When shopping for gold jewellery, the array of terms can be a little overwhelming. Gold, gold vermeil, gold plated, and gold filled—what do these really mean? Here's a quick guide to help you understand the differences and make an informed choice when purchasing your next piece of jewellery.
Gold:
Let's start with the real deal—solid gold. In the UK, you'll commonly find 9ct or 18ct gold, but you may also come across 22ct gold, particularly in traditional wedding rings. Solid gold is exactly what it sounds like—gold through and through. The higher the carat, the purer the gold, but also the softer the metal, which can impact durability. We’ll dive deeper into solid gold in a separate blog post, so stay tuned!
Gold Vermeil:
Gold vermeil is a high-quality option that's often misunderstood. It's solid sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold—at least 2.5 microns thick, which is thicker than standard gold plating. This extra thickness means the gold lasts longer and wears better. What makes vermeil stand out from other plated jewellery is the base metal—sterling silver, a precious metal in its own right, which is why gold vermeil is usually more expensive than gold-plated pieces. If you're looking for a combination of quality and affordability, gold vermeil is a fantastic choice.
All of Mijoux's gold-plated pieces are, in fact, gold vermeil, and we use rich, 22ct gold to give our jewellery that deep, beautiful golden hue.
Gold Plated:
Gold-plated jewellery is what many people think of when they imagine affordable gold jewellery. In gold-plated items, the base metal (usually brass, copper, or stainless steel) is covered with a thin layer of gold. The thickness of the gold can be as little as 0.5 microns, making it more prone to wear over time. While it gives the appearance of gold, it won't last as long as vermeil or solid gold pieces. Gold-plated jewellery is typically more affordable, but its lifespan depends on the thickness of the gold layer and the type of base metal used.
Gold Filled:
Gold-filled jewellery, sometimes referred to as "rolled gold" or "gold bonded," is an interesting middle ground. The base metal (typically brass) is bonded with a layer of gold that accounts for at least 5% of the total weight of the piece, which usually results in 3-5 microns of gold. This means you're getting more gold than in gold-plated jewellery, making it more durable. However, gold-filled metal can be trickier to work with for intricate jewellery-making techniques like sawing or soldering, which may expose the base metal.
Durability and Wear Over Time:
One important thing to remember is that any type of gold jewellery—aside from solid gold—will eventually wear down. However, the thicker the gold layer, the longer it will last. Gold vermeil and gold-filled jewellery tend to hold their beauty longer than standard gold plating, making them excellent choices for those who want the look of gold without the price tag of solid gold.
When it comes to choosing between these options, it all depends on your budget, how often you plan to wear the jewellery, and how long you want it to last. Whether you're going for the timeless elegance of solid gold or the affordable luxury of gold vermeil or filled, understanding these differences will help you pick the perfect piece.
