Key Difference: The main difference between gold plated and gold vermeil is the type of metal used in the process.
Gold plating uses a thin layer of gold over another metal, while gold vermeil involves coating the jewelry with a thick layer of 18-karat or 24-karat gold.
The end result is that gold-plated jewelry is less expensive and may wear off over time, while gold vermeil jewelry will retain its shine for many years.
This difference is also reflected in the price: gold-plated jewelry is typically less expensive than gold vermeil.
What does Gold Plated mean?
Gold plated is a term used to describe something that has been coated with a thin layer of gold.
This can be done for decorative purposes or to improve the item’s durability and corrosion resistance.
Gold-plated items are often more expensive than those that are not, but they also tend to last longer.
The process of gold plating is not difficult, but it does require a certain level of skill and care.
Jewelry and other small objects are the most common items that are gold plated.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil is an alloy of gold and sterling silver. The gold is usually at least 18 karat, meaning that it is 75% pure gold.
The sterling silver is mixed with the gold to give the alloy a harder finish and to prevent it from tarnishing.
Gold vermeil jewelry has a thick gold coating over sterling silver and is very durable.
The process of making gold vermeil jewelry is very labor-intensive, so it is usually more expensive than regular gold jewelry.
So, if you are looking for a high-quality, yet affordable piece of jewelry, gold vermeil is a good option.
Gold-Plated vs Gold Vermeil
One of the biggest differences between gold plated and gold vermeil is the quality of gold used.
Gold plated jewelry is made with a thin layer of gold over another metal, while gold vermeil is made with a thicker layer of gold that covers at least 2.5 microns of silver.
This makes gold vermeil much more durable than gold-plated jewelry.
Gold vermeil is also less likely to fade over time.
Another difference is that gold vermeil is often more expensive than gold-plated jewelry.
Main Differences
Key differences between Gold Plated and Gold Vermeil include –
Base Metal
One of the important differences between gold plated and gold vermeil is the type of metal that is used as the base.
Gold plating uses a thin layer of gold over a base metal, while gold vermeil contains a higher percentage of gold in the alloy and uses sterling silver as the base.
The base metal is important because it affects the durability and corrosion resistance of the finished product.
Gold plated items are not as durable as gold vermeil, and they may start to corrode over time.
Thickness of Gold Coating
Gold plating usually has a very thin layer of gold, while gold vermeil has a much thicker coating.
This is another reason why gold vermeil is more durable than gold plating.
The thicker layer of gold helps to prevent the silver from corroding and gives the jewelry a more luxurious appearance.
This can be important if you are looking for a heavy piece of jewelry that will not move around on your wrist or neck.
Moreover, the Gold Vermeil process requires more gold and is more laborious, so it naturally commands a higher price.
2.5 microns is the recommended thickness for Gold Vermeil jewelry.
Price
Gold vermeil is more expensive than gold plating because it uses a higher quality of gold and is more labor-intensive to make.
However, the extra cost is worth it if you are looking for a long-lasting and luxurious piece of jewelry.
The cost of gold vermeil will vary depending on the thickness of the gold coating and the type of base metal used.
Durability
Gold vermeil is much more durable than gold plating because of the thicker layer of gold.
Gold-plated items may start to corrode over time, while gold vermeil will last for many years.
The base metal also affects the durability of the jewelry, and sterling silver is a more durable material than most other base metals.
FAQs
Gold plated jewelry is made of base metal, such as brass, that is covered in a thin layer of gold. Vermeil is made of sterling silver that is coated with at least 10 karat gold.
Gold-plated jewelry is less expensive than vermeil, but the gold will wear off over time. Vermeil is more expensive, but the gold will not wear off as quickly.
So, vermeil is better than gold-plated jewelry. However, if you are not worried about the gold wearing off, then gold-plated jewelry is a good option because it is less expensive.
Gold vermeil is a type of jewelry that is made with gold plating over sterling silver. The gold plating can be up to several microns thick, making the jewelry very durable.
Gold vermeil is a good option for people who want the look and feel of gold jewelry but do not want to spend a lot of money.
So, in general, gold vermeil is worth buying. But there are some things to consider when purchasing gold vermeil jewelry.
First, make sure that the quality of the gold plating is good. Second, be aware that over time the gold plating may wear off, especially if the jewelry is worn often.
Gold vermeil is made by plating a layer of gold over sterling silver. Gold plated is made by plating a layer of gold over another metal, typically copper.
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but gold vermeil is generally considered to be of higher quality because it has a thicker layer of gold.
So, in general, gold vermeil and gold plated are both types of gold-plated jewelry. They are both susceptible to scratches and tarnishing, so it is important to take care of them properly.