A Good Alternative to Gold Vermeil is 18k Gold Plated
At Petite Serene Jewelry, all the Gold Plated products are 925 sterling silver plated with 18K gold. There is an electronic coating that ensures that the jewelry we offer is more durable than other normal gold plated.
The Difference Between Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated
| Gold Vermeil | 👑 Petite Serene's Gold Plated | |
| Base Metal | Sterling Silver or Brass | 925 Sterling Silver |
| Gold Layer |
Thicker layer. Minimum 2.5 microns of gold |
Thinner layer. Typically 0.5 to 2.5 microns |
| Gold Content | Usually 14-24 karats | 18 karats |
| Affordability | Generally more expensive | Affordable, providing a budget-friendly option |
| Durability | More durable due to thicker gold layer | Durable, but less than Gold Vermeil due to thinner layer |
| Suitable for Allergies | Suitable for people with allergies to base metals | Suitable for people with allergies to base metals |
Regarding jewelry, there are many different kinds of metals to choose from. Some metals are more affordable than others, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth investing in.
Many people are familiar with the typical yellow gold used for wedding bands and other accessories. But did you know that gold has different properties depending on its chemical composition?
Depending on your type, your metal can have a slightly different hue, cost more or less money, and even be softer or more durable.
That's why today we want to talk about the differences between Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plated jewelry.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") translates to "gold-covered" in French. This kind of gold is a precious metal with a thin layer of gold applied to the surface.
This process results in a finish that is between 14 and 16 karat gold. A piece of jewelry is vermeil will be stamped as such. This is because vermeil jewelry is created with a higher amount of gold than gold-plated jewelry. That means it's a more valuable and luxurious option. Vermeil is created by applying a layer of gold to the surface of another metal (typically sterling silver). The results are a sparkling and beautiful finish.
The applied gold is thick enough to prevent the underlying metal from rusting but thin enough to allow the piece to retain its original color. Because vermeil is created with more gold, it's more expensive than gold-plated jewelry.
What is Gold Plated?
Like vermeil, gold plating is a layer of gold that is applied to another type of metal. But unlike vermeil, gold plating only applies a think coating of gold. This produces a finish that is only about 0.0008 centimeters thick. That's about one-tenth the thickness of human hair!
The application's thickness is what sets gold plating apart from vermeil. The small amount of gold used to plate jewelry is much less expensive than yellow gold.
Gold plating is very common with jewelry because the process is less expensive, quick, and straightforward. While vermeil takes time and effort, gold plating is done quickly and easily in a chemical solution. While both types of jewelry are beautiful options, it's essential to remember that they aren't created with the same amount of gold.
