Gold Vermeil vs Gold Filled
Gold filled is better than gold vermeil because it has a thicker coating of gold protecting base metal from tarnishing. It is also better at resisting scratches and never reacts with sensitive skin. It’s properties like durability, tarnishing resistant and low price make it a better choice than gold vermeil. That’s why you can choose gold filled all the times between the two.
What is Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is basically a thicker than normal gold plating on a base metal of sterling silver. It is about 2.5 micrometer thick which is not enough to protect the base metal. This “thicker than normal” plating never adds anything in terms of durability and strength of the jewelry. It can easily wear off when comes in contact with harsh chemicals, salt water or gets scratched.
Once gold plating wears off, base metal will be exposed which is mostly sterling silver. If you don’t re-plate your jewelry, which will obviously add up cost, sterling silver will take about 3 to 4 months of regular use to tarnish. On tarnishing, it will turn black and sterling silver will lose its lustrous white appearance. However, this tarnish can be removed using tarnish removing chemicals.
What is Gold Filled
Gold filled contains a thicker coating of gold on a base metal like sterling silver. When compared to gold vermeil, this gold coating is much more thicker which can somewhat protect the jewelry. As per the U.S laws, any jewelry that is termed as “gold filled” must contain at least 5 percent of its total weight as gold. If it is less than 5 percent, no one can sell it by the name of gold filled.
For example, let’s say you buy a gold filled chain of 20 grams. As it is gold filled, the weight of gold coating will be at least 1 gram (5 percent of 20 grams). This coating does not wear off easily and can save base metal from tarnishing.
Here is a picture to showing difference between different forms of gold.
Gold Vermeil vs Gold Filled – A Detailed Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of gold vermeil and gold filled.
1. Appearance
Both of the pieces will appear similar giving gold alike looks when new. As the time passes, gold vermeil will start to wear off its gold plating. This can make gold vermeil appear ugly. Moreover, when sterling silver is tarnished, it will turn black with a dull appearance. To regain the old appearance, you will have to re-plate it every time gold plating disappears.
Gold filled has a thicker coating (not layer) of gold over sterling silver that will never wear off. And your gold filled jewelry will appear just like gold all the times.
It is recommended to keep polishing your jewelry regularly for top looks.
2. Thickness of Gold Layer
Thickness of the gold layer is another important property to consider. This not only keeps the premium looks of the jewelry but also protects the base metal from being exposed to atmospheric gases which can lead to tarnishing.
Gold vermeil is about 2.5 micrometer thick plating. To give you a comparison, normal gold plating is about 1 micrometer. So, there isn’t a very big difference between the two. And both will wear off.
Gold filled has a thicker coating of about 20 to 35 micrometers that is far more thicker than gold plating or gold vermeil. This will protect base metal from being exposed all the time.
3. Durability
Durability means for how long your jewelry will last or will remain useable. Gold filled jewelry is surely to last longer than a vermeil jewelry as it has a much thicker gold coating. Gold vermeil will start to wear off after 5 to 6 months of regular usage.
When it comes to resistance towards scratches, gold filled stands out. Gold vermeil is actually a plating which can wear off even on minor scratches with rough surfaces like floor, wall etc. Gold filled can provide better resistance. So, if you consider durability an important factor between the two, then gold filled is the clear winner.
4. Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a chemical process in which a metal reacts with water and atmospheric gases like sulfur. This process can turn silver black. Gold vermeil is susceptible to tarnishing after some time of usage due to wearing off of gold plating. Once gold plating is removed, vermeil will start to show tarnishing. Only way to save your jewelry will then be to either use tarnishing removal chemicals or re-plate it.
Gold filled does not tarnish. This is a big pro that differentiates it from gold vermeil. Gold filled will demand less maintenance than gold vermeil.
5. Hypoallergenic Properties
If a metal is termed as hypoallergenic, it will not react with skin. Gold vermeil can be non-hypoallergenic at times specifically when gold plating totally wears off. Sterling silver can be non-hypoallergenic towards people with sensitive skin leading to skin allergies or skin turning green. If you are one who has a history of sensitive skin, then you must avoid gold vermeil jewelry.
Gold filled is completely hypoallergenic if it is made in 18k gold or 14k gold. These two alloys of gold are hypoallergenic and will never react with the skin. This inclusion of thick gold layer of 14k or 18k gold never exposes the base metal to outer atmosphere. In this way, your skin does not react with any potentially harmful metals.
However, if gold filled jewelry is made with some low purity gold like 9k or 10k, then it can also be non-hypoallergenic.
6. Cost
Gold filled jewelry is expensive than gold vermeil. This is obvious as gold filled has more gold weight than gold vermeil. You can get a gold vermeil ring for about $50 to $60 whereas a gold filled ring will cost around $90 to $100.
As the weight of the jewelry increases, price gap increases. If you are one who has a low budget, then gold vermeil can be the choice.
7. Resale Value
Resale value is another important factor for a jewelry. Both of these types of jewelries are low cost and created as a cheap alternative of solid gold jewelry. This makes it less valuable and having low demand in resale market. You cannot expect much from both of these in terms of resale value. Moreover, not many jewelers or pawn shops would like to buy these type of jewelries.
If you consider resale value of jewelry as the most important factor, then you should go for solid gold jewelry.
FAQ’s about Gold Vermeil vs Gold Filled
Here are some FAQ’s about gold vermeil vs gold filled.
Is Gold Vermeil Good?
Gold vermeil is good if you want to get gold alike looks at a lower cost. Otherwise it is better to go for gold filled.
How Long will Gold Vermeil last?
It will last for about 6 to 8 months of regular usage. After that you will have to re-plate it.
Is Gold Filled better than Gold Vermeil?
Yes, gold filled is better than gold vermeil. It has better resistance towards scratches and damages.
How is Gold Vermeil different from Gold Plating?
Gold vermeil is an upgraded version of gold plating with small upgrades. But in terms of durability and other properties, difference is not that big.
How Gold Filled Jewelry is different from Solid Gold?
Solid gold jewelry is entirely made of gold alloy with no base metal like thing. Gold filled has a base metal made of sterling silver with gold alloy coating.
What Should You Buy?
Gold filled is definitely a better option. It provides a number of benefits over gold vermeil like durability, hypoallergenic properties, and non-tarnishing. However, if you are on a very low budget or are unable to find the required jewelry designs or styles, then gold vermeil can be the option. If you prefer quality over price, then definitely go for gold filled. Otherwise, gold vermeil can only the choice if you don’t have the budget for gold filled.