What's The Difference? Solid Gold Vs. Gold Vermeil Vs. Gold Plating

Want to know exactly what you're getting and how much you should be spending on your jewelry? Well, that will depend on what that beautiful piece of jewelry is made of. Our guide will help you make the right decision when investing in jewelry pieces so you can get the best value for your money.  

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry is less expensive, but often has a shorter lifespan. A base metal is coated with a thin layer of gold, usually 0.5 microns thick. The base layer is often brass or copper, which is why it is often not as suitable for sensitive skin types as it can cause irritation. Because the gold layer is thinner, it can wear off quickly. Remember, the thicker the plating, the longer the gold layer will last!

Gold Filled

Gold filled jewelry is not much different in gold content than gold plating. Although the gold content is usually higher than gold plated jewelry, the base metal is usually still a lower grade metal such as brass. It uses an older technique that mechanically bonds a thin layer of gold to a base metal (usually copper). Gold filled jewelry must have a gold layer of 5% of the total weight of the item. The main difference is that gold filled jewelry is measured in weight, while gold plated jewelry is measured in thickness.

Although the base metal and gold content is very similar in gold filled and gold plated jewelry, you'll notice gold filled jewelry often costs more and last longer. This is due to the manufacturing process being more expensive and tedious. 

Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil is of is a great option for people with sensitive skin and are longer-lasting pieces at a more affordable price. In order to be considered "vermeil", the gold coating must be a mimimum of 10K gold over a base metal of sterling silver.

At the Glitz Room, our gold vermeil consists of a thick 14K gold layer of 2.5 microns coated over sterling silver. This allows those with sensitive skin to safely wear our pieces without irritation. You'll notice your jewelry will last if taken care of properly. Check out our post on how to care for your jewelry here. 

PRO TIP: In Canada, only a minimum gold layer 1.0 microns is required to be considered 'gold vermeil', so it's important to ask how thick the gold is on your gold vermeil pieces. The thicker the layer, the longer it will last you!

Solid Gold 

Solid gold is not pure gold, but includes anything higher than 10K gold. Pure gold is 24K gold and is not ideal for wearing as jewelry as it is very soft and the color is a bright yellow-gold. Solid gold jewelry will last the longest without ever showing wear, but is always higher in price. 

Here, at The Glitz Room, we strive to bring you the highest quality pieces for the best value and that's why we've chosen to 14K gold vermeil with a thickness of 2.5 microns as our material of choice! 

If you have any questions for us, shoot us an email at info@theglitzroom.com. We'd be happy to help!