The Fine Details: Gold-Plated vs. Gold Vermeil Jewelry
At VEYIA, we understand that the essence of a jewelry piece lies in its details. This is especially true when distinguishing between standard gold-plated jewelry and Gold Vermeil. These subtle differences are at the heart of our designs and jewelry.
What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is characterized by a layer of real gold applied to a base metal, which could be copper, brass, or tin. The minimum thickness of this gold layer has to be 0.5 microns. In the jewelry world, you might also come across terms like "flash-plated," "gold-dipped," or "gold tone," referring to even thinner gold layers, up to 0.2 microns. While less durable, this type of jewelry is an affordable option to keep up with trends.
Gold Vermeil: A Sign of Quality
Gold Vermeil, pronounced "ver-may," is not to be confused with standard gold-plated jewelry. This designation stands for quality standards that ensure Vermeil jewelry’s durability and rich golden color. Gold Vermeil pieces are made from a base of 925 sterling silver, identifiable by the 925 stamp. Sterling silver, a quality and enduring precious metal, is the perfect foundation for our pieces. Multiple coats of real gold are layered in an electroplating process until a thickness of at least 2.5 microns is achieved. This thickness ensures lasting color durability. Our jewelry features a gold layer up to five times thicker than regular gold-plated pieces, and for rings, we even use a thicker gold layer to ensure you can love your pieces for longer.
Is Gold Vermeil Real Gold?
Yes, plating is made of real gold. We use 18-karat recycled gold, the highest standard commonly used in jewelry making. 18-karat is the highest purity alloy that is still resistant enough to everyday wear and tear, and shines with a rich golden color. Our quality gold plating allows you to wear larger and more sculptural pieces with the look of genuine 18k gold at a much more affordable price.
What is Recycled Gold?
At VEYIA, we exclusively use recycled precious metals in our jewelry collections. This sustainable approach significantly improves our carbon footprint compared to using newly mined metals. Notably, recycled gold produces greenhouse gas emissions of less than 0.5% of those produced by newly mined gold. Using recycled gold also saves over 600 liters of water - per gram.
At VEYIA, we aim not only to offer aesthetically appealing and high-quality jewelry but also to contribute to responsible resource management and promote sustainable practices in the jewelry industry.
How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?
To maintain the shine of your VEYIA Gold Vermeil jewelry, we recommend regular cleaning with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Treat your Vermeil jewelry like a precious piece in your wardrobe, such as a fine cashmere sweater. Despite its quality, it requires special care and should be handled gently. Put on your jewelry last before leaving the house, and make it the first thing you take off when you return home.
Comparison: Gold-plated Jewelry and Gold Vermeil
When looking for high-quality and durable jewelry, you should pay attention to the details:
Gold plated
Gold-plated jewelry uses brass, copper, tin, or other metals and a plating thickness of 0.5 microns with any gold alloy
VEYIA Vermeil
VEYIA uses recycled Sterling silver and recycled 18k gold with a plating thickness of up to 3 microns.
Gold Vermeil jewelry is durable and made from high-quality materials. This allows you to enjoy the look and feel of genuine 18k gold jewelry at an affordable price. The sterling silver base also ensures that even those with allergies can wear our jewelry without concern.
