Gold plated vs gold vermeil jewellery: In today’s time, jewelery is not just for adornment, but is also related to investment and skin health. So if you hear the words gold plated, gold coated or gold vermeil, don’t be confused. Know what is the difference in this.
Nowadays, while buying jewellery, we often hear words like gold plated, gold coated and gold vermillion. In appearance, all these three jewelery look equally shiny and like gold, but in reality there is a big difference between them in quality, price, durability and quantity of gold. If you buy jewelery without complete information, then there may be problems like discoloration, skin reaction or wastage of money. We will tell you about these three, what is the difference between them and which option is right for you.
What is gold plating? (What is gold plating)
In gold plating, gold is plated in a very thin layer over a base metal (such as brass, copper or alloy). This gold layer is thinner than a micron and is applied through electro-plating process. This type of jewelery looks exactly like gold, but the gold used in it is very less.
This is the reason why the price of gold plated jewelery is low and it comes in the fashion jewelery category. However, the biggest drawback of gold plating is that its color can fade quickly if worn daily. Plating can get damaged due to sweat, water and perfume, some people may also have skin allergies but this jewelery is fine for casual wear or low budget option.
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What is gold coating? (What is gold coating)
Gold coating is often a general name for gold plating, but the gold layer may be a little thicker. Many times shopkeepers consider plating and coating as the same, which increases confusion. In gold coated jewellery, the base metal is the same, but the gold layer may be slightly thicker than the plating.
The finish of this jewelery is more smooth and shiny. Still, it is not real gold jewelery and is not considered suitable for long-term wear. Gold coating is generally better for parties or functions rather than daily wear.
What is Gold Vermeil? (What is gold vermeil)
Now let’s talk about the least understood but most premium option, gold vermeil. Gold vermeil uses sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) as the base metal and over it a thick layer of real gold is plated. This gold is usually 10K, 14K or 18K and its thickness is decided according to international standards.
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The base metal in Gold Vermeil is silver, not a cheaper alloy. The gold layer is many times thicker than plating and remains skin-friendly and allergy-free. Its color remains for a long time. This is why gold vermeil is called an affordable version of high-quality fine jewellery.
Gold Plating, Coating and Vermeil Difference
If understood in simple language, gold plating and gold coating look beautiful but are not durable. Whereas gold vermels are premium in appearance and better in quality. Talking about the price, gold plated is the cheapest but gold coated is a little more expensive than that and gold vermeil is the most expensive but it is value for money.
Which jewelery is right for you?
If you just want to follow the trend then gold plating is fine. If you want to wear it for parties or occasionally, then choose gold coating. If you want daily wearable, skin-safe and long-lasting jewellery, then gold vermillion is the best. Select jewelery accordingly.