When it comes to buying gold jewellery, there are several different types of materials to consider. From solid gold to gold plated and gold vermeil, each type has its own unique characteristics and price points. Here's a breakdown of the differences between solid gold, gold plated, and gold vermeil jewellery.
Solid gold:
Solid gold jewellery is made entirely from gold, with no other metals added. The purity of the gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being 100% pure gold. Most jewellery is made from 14 karat or 18 karat gold, which contains a mixture of gold and other metals to increase its strength and durability. Solid gold jewellery is highly valuable and will typically last a lifetime with proper care.
Gold plated:
Gold plated jewellery is made from a base metal (such as brass or copper) that has been coated with a thin layer of gold. The thickness of the gold layer can vary, but it is typically much thinner than the layer of gold used in solid gold jewellery. Gold plated jewellery is more affordable than solid gold, but it can be prone to wear and tear over time, as the gold layer may wear away with regular use.
Gold vermeil:
Gold vermeil jewellery is similar to gold plated jewellery, in that it features a base metal that has been coated with a layer of gold. However, the key difference is that the gold layer in vermeil jewellery is typically much thicker than in gold plated jewellery. To be considered vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and made from at least 10 karat gold. This makes gold vermeil jewellery more durable than gold plated jewellery, while still being more affordable than solid gold.
When deciding between solid gold, gold plated, and gold vermeil jewellery, it's important to consider your budget and how you plan to wear the jewellery. If you're looking for a piece of jewellery to wear every day and cherish for a lifetime, solid gold may be the best choice. If you're looking for a more affordable option for occasional wear, gold plated, or gold vermeil jewellery may be a good choice. Whatever type of gold jewellery you choose, be sure to take good care of it to ensure it stays looking beautiful for years to come.
