Gold Filled vs Gold Vermeil Jewelry | Making the Right Choice

As a jewelry enthusiast and designer based in Maui USA , I have witnessed many customers find it difficult to understand the difference between Gold filled jewelry and Gold vermeil jewelry. It has become a major concern to discern the differences for jewelry lovers to decide which option to go with.

Basics of Gold Filled and Gold Vermeil Jewelry 

As a matter of fact, both Gold filled and Gold vermeil are popular alternatives of solid gold jewelry, offering the sophisticated look of real gold at a reasonable price point. However, they differ in composition, value and durability.

Gold Filled Jewelry | The Premium Choice

Gold Filled jewelry is mechanically bound to a base metal with a Solid Layer of Gold (usually sterling silver or brass) under heat and pressure. The standard criteria in USA to classified as gold filled, the gold layer must make up at least 1/20th (5%) of the item’s total weight.The higher density of gold as per the described criteria, makes it long lasting and durable choice, making it  ideal for:   

• Daily wear jewelry
• Gold filled body jewelry
• Gold filled piercing jewelry
  

Gold Vermeil | The Fine Alternative

Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated through electroplating with a layer of real gold. Following are the factors to classify vermeil gold  in USA, the piece must have :

• Use gold that’s at least 10k in purity
• Have a solid base of sterling silver (92.5% pure silver)
• Be plated with at least 2.5 microns of gold

Durability Factor on Both

A key distinction between Gold-filled and Gold Vermeil jewelry is their durability. Gold-filled is generally considered more hard-wearing and maintains its shine over a longer period than gold vermeil. This is because of the dense content of gold and the bonding process.

Price Comparison

Gold Filled jewelry and gold vermeil have different price tags. However,here are some of the factors to look at how gold filled and vermeil cost you 

• Higher content of Gold 
• Longevity and Durability
• Manufacturing process

Gold Filled Jewelry Cost

Since, we know that Gold Filled jewelry has higher density and content  of gold and a more sophisticated process, especially handcrafted for uniqueness and longevity. The cost of Gold Filled Jewelry starts around 10$ and 100$, but the price is subject to changes based the type of jewelry and your requirements

Gold Vermeil Jewelry Cost

The cost of  Gold vermeil is less compared to gold filled jewelry, as this has lower gold destiny and much easier making process. Due to its low content of gold and less longevity the price starts around 8$ to 80$.

Making the Right Choice

• For Daily Wear: For regular wear choose gold filled jewelry. Because of its durability and shin makes it an ideal everyday jewelry , including gold filled body jewelry and piercing pieces.
• For Occasional Use:  Both Gold Filled and Gold vermeil can be an ideal for special occasion pieces that won’t see daily wear.
• For Sensitive Skin: Both options have hypoallergenic properties, but gold filled jewelry has higher suitability for reactive skin due to its more stable composition 

Care and Maintenance 

It is the common concern among jewelry lovers how to maximize the lifespan of  jewelry? Here are some of the simple yet effective tips to keep your jewelry long lasting.

• Gold Filled:To have a lasting shine and longevity wash your gold filled jewelry with soap and water, gently clean with a soft cloth and keep in a dry palace.
• Gold Vermeil: Before swimming and contact with water, remove it. Gently clean it with cloth and avoid scratching with sharp objects.

Conclusion

While Gold Filled and Gold vermeil jewellery are quite popular among jewelry lovers.But you have to keep in mind the above mentioned factors to decide whether you love buying Gold filled jewellery or vermeil gold.

For longevity, suitable for skin sensitive  and captivating shine, Gold filled jewelry is more suitable. Besides this, it’s perfect for daily wear and cost effective.Vermeil gold is more ideal for short term elegance and wear, making it ideal for special wear.