In the world of jewelry, gold is a timeless choice, symbolizing luxury, elegance and quality. However, not all gold jewelry is created equal. For those who seek the beauty of gold, but want to purchase gold jewelry at a more affordable price, there are two popular choices - gold plated jewelry and solid gold jewelry. In our last post, we discussed gold-plated jewelry, and today we're going to explore the gold vermeil;
Key Differences
In order to better understand the difference between gold-plated and solid gold jewelry, let's analyze the key factors involved:
Base metal
The base metal of gold vermeil jewelry is always sterling silver, which is a precious and hypoallergenic material. Gold-plated jewelry may have a different base metal, which may include materials that cause allergic reactions in some people. The quality and durability of the base metal can greatly affect the longevity of the gold plating.
Gold purity
Gold Vermeil must have a minimum of 10 carats of gold to ensure greater purity and a more vibrant, long-lasting gold color. Conversely, gold-plated layers can vary in carat weight, and the color and luster of lower carat gold may be slightly different than higher carat gold.
Thickness of Gold Layers
The gold vermeil layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick to provide a thick, durable coating. This thickness helps the gold layer to resist wear and makes the jewelry more resistant to tarnishing and fading.Gold-plated gold layers are generally much thinner, usually between 0.175 and 2.5 microns. A thinner layer of gold is more prone to wear and tear and will come off more quickly with regular use.
Cost
Gold vermeil jewelry is usually more expensive than gold-plated jewelry because of the high content of sterling silver, the base metal of gold plating, and the thicker, more durable layer of gold. However, it is more cost effective in terms of longevity and appearance. Gold-plated jewelry is usually more affordable, making it a popular choice for those on a budget. However, the lower cost needs to be weighed against durability and longevity.
Care and Maintenance
Whether it is gold vermeil or gold-plated jewelry, it is important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals such as perfumes, lotions and cleaners. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will help keep your jewelry looking its best.
How to Choose Gold Jewelry in OBY
If you're looking for fine jewelry that you can wear every day without fear of damage, vermeil gold strikes a great balance between durability and elegance. We have prepared the following options for you.
Semi-custom jewelry is a meaningful choice for birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions. Here are some of the new items that will be hitting our shelves soon.
