ALL ABOUT GOLD
What is the difference between gold-filled, gold plated,
vermeil and solid gold jewelry?
Gold plated . . .
Gold plated jewelry has a thin layer of solid gold that is applied to a base of brass which is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating will generally wear off more quickly as it does not stand up to heat, water, perfume, or wear over long periods of time. Gold plated jewelry tends to be more affordable due to containing smaller amounts of gold.
Vermeil . . .
Vermeil jewelry is made of sterling silver which has been gilded (similar to plating) with gold. Vermeil jewelry is higher quality than gold plated jewelry because the layer of gold is thicker and the base is sterling silver as opposed to brass, but it can tarnish if exposed to water, sweat, or perfume, or wear over long periods of time.
24 kt Gold Overlay . . .
24 kt Gold Overlay jewelry is produced by applying an average of 20 to 30 mils of 24kt gold onto the surface of high quality brass. Unlike basic decorative (cyanide) gold electroplated costume jewelry, Gold Overlay jewelry may be worn all the time. It has on average 5-7 times the thickness of most costume jewelry.
Gold-filled . . .
Gold-filled jewelry is jewelry composed of a solid layer of gold. Most high-quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as high carat gold. The core metal is brass and gold-filled is legally required to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight, to get specific. Our Gold-filled items are 14k gold-filled. Most jewelry made this way can last 10 to 30 years though the layer of gold will eventually wear off. Although it is a little pricier than gold plated or vermeil jewelry, gold-filled jewelry is great for daily wear and can be easier to care for.
Solid gold . . .
Solid gold jewelry’s value comes from its glamorous color and shine. Often gold is made into an alloy by mixing it with other metals in order to create a stronger metal than pure gold. Solid gold jewelry is the highest in price and purity.
Erin Fader Jewelry offers designs of each type of metal, all made to the
highest standards. We encourage sustainability through the longer
wearing nature of our gold-filled and solid gold jewelry pieces.