Gold Plated
Description: Gold plated jewelry involves a very thin layer of gold being applied to a base metal (such as brass, copper, or nickel) through an electroplating process. The gold layer is typically less than 0.5 microns thick.
Gold Content: Minimal; the gold content is just a superficial layer.
Durability: Due to the thinness of the gold layer, gold plated items are prone to wear and can tarnish or fade over time with exposure to moisture, chemicals, or friction.
Applications: Suitable for costume jewelry or pieces that do not require long-term durability.
Gold Vermeil
Description: Gold vermeil (pronounced “ver-may”) refers to jewelry that consists of a sterling silver base that is coated with a layer of gold through electroplating. The gold layer in vermeil must be at least 2.5 microns thick and a minimum of 10 karats.
Gold Content: Higher than standard gold plating due to the thickness requirement and the use of sterling silver as the base.
Durability: More durable than regular gold plated jewelry due to the thicker gold layer and the quality of the underlying sterling silver. However, it can still wear off over time.
Applications: Ideal for higher quality fashion jewelry that balances durability and affordability.
Gold Filled
Description: Gold filled jewelry is created by mechanically bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass, through heat and pressure. The gold layer must constitute at least 5% of the item’s total weight.
Gold Content: Significantly higher than gold plated or vermeil; typically has a gold layer that is hundreds of times thicker than gold plating.
Durability: Highly durable and resistant to tarnish and wear, with the gold layer remaining intact for many years even with regular use.
Applications: Suitable for high-quality, long-lasting jewelry that offers a good balance between durability and cost.
Solid Gold
Description: Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold alloyed with other metals for strength. The purity of solid gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold and 10 karats being a mixture of gold and other metals.
Gold Content: Very high, ranging from 41.7% (10K) to 99.9% (24K) pure gold.
Durability: Extremely durable and retains its appearance indefinitely. It does not tarnish or wear off since it is gold throughout.
Applications: Used in high-end, fine jewelry and investment pieces due to its lasting value and prestige.
Understanding these differences ensures informed purchasing decisions that align with both your budget and quality expectations.