Gold vermeil, gold filled, and gold plated are different types of gold jewelry. Of course, each of them has a gold layer on the surface, so some people get confused and think these jewelry pieces are interchangeable. But the truth is that they vary in various ways.
In this post, we will examine what is gold vermeil vs gold filled vs plated vs filled, and guide you on how to choose for your brand.
Comparison Table: Gold Vermeil vs Gold Filled vs Gold Plated
This is a comprehensive breakdown of how gold vermeil vs plated vs filled compare with one another, highlighting their characteristics and differences.
| Feature | Gold Vermeil | Gold Filled | Gold Plated |
| Gold Layer Thickness | Minimum 2.5 microns (U.S. standard) | At least 5% gold by total weight (U.S. standard) | Less than 0.03-0.06 microns |
| Base Metal | Sterling silver | Usually brass or silver | Brass or silver |
| Manufacturing Method | Electroplating over silver | Electroplating or Mechanical bonding | Electroplating |
| Lifespan | At least 1-2+ years | 3-5 years | At least 6 months |
| Cost | Mid-range | Mid to high (but cheaper than solid gold) | Most affordable |
| Common Use | Demi-fine jewelry | Fine jewelry | Trendy, affordable fashion accessories |
What is Gold Vermeil Jewelry?
Definition
Gold vermeil jewelry refers to high-quality sterling silver that’s electroplated with a gold layer. To qualify as vermeil, the jewelry must contain at least 92.5% pure silver as the base metal and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns.
Base Metal Used
The base metal used is sterling silver. It provides excellent conductivity for uniform gold adhesion, ensuring consistent coverage and preventing the greenish tarnishing associated with cheaper base metals. Sterling silver eliminates common allergic reactions and skin discoloration.
Thickness of Gold Layer
Vermeil requires a minimum gold thickness of 2.5 microns. This substantial coating creates a protective barrier that resists wear, tarnishing, and fading. The thickness allows the jewelry to retain its lustrous appearance for at least 1-2 years if properly maintained.
What is Gold Filled Jewelry?
Definition
Unlike vermeil, gold filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold over the base metal (usually brass or silver). By law, the gold content in gold filled pieces must be at least 5%. Among the different types of gold jewelry, this is the closest variant to solid gold. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between gold filled jewelry and solid gold.
Base Metal Used
Gold filled jewelry typically uses brass or silver as the base metal because of their strength and compatibility with the gold bonding process. Those made of brass base are durable and excellent for everyday wear, but those made with sterling silver are hypoallergenic and more ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Thickness of Gold Layer
According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, gold filled jewelry must contain a minimum of 5% gold by weight. This ensures a significant layer of gold that’s much thicker than standard gold plating. They can last for 3-5 years if properly maintained.
What is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Definition
Gold plated jewelry is a budget-friendly piece that’s created by applying a very thin layer of gold onto a low-end base metal like brass or copper. They are often manufactured to make gold jewelry more accessible to broader markets.
Base Metal Used
Gold plated jewelry commonly uses brass and copper. However, some use silver for better gold adhesion and suitability for sensitive skin.
Thickness of Gold Layer
In considering what is gold vermeil vs gold plated vs gold filled, gold plated jewelry has the thinnest layer of gold (often 0.03-0.06 microns), making it prone to fading. They can last for at least 6 months depending on how often you wear and maintain them.
Similarities: Gold Vermeil vs Plated vs Filled
All Contain Real Gold
Each of these gold jewelry variants are coated with real gold, though in various thickness. Thus, they offer the appearance of gold jewelry at a more affordable price than solid gold.
Manufacturing Method
All of these gold jewelry are made by bonding the gold layer to a base metal, using electroplating technique. Basically, the base metal is submerged into a gold-containing solution, and then connected to a power source. When the solution is powered by electricity, the gold ions bond to the base metal, resulting in a gold-coated finish.
However, gold filled jewelry can also be made by mechanical bonding using heat & pressure.
Differences: Gold Vermeil vs Plated vs Filled
Key Difference: Composition
- Gold vermeil is composed of sterling silver and a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold.
- Gold filled is composed of brass or silver base metal and at least 5% gold of the jewelry total weight.
- Gold plated uses brass or silver base metal and is coated with 0.03-0.06 microns of gold.
Water and Tarnish Resistance
- Gold vermeil is made with sterling silver and thick gold layer, which makes it resistant to water and tarnishing.
- Gold filled is made with brass/silver and a very thick layer of gold, making it highly resistant to moisture, sweat, and tarnishing.
- Gold plated is most likely to tarnish or fade over time because it’s coated with a very thin layer of gold, which wears off easily.
- Gold filled (lasts 3-5 years) > vermeil (lasts at least 1-2 years) > plated (at least 6 months).
Due to the differences in gold layer thickness, they have different levels of tarnish resistance. Learn more about tarnish-free gold types here.
Skin Sensitivity & Friendliness
Gold vermeil made with sterling silver base are very safe for sensitive skin. But those made with brass base metal can cause allergic reactions for some individuals. However, the thick layer of gold coating helps to reduce the allergenic potential.
Gold filled, on the other hand, are the safest for people with sensitive skin. They are made with sterling silver base and coated with a very thick layer of gold, which makes them very hypoallergenic and resistant to allergic reactions.
In contrast, gold plated jewelry has an extremely low skin sensitivity. Because they are often composed of low-end base metals and very thin gold coating, they cause skin reaction and irritation.
Cost Comparison
These three gold jewelry variants have different prices due to their varying composition. Gold filled is most expensive because of its close similarity to solid gold – it’s made with silver or brass and coated with at least 5% gold of the total weight. Gold vermeil takes second place as it’s also made with quality sterling silver and thick gold layer. However, gold plated jewelry is quite affordable since it’s made with the thinnest gold layer.
How to Choose for Your Brand?
Now that you know what is gold vermeil vs gold plated vs gold filed, here’s how they complement different business models. This will guide you on which to choose for your brand.
Gold Plated for Trendy, Budget-friendly Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry is perfect for fast fashion and trend-focused brands targeting price-conscious customers. They offer affordable gold appearance while maintaining good profit margins for high-volume, seasonal collections.
Gold Vermeil for Demi-fine Jewelry Brand
Gold vermeil jewelry is ideal for contemporary brands bridging affordability with luxury. This includes demi-fine brands that are focused on millennials seeking quality without fine jewelry investment.
Gold Filled for Fine & Luxury Jewelry Brand
Gold filled jewelry is best for established luxury brands that offer heirloom quality and top craftsmanship. This includes offering genuine gold content and exceptional durability for discerning customers.
Conclusion
Finally, gold filled is most durable, hypoallergenic and waterproof, gold plated is most affordable but typically not suitable for sensitive skin, while gold vermeil offers a balance between the two.
One other important thing you should know about what is gold vermeil vs gold filled vs gold plated is that the manufacturer matters. It’s best to work with a professional gold jewelry manufacturer like Clingold who understands the peculiarities of the various types of gold jewelry for quality pieces.
FAQs
Gold filled has a longer lifespan (3-5 years) and it’s great for people with sensitive skin, but it can be expensive. Gold vermeil, on the other hand, can last for 1-2+ years, ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, and quite cheaper when compared to gold filled.
Gold plating is not very durable (lasts for 6-12 months), can cause skin reactions, but it’s very affordable. In contrast, gold vermeil is made with better base metals and thicker gold layer, which makes it last longer, suitable for sensitive skin, but more costly.
No, gold vermeil uses sterling silver as the base metal while gold filled can use brass or silver. Also, gold vermeil is coated with a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold, whereas the gold layer of gold filled must make up at least 5% of the jewelry total weight.
The bonded gold layer for gold filled jewelry should be at least 5% (or 1/20) by total weight. For example, if a gold filled piece weighs 20 grams, 1 gram must be pure gold.
Yes, the gold that’s bonded to the base metal is real gold. This makes the jewelry have the same appearance as solid gold
