Gold vermeil and Gold plating

Gold vermeil and Gold plating: Graciously but evidently dancing on the tunes of different music:

The hottest commodity in today’s world is that bright shiny metal, known as Gold, which everyone desires to possess. The fascination and obsession around it goes back a long way since it rightly represents the opulence, fortune and abundance of its owner. Opening the doors to the world of investment opportunities, this precious metal occupies a special position in the hearts of everyone around the world. Gold nuggets can be transformed into bars, ornaments, objects and jewelry items that are not just used for investment purposes but also for adornment; thus, making it the world’s most valuable asset.

Before exploring and entering the universe of gold jewelry and giving in to its charm, its integral to understand what Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated jewelry entails, to help you make a choice that best suits your interest.

Gold Vermeil:

As one of the four kinds of gold jewelry, gold vermeil, which is a legally classified term, has taken the gems and jewelry industry by storm. While the gold added in vermeil pieces is done through micro plating, its quantity is almost always around or beyond 2.5 microns. With a solid base metal of sterling silver, it sings of durability, affordability and excellence in its every element. It is therefore not wrong to say that Gold Vermeil is real gold. It might not be 100% real gold but it does have a thick layer of it, making its value not too short of a solid gold jewelry piece. When people’s finances are a little tight to afford solid gold jewelry, they usually seek the second best alternative i.e. Vermeil gold. Although it’s a runner up in the field of gold tone jewelry, it does have an extravagant and high-end value attached to its name. Some conditions that a gold vermeil piece must fulfill:

1.       It should be covered in a thick gold layer that is at least 2.5 microns thick and should at the minimum be of 10 karats.

2.       The base should always be that of sterling silver that gives the piece some supremacy with respect to quality and longevity.

Gold Plated:

The existence of gold plated jewelry has been known to mankind since ages. In today’s contemporary era, it has set a market trend as a consequence of its beautiful, elegant and artistic designs that not only scream of luxury but also of superb styling and fancy fashion. This replacement of solid gold jewelry is friendly on the pocket and radiates glamour that can be modelled into beautiful and versatile styles making it any and everyone’s wardrobe staple! Conditions that a gold plated piece must fulfill:

1.       It is usually covered in a thin layer of gold – 0.05% or less than that.

2.       The base metal is usually that of brass or copper which is quite inexpensive.

Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated: Outlining the distance drawn by two parallel lines

1.       Volume of gold: Both of them are considered real gold, however gold vermeil has a higher amount of gold layering (at least 2.5 microns) as compared to gold plated jewelry (at least 0.5

           microns). This makes gold vermeil not only more valuable but also of a higher quality.

2.       All about that base: Gold vermeil is always made of sterling silver, however gold plated jewelry usually consists of cheap metal like copper or brass.

3.       Pricing, a crucial component: Gold vermeil jewelry is more expensive than a gold plated one due to (A) difference of wealth of gold and (B) the type of base metal used.

4.       Making an iconic style statement: Designer chic options and versatility is a great characteristic of gold plated jewelry, making it popular among fashion enthusiasts.

5.       Quality and excellence; that can make or break:

Gold vermeil jewelry has been proven to have less likelihood of skin irritations and allergies, making it hypoallergenic. It is also less prone to tarnishing and turning green, making it convenient for people with sensitive skin. It is not only easy to clean but it can also survive exposure to water, sweat and other chemicals, causing it to become less susceptible to damage thereby increasing its life expectancy. It is therefore resistant, durable and will last for a longer time than gold plated jewelry.

In comparison, gold plated jewelry is not the best option for people with sensitive skin as it can cause skin irritations, discolorations and even allergies. Since it has a thin layer of gold, it can wear off easily and considering that it is covered in cheap base metals like brass, copper and nickel, its durability is also heavily compromised. It can also get tarnished due to exposure to water, sweat and soap. Depending on these factors, gold plated jewelry has a shorter lifespan and can wear out easily without a hitch in a few weeks to a few months.

Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated: Who takes the cake?

Gold in itself has a charmful nature that is nowhere near to witness the end of time. However, which type of gold jewelry has an edge over the other, is a personal decision that only you can make for yourself. Everyone has their own set of requirements and budget, and based on these two factors, you can decide what sort of gold jewelry to go after.  Gold vermeil doesn’t fade out easily, is hypoallergenic and waterproof, therefore has a lower deterioration rate. Gold plated jewelry, on the other hand, is more affordable and can be experimented with to create bold, fashionable pieces, however it is not waterproof, can fade out easily, is not safe for sensitive skin and therefore has a shorter life cycle. If your requirement is durability, longevity, quality and value then you should go for gold vermeil, however if you wish to wear trendy pieces that are beautiful yet affordable, you should go for gold plated jewelry. Both have their own charm and set of fans, however these pieces need to be taken care of like a baby to be able to reap its benefits to the fullest and for the longest time!