Our Guide To Gold: What Is Gold Vermeil?
At ANUKA we create jewellery using a number of precious metals. For our main collections we use a Fairmined gold vermeil plate while for our fine collections and bespoke pieces we use solid Fairmined gold.
A question we often get is "what actually is Gold Vermeil?". To help define gold vermeil and gold plating, we've put together a small guide about the two so you can be sure about the quality of the pieces you choose to add to your jewellery box.
What Is Gold Plated Jewellery?
To understand Gold Vermeil, we first need to be aware of the process of plating. This is simply when a piece of jewellery is covered with a layer of another metal, this will typically be gold on top of sterling silver.
Jewellers will use gold plating to offer more affordable collections in comparison to using pure gold, allowing everyone to enjoy gold jewellery.
Gold Vermeil Plate
Gold vermeil [ver-may] is a thick gold plating on top of sterling silver. It is the highest quality jewellery you can buy that isn’t solid gold as a vermeil plate is 5 times thicker than gold plated jewellery. This thicker plate means your pieces will be much more durable, staying golden for longer.
Available in different carats of gold, most commonly used in 14 and 18ct, at ANUKA we use an 18ct Vermeil Plate so that our pieces are a rich shade of gold.
Gold Plating is available in different thickness of layers but to count as gold vermeil, it has to be a minimum of 2.5 microns thick.
At ANUKA, we use Fairmined gold vermeil plate, so not only does it look good but it does good too.
Gold Plating: Vermeil, Filled or Plated
As well as Vermeil, there are two other types of gold plating options, both of which vary in quality and durability.
Gold Filled
Gold filled is a solid layer of gold that is mechanically bonded to a base (commonly brass). It is more affordable than gold vermeil as a lower quality base metal is used.
Gold plated
Gold plated jewellery is a very light layer of gold (0.5 microns) - 0.05% actual gold or less - on top of a base metal (usually brass or copper). It offers a very affordable option however, the plating is very thin and so, the gold can rub off quite easily.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Plated Jewellery?
Pros
Plated jewellery is less of an investment than solid gold jewellery but has the same appearance.
Cons
Due to the nature of plating, gold plated jewellery may tarnish over time and is less water resistant and durable than solid gold.
This means at some point you will need to look to have your piece re-plated. Make sure you find out from the jeweller or brand you are purchasing from whether they offer this.
Gold Vermeil Jewellery
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