Gold-filled, gold vermeil or gold-plated - what does it all mean?
- Albanne McCleave
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
At Lela’s workshop, we prioritise gold-filled over gold vermeil and gold-plated because gold-filled is the highest quality option after solid gold which can often be unaffordable for larger pieces.
But what do all these terms mean?
In this blog post, I will explain in depth what each is and their pros and cons.
Snapshot explanation
Gold-plated jewellery is made from a base metal with a thin coating of gold. Gold Vermeil is Sterling Silver (925) coated in a slightly thicker layer of gold and gold-filled is made of a solid layer of gold (at least 5% of the item’s total weight) bonded to a base metal core and is as a result the longest lasting and most precious option available after solid gold.
What is gold-plated jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery consists of a base metal (typically brass, copper, or nickel) coated with a thin layer of gold through an electroplating process. This gold layer is extremely thin, usually measuring between 0.05 to 2.5 microns thick—roughly equivalent to 1/1000th of an inch.
Pros:
· Most affordable option
· Wide variety of styles available
· Good for trendy pieces you won't wear frequently
· Allows you to experiment with different looks without major investment
Cons:
· Gold layer wears off quickly with regular wear
· Can in some instances cause skin discoloration or allergic reactions
· Requires careful handling and storage
· Not suitable for everyday jewellery
Best for:
Fashion jewellery, occasional wear pieces, and budget-conscious shoppers who want the gold look without the investment.
Note:
At Lela’s workshop, we almost never use gold-plated components unless the element is key to the design and more precious options are not available.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a step up from gold plating. It consists of sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) as the base metal, coated with a layer of gold that's at least 2.5 microns thick. To qualify as vermeil, the gold must be at least 10 karat gold, though many high-quality pieces use 14k or 18k gold.
Pros:
Higher quality base metal (sterling silver) won't cause skin reactions
Thicker gold layer than standard gold-plating
More durable than gold plated jewellery
Can be re-plated if gold layer wears thin
Hypoallergenic for most people
Mid-range price point
Cons:
More expensive than gold-plated
Gold layer can still wear off over time
Requires some care to maintain appearance
Not as durable as gold-filled
Best for: Everyday jewellery that you want to last longer than gold-plated pieces, people with sensitive skin, and those seeking quality jewellery at a moderate price point.
What Is Gold-Filled Jewellery?
Gold-filled jewellery represents the highest quality option among these three categories.
It's made by mechanically bonding a solid layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass or copper). The gold layer must constitute at least 5% of the item's total weight, making it significantly thicker than both gold plating and vermeil.
The most common type is 14k gold-filled, where 14 karat gold makes up 1/20th (or 5%) of the total weight. You'll often see this marked as "14k/20 GF" on jewellery pieces.
Pros:
Much thicker gold layer that won't wear off with normal use
Can last 20-30 years with proper care
Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
Can withstand daily wear and tear
Maintains its appearance over time
Can be cleaned and polished like solid gold
More affordable than solid gold
Cons:
Higher upfront cost than plated or vermeil options
Limited style options compared to fashion jewellery
Best for:
Everyday jewellery, people with metal sensitivities, those who want long-lasting pieces without solid gold prices, and anyone seeking the best value for money.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Gold-plated | Gold Vermeil | Gold-filled |
Gold layer thickness | 0.05-2.5 microns | 2.5+ microns | 50-100+ microns |
Base metal | Various (brass, copper, nickel) | Sterling silver | Brass, copper |
Durability | 6 months - 2 years | 2-5 years | 20-30 years |
Price range | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Skin safety | May cause skin reactions | Hypoallergenic | Hypoallergenic |
Care required | High maintenance | Moderate | Low |
Making the Right Choice for You
Understanding these differences empowers you to make smart jewellery purchases that align with your needs and budget. Whether you choose gold-plated for fashion-forward pieces, gold vermeil for quality everyday wear, or gold-filled for long-lasting investment pieces, you'll know exactly what you're getting and how to care for it properly.
For everyday pieces that need to last for years, gold-filled provides the best combination of durability and affordability.
Each item's description at Lela’s Workshop outlines exactly what materials/metals have been used in its creation so you never have to guess and can make informed decisions.
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