Gold Vermeil: Everything You Need To Know About This New Metal

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Diamonds. 

Precious gemstones. 

Semi-precious stones. 

Platinum. 

Titanium. 

Rhodium. 

Silver.

Gold. 

The list goes on and on! There are so many jewelry options in the market that it can be hard deciding on the perfect pieces to buy. From the very cheap to the outrageously expensive, jewelry is available in every style and at every price point.

Buying an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry isn’t a major decision. You’ll wear it once or twice, it will tarnish or break and you’ll be on to the next.

But when it comes to shopping for fine jewelry or demi-fine jewelry, it’s important to know if the price you’re paying makes sense with the quality you’re getting.

Love gold but don’t want to pay for a solid gold piece? It’s time to check out gold vermeil.

Here’s everything you need to know about gold vermeil, including what it is and how it’s made, plus our 9 of our favorite pieces to shop now. 

Our Favorite Gold Vermeil Pieces:

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil is real gold, but it’s not the same as pure gold.

If you see a piece of jewelry labeled as gold vermeil, that means it’s really a sterling silver or pure silver piece plated in gold. Gold vermeil is also called silver gilt, as it goes through the process of electroplating not just to cover the silver underneath with a gold layer, but to bond the two metals together.

For a piece of jewelry to be classified as gold vermeil, it must be at least 10k quality and must cover the silver with a thick or thin layer of gold a minimum of at least 2.5 microns thick. It’s more expensive than sterling silver or gold-plated jewelry, but it’s more affordable than pure gold, so if you love the look of gold but want a less expensive option, gold vermeil is the way to go.

Gold vermeil can come in the form of yellow gold, white gold or rose gold. It’s classified as demi-fine jewelry, meaning it’s a step below fine jewelry but still high-quality. Gold vermeil can tarnish over time, but higher quality pieces with more than 10 karats of gold are much less likely to tarnish.

If you buy a piece that just meets the 10K minimum, don’t worry! Even lower quality pieces that develop tarnish can be saved with a simple polishing.

You can find gold vermeil rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings from all sorts of jewelry designers at all different price points. The next time you’re about to buy a piece of gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry, hold back. Gold vermeil is a much better, much higher quality option! 

The Difference Between Gold Vermeil, Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated

So, what makes gold vermeil different from gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry? Gold vermeil is undoubtedly better, but here’s why!

Gold-filled jewelry is not filled with gold at all. Like vermeil, gold-filled jewelry features a gold coating over a base metal. That base metal is usually an inexpensive material, such as brass. Sometimes gold-filled jewelry can have a thicker layer of gold than gold vermeil jewelry and since it isn’t electroplated, discoloration and tarnishing are less likely.

Gold-plated jewelry usually features a thin layer of low-quality gold over an inexpensive base metal such as copper, brass, nickel or some other low-end metal. Even if gold-plated jewelry has a thick layer of gold than what’s needed to meet the standard for gold vermeil, it can cause allergic reactions in people who have sensitivity to low-end base metals.

Because gold vermeil has a sterling silver base, it’s closer to fine jewelry than its gold-filled or gold-plated counterparts. 

Related: Our 15 Favorite Low-Cost Wedding Rings [Bling On A Budget]  

Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry Expensive?

Like shoes, dresses and handbags, the price of a piece of gold vermeil jewelry depends on the quality of the materials, the thickness of the gold, where it’s made and who designed it.

For example, a gold vermeil bracelet with gemstones could easily carry a more expensive price tag than a thin, plain solid gold ring. But if you’re comparing the same exact size and type of jewelry, such as a pair of 14K gold vs a pair of 14K gold vermeil studs, then the solid gold studs will be more expensive.

Gold vermeil jewelry is an affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry, but it’s never just about the price. Shopping for jewelry is like going on a treasure hunt. It’s not about finding some long lost relic, but rather, it’s the search for a piece that you love, that speaks to you and that you’ll want to wear every single day.

Ready to go shopping? Here are some of our favorite gold vermeil pieces available right now. 

9 Gold Vermeil Pieces to Shop Right Now  

Jewelry designers around the globe are using gold vermeil to make incredible pieces of wearable art. From rings to earrings to chain necklaces, here are some of the best gold vermeil pieces from jewelry designers that we’re loving right now. 

1. Mejuri Bold Link Chain Necklace

The Mejuri Bold Link Chain Necklace is a classic. Featuring a series of slender connected links with a clasp closure, it measures 22”, the perfect length for wearing with any neckline.

This gold chain necklace features a thick layer of 18K gold over sterling silver, making it look just as incredible as a solid gold piece. Wear it on its own or layer it with pendants or other chains for an even more unique look.

2. Stellar 79 Lune Rainbow Moonstone Ring

The Stellar 79 Lune Rainbow Moonstone Ring is cool and calming with a slender band and a faceted moonstone gemstone in the center. It evokes a casual feel, making it perfect for wearing from day to day, but it also has a feminine vibe that makes it easy to pair with a dress for a night out on the town.

This ring features a layer of 18K gold over sterling silver and can be worn alone or stacked with other bands.

3. Missoma Interstellar Drop Anklet

Shopping for a delicate, dainty ankle bracelet? The Missoma Interstellar Drop Anklet features 18K gold plating on sterling silver with a series of pave drops that add just the right amount of sparkle.

This anklet features a secure clasp closure with an extender chain that allows you to adjust the length between nine and ten inches.

4. Brilliant Earth Simone I. Smith Crossover Hoop Earrings

The Simone I. Smith Crossover Hoop Earrings are oh-so-pretty in 14K rose gold vermeil. These earrings feature a double hoop design with slender loops that intertwine around one another and secure with a latch closure.

Buying a pair of Simone I. Smith earrings is also a way to give back, as this designer donates to the NAACP to help promote racial justice and expand democracy.

Related: 7 Things to Know Before Purchasing an Engagement Ring [According to Jewelry Experts] 

5. Kendra Scott Davis Stud Earrings

Available in your choice of 18K yellow gold vermeil or 18K rose gold vermeil, the Kendra Scott Davis Stud Earrings are easy to pair with any outfit.

These earrings boast a minimalist look in a hexagon shape with simple posts and a push back closure. For a more personalized look, they can be engraved with the initial or letter of your choice.

6. Monica Vinader Signature Bangle

The Monica Vinader Signature Bangle is one of our favorite gold vermeil pieces to wear every single day. This hinged bangle bracelet features a curved back and a straight bar across the top that can be engraved to give it a more distinctive look.

This design is made with a thick layer of 18K gold over sterling silver and it comes in different sizes that make it easy to find the perfect fit.

7. Wolf and Zephyr Wishbone Necklace

With a dangling wishbone pendant in the center, the Wolf and Zephyr Wishbone Necklace is a great everyday piece. Made with 14K gold, this necklace features a slender chain and is available in your choice of chain lengths from sixteen inches to twenty-two inches. 

This pendant necklace has a delicate look and feel, making it perfect for wearing on its own or layering with other pendants or chains.

8. Baublebar Gia 18K Gold Vermeil Huggie Earrings

Add a hint of glitz to any outfit for day or night with the Baublebar Gia Huggie Earrings.

Covered in 18K gold, these earrings feature a small round hoop design that hugs the earlobe. They feature a post and push back closure for pierced ears, and they’re embellished with small round cubic zirconia stones that add just the right amount of sparkle and shine.

9. Thatch Customizable Stacking Stone Signet Ring

Engraved with up to ten letters or accented with a cubic zirconia stone, we’re big fans of the Thatch Customizable Stacking Stone Signet Ring. This ring is made from 14K gold over sterling silver and features a slender band with a small round stone in the center.

It’s a classic look that you can wear anywhere, everywhere and with every outfit!

Is Gold Vermeil Good Quality?

Gold vermeil jewelry is good quality, and even though it’s not solid gold, it can look just as rich! But no matter which type of jewelry you’re into, quality is important.

It can be tempting to want to buy an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry, but buying a demi-fine piece of gold vermeil is a much better investment, regardless of what your personal style may be. So, before you check out with your Amazon cart filled to the brim with ten-dollar necklaces, take a step back and reconsider what you’re buying.

Having one good piece of gold vermeil that lasts for years is always better than having ten cheap gold-filled or gold-plated pieces that won’t stand the test of time. 

You might also be interested in: A Guide To Men’s Jewelry [20 Pieces Every Man Should Have] 

9 Gold Vermeil Pieces to Shop Right Now:

1. Mejuri Bold Link Chain Necklace 
2. Stellar 79 Lune Rainbow Moonstone Ring 
3. Missoma Interstellar Drop Anklet 
4. Brilliant Earth Simone I. Smith Crossover Hoop Earrings 
5. Kendra Scott Davis Stud Earrings 
6. Monica Vinader Signature Bangle 
7. Wolf and Zephyr Wishbone Necklace 
8. Baublebar Gia 18K Gold Vermeil Huggie Earrings 
9. Thatch Customizable Stacking Stone Signet Ring