The Difference Between Gold Filled, Gold Plated, and Vermeil

May is Gold Month, so we thought it would be a great time to explain the difference between gold filled, gold plated, and vermeil jewelry. We want you to know what you're getting, and to get what you expect.

Gold Filled Jewelry

Gold filled jewelry has the look and feel of solid gold jewelry, but with a more affordable price. Unless otherwise noted, StarJules' gold filled jewelry starts with brass which is then wrapped in gold. The gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal, usually brass or copper, so it will never peel, flake, or wear off. The gold used in the item must make up at least 5% of the item's total weight. Anyone who can wear solid gold jewelry can wear gold filled jewelry without any worries about allergies. 

Gold filled jewelry will have some kind of fraction explaining the item. This fraction indicates the karatage of the gold as compared to the weight of the gold used. If the fraction 14/20 is used to describe the item, it means that the gold used is 14 karats and the weight of the gold is 1/20th (5%) of the item's weight. The fraction 12/20 means that the gold used is 12 karats and it makes up 5% (1/20th) of the item's total weight. 

Gold filled jewelry is easy to care for and will maintain its shine for a lifetime. As with all jewelry, keep your gold filled items away from harsh chemicals and clean with a mild soap and water, rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth. 

FYI - the terms "gold overlay" or "rolled gold plate" may be used if the gold in the item makes up less than 5% of the item's total weight. StarJules does not carry this kind of jewelry. 

Gold Plated Jewelry

Gold plated jewelry is a great choice if you want the look of gold, but without the price. 

Gold plated jewelry has a layer of gold deposited over the surface of another metal, usually by chemical or electromechanical plating. Unless otherwise noted, StarJules' gold plated items consist of sterling silver with 14 karat gold plating. 

Gold plated jewelry has a smaller percentage of gold than gold filled jewelry, and is manufactured differently, and is therefore less durable than gold filled or solid gold jewelry. With proper care, you can extend the life of your gold plated jewelry. A few tips:

• Keep your jewelry away from contact with chemicals, like cleaners, soaps, perfumes, toothpaste, traditional jewelry cleaner, or hairspray.
• Be careful what you do when you wear gold plated jewelry - every thing the piece of jewelry comes in contact with could wear down the plating. As a result, it stands to reason that gold plated rings will wear more quickly than gold plated earrings.
• Also, your skin's pH will affect the plating. Some people have pH that affects the plating quite quickly! 
• Don't expose the jewelry to heat or grease (be careful in the kitchen).
• Limit exposure to water.
• Don't wear the jewelry to the gym, or when you'll be sweating a lot.
• Store your jewelry in a velvet or silk pouch. Avoid keeping your jewelry in boxes in something made of oak, or even cardboard boxes. These materials are treated with chemicals which may affect the plating over time.

If you need to clean your jewelry, use a soft cloth and warm water only when necessary. 

Items marked as fashion jewelry do not contain precious metal, except for the plating. The base metal used is usually brass. 

 Vermeil Jewelry

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a combination of silver and gold. Vermeil starts with silver as the base of the jewelry piece. The silver is then gold plated with a layer that is usually 50% thicker than gold plated jewelry. The difference then between vermeil jewelry and gold plated jewelry is the base metal and the thickness of the plating. Vermeil jewelry uses silver as the base and has a thicker gold plate. Vermeil jewelry must also use at least 14 karat gold as the plating. 

To keep your vermeil jewelry looking its best, avoid contact with lotions, oils, perfumes, cleaners, and other chemicals, including chlorine. Use mild soap and water or cotton or microfiber cloth to clean your vermeil jewelry.

 StarJules offers gold plated, gold filled, and vermeil jewelry. All three are beautiful additions to your jewelry wardrobe! If you have any questions, please email info@starjules.com.