Gold Plated VS. Gold Vermeil. Top 5 Differences Explained.

Published: 27 Jan 2025

Hey, dears!

Are you confused about what the difference is between gold-plated and gold-vermeil jewelry? However, both look the same as pure gold, and have similar shine, but what actually causes the differences between both materials? Which one is good? Which one lasts longer and gives you the best value for your money?

So stop thinking here; today, we will dive into the deep guide on what is the difference between gold-plated and gold-vermeil, from their structure to durability, resale value, quality, and, most importantly, which one you should choose.

So are you ready?

Table of Content

Gold-plated VS. Gold Vermeil. How Are Both Different? And Which one Is Good?

Both materials are different in various aspects, and one is better than the second. Here is a detailed difference between both and which one is good.

Structure and Durability.

Both have different structures and Durability; here is how.

Gold-plated

Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied to a base metal, such as copper or brass, through an electroplating process.
Since the gold layer is very thin, it is prone to wear off over time, especially with daily use.
This makes gold-plated jewelry less durable and more likely to lose its shine or even tarnish.

Gold-vermeil

Gold vermeil is much more durable than gold-plated jewelry. This is because it has almost a 5 times thicker layer of gold than gold-plated uses sterling silver as base metal which is also much stronger than brass and pure copper.
This thicker gold layer and sterling silver as base metal mean gold vermeil can last longer, is resistant to wear and tear, and is much better than gold-plated jewelry.

Quality of Materials.

Quality also varies with different points of view.

Gold-plated:

The base metals used in gold-plated jewelry, like copper and brass, are usually cheaper.

These metals are not as sturdy as sterling silver, so gold-plated jewelry might not hold up as well over time.
The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is often much thinner, which can lead to quicker fading or chipping.

Gold-vermeil:

Gold vermeil is made with a higher-quality base—sterling silver.

This makes it more valuable than gold-plated jewelry.
Gold-vermeil is considered higher quality and gives you more value for your money.

Price.

Both have always different price tags even if the pieces have the same design and weight.

Gold-plated:

Gold-plated jewelry tends to be more affordable. Since the gold layer is thin and the base metal is usually cheaper, the overall cost of gold-plated pieces is lower.
If you’re on a budget but want the look of gold, gold-plated jewelry can be the best option.

Gold-vermeil:

Gold vermeil jewelry is typically more expensive than gold-plated because it has higher gold content as well as sterling silver which is also more expensive than brass and copper.
But it’s still more affordable than pure gold and gold-filled jewelry.

Maintenance and Care.

Gold-plated jewelry requires frequent care.

Gold-plated:

Gold-plated jewelry requires more maintenance.

Because the gold layer is thin, it’s more susceptible to scratches and fading.
You may need to clean it carefully and avoid wearing it in situations where it can be scratched, like while exercising or swimming.
Over time, the gold may wear off, and the base metal might start to show through, but you can re-plate it by consulting a jeweler.

Gold-vermeil:

While gold vermeil also requires maintenance the same as gold-plated.
But it has a little bit thicker gold layer, so it doesn’t wear off or tarnish as quickly as gold plated, but still, the gold layer will wear off over time.

Appearance.

Both look the same but have differences.

Gold-plated:

Gold-plated jewelry looks beautiful and shiny, just like solid gold because of its thin gold layer

But its shine may fade faster with wear.
It’s best suited for occasional wear, where you won’t expose it to too much friction or moisture.

Gold-vermeil:

While gold-vermeil also has the same look it feels a little bit different when we touch it

But It holds its shine and beauty longer than gold plated, making it a great option for daily wear or special occasions.

Allergies and Sensitivity.

Gold-vermeil is usually hypoallergenic. Here is a further explanation.

Gold-plated:

Gold-plated jewelry may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people having sensitive skin, especially when it contains nickel.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid gold-plated pieces unless sellers specifically say they are hypoallergenic.

Gold-vermeil:

Gold vermeil is generally safer for people with sensitive skin since it’s made with sterling silver, which is hypoallergenic.
It’s less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, making it a better choice for those with common skin sensitivities.

Which one Should You Choose?

Guys, when it comes to choosing between gold-plated and gold vermeil jewelry, it all depends on your needs, budget, and how long you want the jewelry to last.

If you’re looking for an affordable option with a shiny gold look for occasional wear, gold-plated jewelry might be the way to go.

However, if you’re seeking a more durable, long-lasting piece with a luxurious feel, gold vermeil offers a better value and is worth the investment.

But if you want even better jewelry from gold vermeil, then my final recommendation is to opt for Gold-filled jewelry as it has a 100 times thicker gold layer than gold-vermeil.