Different Types of Gold Jewelry – What’s the Difference?

Gold Vermeil, Gold Filled, Gold Plated… What do these terms even mean? We understand that these words and unfamiliar expressions can be confusing – but don’t worry! We're here to give you a quick course on the different materials to help you better understand the jewelry you wear.

Gold jewelry can be made in several ways, and these variations affect the price, durability, and quality. Below is an overview of different types of gold and their unique characteristics.

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry is made with a core of non-precious metal, coated with a thin layer of gold. This method is often used in cheaper jewelry, but the gold can easily fade or wear off. Once the gold layer disappears, the base metal is exposed, which can cause allergic reactions or irritation on sensitive skin. Note: None of our jewelry is gold plated. Instead, we use Micron Plated, Gold Filled, Gold Vermeil, or Solid Gold.

Micron Plated

Micron Plated refers to a thicker layer of gold compared to standard gold plating. The thickness of the gold layer is measured in microns (one-thousandth of a millimeter), making it more durable and long-lasting. To be classified as Micron Plated, the gold layer must be at least 1 micron thick. This makes the jewelry significantly more resistant to wear compared to regular gold plating.

Gold Filled

Gold Filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold compared to both gold plated and Gold Vermeil pieces. To be classified as Gold Filled, the gold layer must account for at least 5% of the total weight of the jewelry. The gold layer is bonded to the metal core under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in jewelry with a real layer of gold, unlike the thin film on gold plated items. Gold Filled jewelry is also hypoallergenic. We use this material for all our jewelry that sits directly on the skin, such as necklace chains, bracelets, and our chain earrings.

Gold Vermeil

Gold Vermeil jewelry consists of a sterling silver core covered with a thick layer of gold. This is a high-quality alternative to gold plating, as both the core and the gold layer provide greater durability. Although all plating wears off over time, Gold Vermeil lasts significantly longer, especially when the jewelry is properly cared for. To be classified as Vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. We use Gold Vermeil for all our rings and the majority of our earrings.

Solid Gold

Solid Gold jewelry is made of pure gold, mixed with other metals such as zinc and copper to improve durability. The blend affects both the color and the carat of the gold, such as 14K or 18K. Pure 24K gold is too soft for jewelry, which is why it is not used for this purpose.