When you are shopping for a gold necklace, you are likely to come across a variety of different terms and phrases for Gold, like Gold Vermeil, Gold-filled, Gold Plated and so on. It can be quite confusing to know what item of Gold necklace is the best for you.
Gold is one of the most widely used materials for jewellery, but it is also the most expensive when purchased as solid Gold. Luckily, there are several types of Gold jewellery that are at a more reasonable price point but still have the impact and desired look as solid Gold.
Gold comes in three colours, yellow, white and rose Gold. Rose Gold is formed when pure Gold is alloyed with copper and some silver, while white Gold is created with zinc or nickel alloying. The addition of these metals creates the colour change in solid yellow Gold. However, there are also a whole range of forms of Gold created by different finishes. These are Gold Vermeil, Gold filled and Gold plated jewellery.
WHAT ARE GOLD-PLATED NECKLACES?
WHAT ARE GOLD VERMEIL NECKLACES?
Gold vermeil necklaces are sterling silver covered in a thick layer of gold. They are more expensive than Gold-plated necklaces and not waterproof, so they are a less-preferred option for everyday jewellery. In vermeil, the base metal is always Sterling Silver which is plated with gold. For the necklace to be considered vermeil in the UK, the gold coating needs to be at least 2.5 microns thick.
The main pro of purchasing Gold vermeil is its affordability and suitability when compared to solid gold necklaces. As most jewellers can create this finish easily, it is a great material for unique and extraordinary jewellery pieces.
GOLD VERMEIL NECKLACES VS GOLD-PLATED NECKLACES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
While Gold Vermeil contains a significantly high amount of gold and a thicker layer, Gold plating has a much thinner coating. Gold plated jewellery also tends to have a hydrophobic base metal that is stainless steel, which makes it waterproof and tarnish-free. Whereas the metal for Gold Vermeil is always Sterling Silver. All these constituents make the Gold-plated jewellery pieces incredibly durable whilst also being affordable.
Gold-plating also comes in a variety of patterns and works because of its captivating and eye-catching look.
Those looking for everyday light jewellery can go with Gold plated pieces. But if you want a slightly more costly necklace made with slightly more solid gold and don't mind the fact that it will tarnish over time, Gold Vermeil will be the better option for you.
We recommend buying solid Gold when you want jewellery that will last a lifetime. You can pick solid Gold for heirloom pieces or sentimental accessories which are to be held onto for a long time. However, 18K gold-plated necklaces are perfect for everyday chic and design led jewellery. They contain a good amount of Gold that makes them look as beautiful as the solid gold and they look just a great and shiny but are less expensive.
