Gold Filled, Gold Vermeil, and Gold Plated are terms used to describe different types of jewelry or metal products that have a layer of gold applied to their surface. While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between them in terms of the thickness and quality of the gold layer.
Gold Filled: Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass or copper. The gold layer in gold filled jewelry is typically at least 5% of the total weight. It is created through a mechanical bonding process, where the gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal. Gold filled jewelry is considered more durable and long-lasting compared to gold plated or vermeil because of the thickness of the gold layer.
Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil jewelry is made by coating a base metal, often sterling silver, with a layer of gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 10 karats and at least 2.5 microns thick. The gold in vermeil jewelry is usually applied through an electroplating process. Vermeil is a higher quality option compared to gold plated jewelry, as the gold layer is thicker and the base metal is typically sterling silver, which is more valuable and durable.
Gold Plated: Gold plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold onto a base metal such as brass or copper. The thickness of the gold layer can vary but is generally much thinner than in gold filled or vermeil jewelry. Gold plated jewelry is typically less expensive than gold filled or vermeil, but the gold layer can wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath.
In summary, the main differences between gold filled, gold vermeil, and gold plated jewelry lie in the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal used. Gold filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold and is bonded to a base metal, making it more durable. Gold vermeil jewelry has a thicker gold layer than gold plated and is typically applied to sterling silver. Gold plated jewelry has the thinnest layer of gold and is applied to a base metal, making it the most affordable option but also more prone to wear over time.