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

Micron Gold Plating, Gold Vermeil, Gold Filled… 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 we use to help you better understand the jewelry you wear.

Micron Gold Plating

A gold plating where the thickness of the gold layer is measured and guaranteed and we use this for a small amount of our earrings. Commonly defined as at least 1 micron of gold, which makes it more durable than standard gold plating that is usually only a fraction of that.

Gold Vermeil

A premium standard of micron plating: 925 sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold (commonly 18K, which is what we use), with a legal minimum of 2.5 microns. Only jewelry that meets this higher standard can be called Gold Vermeil.

Gold Filled

Gold Filled is a material we use for all of our chains and findings. It is a thick layer of gold that has been permanently bonded to a core metal through heat and pressure. Unlike regular plating, where the gold only sits on the surface, Gold Filled becomes part of the underlying metal, making it far more durable and giving the jewelry a finish that lasts for many years.

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.