plating, this layer won't chip or flake off with normal wear.
Gold filled pieces must contain at least 5% gold by total weight. Common stampings like "14/20 GF" mean 14-karat gold comprises 1/20th (5%) of the total weight. This represents substantial gold content compared to plating.
The thick gold layer means gold filled jewellery can last decades. Many vintage gold filled pieces from the 1940s still look excellent today. Proper care can extend lifespan even further.
Common base metals include brass and jeweller's metal. These provide strength and structure whilst keeping costs reasonable. The thick gold layer protects the base metal from exposure.
Pros and Cons of Each Type
Gold Plated Advantages:
- Most affordable option for golden appearance
- Wide variety of styles and trendy designs
- Perfect for fashion jewellery and occasional wear
- Easy to replace when trends change
Gold Plated Disadvantages:
- Extremely short lifespan with regular wear
- Gold layer wears off quickly, especially at contact points
- May cause skin reactions depending on base metal
- No resale value once plating wears away
Gold Vermeil Advantages:
- Substantially thicker gold layer than basic plating
- Sterling silver base provides intrinsic value
- Hypoallergenic for most skin types
- Can be re-plated when gold layer eventually wears thin
Gold Vermeil Disadvantages:
- Higher cost than basic gold plating
- Still prone to wear with daily use
- Limited repair options compared to solid gold
- May tarnish if sterling silver becomes exposed
Gold Filled Advantages:
- Exceptional durability lasting decades with proper care
- Contains substantial actual gold content
- Can be repaired, resized, and engraved by jewellers
- Excellent value for money over time
Gold Filled Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront cost than plated options
- Limited style selection compared to trendy plated pieces
- Heavier than hollow plated jewellery
- Cannot be re-plated if gold layer eventually wears through
Jewellery Care Guide
Clean all types with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently dry pieces. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Never use abrasive cleaners or rough clothes.
Comparing to gold plated or vermeil jewellery, gold filled jewellery can handle slightly more aggressive cleaning. You can use jewellery cleaning solutions designed for gold. Plated and vermeil pieces need gentler treatment to preserve their thin layers.
Store pieces separately to prevent scratching. Use soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes. Keep items dry and away from humidity. Silica gel packets help absorb moisture.
Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising. Chlorine and sweat accelerate wear on plated pieces. Gold filled items tolerate occasional water exposure better.
Which Jewellery Type is Best for You?
For Daily Wear Enthusiasts:
Gold filled jewellery excels for everyday wear. The durable construction withstands constant use. Pieces with sterling silver base also offer great durability yet won’t irritate your skin.
For Sensitive Skin and Allergies:
Sterling silver based vermeil and gold plated pieces offer the safest choice. The hypoallergenic base prevents most skin reactions. Gold filled pieces with brass bases may cause issues for very sensitive individuals.
For Special Occasion Jewellery:
Gold vermeil and plated jewellery strike an excellent balance for occasional wear. The sterling silver base and thick gold layer provide a luxurious appearance. Careful storage extends lifespan significantly.
For Active Lifestyles:
Choose stainless steel based gold plated pieces for sports and exercise. The hypoallergenic base resists sweat and moisture. Replace pieces seasonally as the gold layer wears away.
For Jewellery Collectors and Investors:
Gold filled pieces hold value better than plated alternatives. The substantial gold content provides intrinsic worth. Vintage gold filled pieces often appreciate over time. Consider solid gold for serious investment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Shower With Each Type?
Gold filled jewellery handles occasional water exposure well. The thick gold layer provides good protection. However, soap and shampoo can still cause gradual wear.
Gold plated and vermeil pieces suffer damage from regular water exposure. Shower steam, soap, and hot water accelerate the breakdown of thin gold layers. Remove these pieces before bathing.
Which Type Turns Skin Green?
Copper-based pieces cause green skin discolouration. This happens when copper oxidises and transfers to your skin. Gold plated jewellery with copper bases poses the highest risk.
Gold vermeil won't turn skin green due to its sterling silver base. Quality gold filled pieces use brass rather than copper, reducing green skin risk.
How to Repair Worn Jewellery
Gold filled jewellery can be professionally repaired, polished, and even re-plated if necessary. The substantial gold layer allows for restoration work.
Gold Plated Pieces at LYANG & CO.
All our gold plated pieces are crafted from solid 925 sterling silver and finished with 18K or 14K gold plating. This gives them a luxurious look at an affordable price. The high-quality metals also make our jewellery hypoallergenic, comfortable to wear, and long-lasting.
