What is the Difference Between Gold Plated and Vermeil?
Gold-plated and vermeil are both jewelry terms that describe different processes of applying a layer of gold to another metal. While they both result in a gold-colored surface, there are notable differences between the two in terms of the thickness of the gold layer, the base metal used, and their overall quality.
I. Gold-Plated:
a. Composition:
Gold-plated jewelry involves depositing a thin layer of gold onto a base metal, usually through electroplating. The process involves using an electric current to adhere a layer of gold onto the surface of the base metal. Here are the key characteristics of gold-plated jewelry:
b. Gold Layer Thickness:
The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is relatively thin, typically ranging from micro-inches to a few microns. The plating thickness varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
c. Base Metal:
Gold-plated jewelry is often made using a variety of base metals, such as brass or even silver. The base metal provides structural support but may also impact the overall durability of the piece.
d. Tarnish-Resistance:
Interaction between the base metal and external elements plays a pivotal role in the susceptibility of gold-plated jewelry to tarnish. The thin layer of gold on the surface of gold-plated pieces offers a degree of protection against factors like moisture, chemicals, and environmental pollutants. However, over time, the inherent characteristics of the base metal can influence the tarnishing process. The base metal's composition, reactivity, and ability to react with various elements in the environment contribute to how quickly tarnishing occurs.
In the early stages, the gold layer acts as a barrier that shields the underlying base metal from direct contact with these external factors. This affords a degree of resistance to tarnishing, allowing the jewelry to maintain its shine and luster. Yet, as time passes, the protective gold plating may begin to wear down, gradually thinning out due to exposure to wear, friction, and the impact of daily activities. This gradual erosion of the gold layer opens up opportunities for the base metal to come into direct contact with elements that encourage tarnishing, such as humidity, pollutants, and skin oils.
As the gold plating diminishes, the base metal's innate tendencies become more influential. Depending on the composition of the base metal, its susceptibility to oxidation and corrosion can vary. Some base metals are more reactive than others, accelerating the tarnishing process. Elements like sulfur compounds, pollutants in the air, and even the wearer's skin chemistry can contribute to the tarnishing reaction. This interaction can lead to the formation of discolored patches and a diminished overall appearance.
e. Affordability:
Gold-plated jewelry is generally more affordable than solid gold or other alternatives, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
f. Replating Needs:
Over time, the gold layer on gold-plated jewelry may wear off, revealing the base metal underneath. Some jewelers offer replating services, where they apply a new layer of gold to restore the jewelry's appearance. However, this may incur additional costs.
II. Vermeil:
a. Composition:
Vermeil is not just a marketing term; it is a specific standard for gold-plated jewelry that has been set by regulations in the United States and Europe to ensure a certain level of quality. These regulations provide consumers with confidence that the jewelry labeled as vermeil meets specific criteria:
United States: In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established guidelines for using the term "vermeil" in jewelry labeling. According to these guidelines, for jewelry to be labeled as vermeil, it must meet the following criteria:
- Base Metal: The base metal must be sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) or higher.
- Gold Layer Thickness: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
- Gold Karat Purity: The gold used for plating must be at least 10 karats and have a minimum gold purity of 42.5%.
b. Gold Layer Thickness:
Vermeil jewelry must have a gold layer that is thicker than typical gold-plated jewelry. In most cases, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick, providing more durability and a longer-lasting appearance.
c. Base Metal:
Vermeil jewelry requires a base metal of sterling silver. This ensures a higher-quality foundation for the gold layer and contributes to the overall value and durability of the piece.
d. Tarnish-Resistance:
Despite its gold-plated nature, vermeil jewelry distinguishes itself through the incorporation of a significantly thicker gold layer, typically measuring no less than 2.5 microns in thickness. This substantial increase in the thickness of the gold plating serves as a crucial determinant in enhancing the jewelry's resilience against tarnishing and other adverse effects brought about by environmental factors.
This augmented layer of gold acts as a formidable barrier, shielding the underlying materials from direct contact with external elements that often trigger tarnishing processes. Consequently, this increased thickness substantially prolongs the jewelry's ability to retain its luster and allure over extended periods of wear.
In addition to the thicker gold layer, vermeil jewelry employs a sterling silver base metal. Sterling silver possesses inherent qualities that make it susceptible to the detrimental effects of exposure to oxygen and moisture, both of which are catalysts for tarnishing.
e. Hypoallergenic Qualities:
Gold-plated jewelry, while often not as hypoallergenic as vermeil due to its thinner gold layer and potential use of various base metals, still offers certain hypoallergenic qualities that can be beneficial for individuals with sensitivities to certain metals.
The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry serves as a protective barrier between the skin and the underlying base metal. This layer of gold creates a separation that can reduce the risk of direct contact between the skin and the base metal, which is often the cause of allergic reactions and skin irritations. While the gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is thinner compared to vermeil, it still provides a degree of protection against the allergenic potential of the base metal.
However, it's important to note that the hypoallergenic qualities of gold-plated jewelry can vary based on factors such as the thickness of the gold layer, the quality of the plating process, and the specific base metal used. Some base metals, like brass or certain alloys, might carry a higher risk of causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain metals, it's advisable to consider the type of base metal used in the gold-plated jewelry and the thickness of the gold layer. Opting for higher-quality gold-plated pieces, where the gold layer is thicker, and the base metal is less likely to trigger reactions, can help reduce the risk of skin irritations.
f. Replating:
Similar to gold plating, over the course of time, the gold layer on gold-vermeil jewelry might gradually diminish, potentially exposing the underlying base metal. To counter this, certain jewelers provide a replating service involving the application of a fresh layer of gold to renew the jewelry's visual appeal. It's important to note that opting for this service could involve supplementary expenses.
g. Hypoallergenic Qualities:
Vermeil jewelry boasts hypoallergenic qualities that make it a favorable option for individuals with sensitivities to certain metals. This feature is particularly attributed to the combination of its gold plating and sterling silver base metal, both of which contribute to minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations.
The gold layer in vermeil jewelry serves as a protective barrier between the skin and the base metal. Since the gold layer is relatively thick (typically at least 2.5 microns), it substantially reduces the chances of direct contact between the wearer's skin and the underlying sterling silver. This preventive measure significantly lowers the likelihood of allergic reactions that might occur due to the skin's interaction with the base metal.
Moreover, sterling silver, which forms the core of vermeil jewelry, is renowned for its hypoallergenic properties. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. However, although the presence of copper adds to sterling silver's strength and durability, it does carry a slight chance of triggering an allergic response in some individuals.
Conclusion:
In summary, the main difference between gold-plated and vermeil jewelry lies in the thickness of the gold layer, the type of base metal used, and the overall quality and appearance. Vermeil offers a higher standard of quality with a thicker gold layer on a sterling silver base, making it a more durable and luxurious option compared to standard gold-plated jewelry.