Why We Choose Gold Vermeil: How It Compares To Other Gold Plating Methods
February 10, 2024We’re all about long lasting jewellery that you can wear everyday and that will love you as much as you love it. There are many plating techniques out there, and we’ve chosen one method that allows you to wear your jewellery in water and will last a lifetime. No cheap metal bases that turn your skin green, and no gold flaking off after just a few wears. 18K Gold Vermeil gives you high quality gold jewellery that doesn’t cost you a fortune. Here’s our guide to different types of gold plating techniques to show you why we chose Gold Vermeil.
The Gold Vermeil Process
As the name suggests, Gold Vermeil is a French electroplating technique that has been gaining popularity in modern jewellery manufacturing. This method uses 925 Sterling Silver as a base and chemically bonds a thick layer of high karat gold to the silver. A palladium barrier between the gold and silver helps these two metals to bond strongly, and an epoxy resin coating is applied as a final layer to prevent scratching. Due to the thick layer of 2-3 microns of gold chemically bonded to the silver, Gold Vermeil jewellery can be worn in the shower and ocean without being damaged. However, as with most jewellery, exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine pools and hair dye should be avoided. As this method uses a 925 Sterling Silver base it is hypoallergenic
Gold Filled
Gold filled jewellery is typically used to make more affordable gold jewellery and is a relatively low-budget process. Gold is layered onto a metal base such as brass, stainless steel, nickel or sterling silver and bonded onto it with heat and pressure. The layer of gold on this jewellery is required to be 5% of the total weight of the item. The price of the jewellery will vary depending on the base metal and karat of gold used. Gold filled jewellery can be water resistant like Gold Vermeil and just as durable, but generally it is safest to avoid exposing this jewellery to water to extend its lifetime and maintain its original condition.
Gold Plated
Gold plated jewellery is perhaps the most common and affordable manufacturing process on the market. It is generally used for costume jewellery and is not recommended for daily wear as it does not withstand heat, water, oil or scratches. The process involves using a cheap metal base such as brass, copper, nickel or stainless steel and applying a very thin layer of gold via electroplating. This 0.25-1 micron layer of gold will wear off after only a few wears, exposing the metal underneath.
| Gold Vermeil | Gold Filled | Gold Plated | |
| Visual | | | |
| Description | Gold Vermeil applies a thick layer of gold at least 10 karats with a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns onto sterling silver. | Gold fill applies a thick layer of gold onto the surface of a metal base, generally brass. | Gold plating applies a thin layer of gold onto a cheap metal such as stainless steel, brass of nickel. |
| Process | Electroplating chemically bonds the gold and silver via a palladium barrier. Sterling silver is submerged in a tank of solution with an electric current to attract the gold to the silver. | Pressure and heat bonding to adhere gold to metal. The temperature used and time to process varies. | Electroplating, often flash dipped in the solution to use as little gold as possible for affordability. |
| Durability | Very durable | Generally very durable, but this varies with the quality of metal used as a base. | Not durable. |
| Base Metal | 925 Sterling Silver | Metals such as brass or steel, occasionally sterling silver. | Metals such as brass or steel. |
| Gold Thickness | Minimum of 2.5 microns | Requires gold to be at least 5% of total weight. | 0.25-1.0 micron |
We have plenty of versatile styles and stones to choose from in our durable 18K Gold Vermeil. Shop the full range here.