1/19/12

 

Part of our job here at Gioielli is to respond to our customers’ great questions, helping them stay informed.  One of the most common issues we answer questions about is the difference between vermeil, gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry.  So, we’ve decided to spread the knowledge and share it in our blog.

Vermeil

Pronunciation: ver-MAY 

Definition:  Sterling silver that is coated (plated) with gold of at least 10k fineness and at least 2.5 microns thick (1/10,000 inch).

Care: Remove vermeil jewelry before showering, swimming, sleeping or other rigorous activities that expose the jewelry to water or scratches.  Remember that the layer of gold used for vermeil jewelry is thin so preventing scratching and exposure to unnecessary elements is key.  To clean, apply one or two drops of silver dipping solution to a cotton ball.  It is a good idea to store your vermeil jewelry in ziplocked bags.  For more information on vermeil jewelry and how to care for it, visit this link.

 

Vermeil components used in Gioielli jewelry are plated with 18k to 24k gold as seen in our stackable rings or single stone earrings.

 

 

 

Gold-Filled

Definition: Base metal (such as copper, brass or silver) that is overlaid with gold.  This process is achieved by rolling and pressing the gold onto the base metal rather than using an electroplating process.  Gold filled jewelry has a layer of gold that is 50-100,000 times thicker than gold plating and varies in thickness but the gold layer is always at least 1/20th of the total piece of jewelry.  Heirloom jewelry from the 1800’s is often gold-filled which gives us confidence that the beauty and richness of gold-filled jewelry will last a lifetime!

 

Care:  Cleaning gold-filled jewelry is simple.  Inexpensive jewelry polishing cloths work great and are non-abrasive.  For a deeper cleaning, add a drop of ammonia to a small bowl of warm water and apply the solution to a cotton ball.  For more information on gold-filled jewelry and how to care for it, visit this link.

 

Gold filled components found in Gioielli pieces are typically made with 14k gold or higher as seen in the Large Coin Pearl Love Knot Bracelet, Druzy & Pearl Necklace and Smoky Quartz Earstrings.

 

Gold-Plated

Definition: Base metal (such as copper or brass) that is plated with a thin layer of gold (typically 1/10,000 - 1/1,000,000 of an inch).

 

Gioielli does not use gold-plated components since the thin layer of gold plating wears away quickly and the overall quality does not meet our standard.

 

 

 

With gold prices rising, vermeil and gold-filled jewelry provide an excellent, cost-efficient alternative to regular gold products.  Nevertheless, if you are a jewelry purist or simply stuck on solid gold, take a look at our Lusso collection for irresistible, sparkling goods made with 14k gold, 18k gold and precious gems…


 

We hope this is informative and strongly encourage you all to keep your questions coming!

 

--Team Gioielli