Regarding jewelry, there are many different kinds of metals to choose from. Some metals are more affordable than others, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth investing in. Many people are familiar with the typical yellow gold used for wedding bands and other accessories. But did you know that gold has different properties depending on its chemical composition? Depending on your type, your metal can have a slightly different hue, cost more or less money, and even be softer or more durable. That's why today we want to talk about the differences between Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plated jewelry.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") translates to "gold-covered" in French. This kind of gold is a precious metal with a thin layer of gold applied to the surface. This process results in a finish that is between 14 and 16 karat gold. A piece of jewelry is vermeil will be stamped as such. This is because vermeil jewelry is created with a higher amount of gold than gold-plated jewelry. That means it's a more valuable and luxurious option. Vermeil is created by applying a skinny layer of gold to the surface of another metal (typically sterling silver). The results are a sparkling and beautiful finish. The applied gold is thick enough to prevent the underlying metal from rusting but thin enough to allow the piece to retain its original color. Because vermeil is created with more gold, it's more expensive than gold-plated jewelry.
What is Gold Plated?
Like vermeil, gold plating is a layer of gold that is applied to another type of metal. But unlike vermeil, gold plating only applies a skinny coating of gold. This produces a finish that is only about 0.0008 centimeters thick. That's about one-tenth the thickness of human hair! The application's thickness is what sets gold plating apart from vermeil. The small amount of gold used to plate jewelry is much less expensive than yellow gold. Gold plating is very common with jewelry because the process is less expensive, quick, and straightforward. While vermeil takes time and effort, gold plating is done quickly and easily in a chemical solution. While both types of jewelry are beautiful options, it's essential to remember that they aren't created with the same amount of gold.
The Difference Between Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated
Gold plating is a much thinner layer of gold than used to make vermeil. While this means that it's less expensive, it also means that it is less durable and more susceptible to scratches and other damage. The thickness of the application also affects the color of the underlying metal. A thicker layer of plating will result in a darker hue, whereas a thinner layer will give the underlying metal a brighter appearance. Vermeil and gold plating are both great options for jewelry. But what sets them apart is their durability and how they're applied. Vermeil uses a thicker layer of gold to prevent corrosion and discoloration of the underlying metal. This makes it a more durable and long-lasting finish.
A good alternative to gold-filled is gold vermeil.
At Lilyvot, all the Gold Vermeil products are sterling silver plated with 18K or even 22K gold. There is an electronic coating that ensures that the jewelry we offer is more durable than the normal Gold Vermeil Jewelry.
How to Care for Your Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated Jewelry
As with all other types of jewelry, you'll want to keep your vermeil, and gold plated jewelry clean and in good condition, so it lasts a long time. Since vermeil is a more durable finish than gold plating, you don't have to be as careful with it. However, both types of jewelry are best kept out of the water to avoid corrosion and discoloration. You should also avoid wearing your gold vermeil or gold-plated jewelry while doing things that could scratch its surface. This includes anything from gardening to sports like tennis and golf. Vermeil is more durable than gold plating and can be worn in these situations. But to keep it looking beautiful and scratches at bay, store your jewelry in a jewelry box when you're not wearing it.
Conclusion
The main difference between vermeil and gold-plated/gold-filled jewelry is the base metal. In addition to Gold Vermeil, Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated usually use brass, copper or nickel as the base metal. Although gold plating is less expensive, it is also less durable and less long-lasting than vermeil. As long as you take good care of your gold jewelry, it should last longer. If you're looking for a new piece of Lilyvot jewelry, don't be afraid to splurge on gold vermeil. It's worth the extra cost because it will last longer and look more beautiful over time.
I hope this blog post was helpful!
The Lilyvot Customer Team is here to help you make the right decision when buying jewelry online, and I hope all of the above has been informative for you! Can you say now that you understand the differences between the different gold products? If not, or if there is anything you are not sure about, just leave us a comment below or send us an email at info@lilyvot.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours.