When shopping for gold-colored jewellery that doesn't carry the high cost of solid gold, you will often run into two terms: Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated. While they might look similar on the surface, they are constructed differently and offer different levels of quality and durability.
What is Gold Plated Jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery features a thin layer of gold bonded onto a base metal, such as brass, copper, or nickel. The gold layer is often very thin (less than 0.5 microns) and can wear off quickly, exposing the base metal beneath and potentially causing green skin staining or allergic reactions.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a premium gold-plated style. To be classified as vermeil, the jewellery must meet strict standards: the base metal must be Sterling Silver 925, the gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick, and the gold used must be at least 10K. This makes vermeil much more durable, premium, and hypoallergenic.