Gold Fill vs Gold Vermeil vs Gold-Plated | What's the difference?

What is the difference between gold fill, gold vermeil, and gold-plated?

Gold fill, gold vermeil, and gold-plated are all types of jewelry that have a layer of gold on top of a base metal. The main difference between these three types is the thickness and quality of the gold layer.

Gold fill is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, typically brass or copper. The gold layer must be at least 5% of the total weight of the piece, and is much thicker than in gold-plated jewelry. Gold fill is a good option for those with allergies to base metals, as it has less exposure to the base metal than gold-plated jewelry.

Gold vermeil is similar to gold fill, but the gold layer is even thicker and is made of sterling silver. The gold must be at least 10 karats and be at least 2.5 microns thick. Gold vermeil is a more expensive option than gold fill, but it has a higher quality and durability.

Gold-plated jewelry is made by applying a thin layer of gold to a base metal using an electroplating process. The gold layer is typically less than 0.5 microns thick, and can wear off over time, especially if the jewelry is not cared for properly. Gold-plated jewelry is the least expensive option, but it may not be suitable for those with allergies to base metals.

If it's gold-plated, what metal is beneath the gold plate, and why does that matter?

In most cases, the base metal beneath the gold plate in gold-plated jewelry is brass or a similar alloy. The type of base metal used can affect the durability and quality of the gold-plated piece.

Where does Aria Lattner jewelry fall in this spectrum, and why should I care?

Aria Lattner jewelry uses high-quality materials, including 14 karat gold fill and sterling silver. Our gold fill pieces have a thick layer of 14 karat gold bonded to a base metal, and are designed to be durable and long-lasting. We also offer a variety of sterling silver pieces, which are made of high-quality silver and are finished with a protective coating to prevent tarnishing.

In general, choosing gold fill or sterling silver jewelry over gold-plated jewelry can ensure that you are getting a high-quality, durable piece that will last for years to come. You can browse our gold fill collection and our sterling silver collection to find the perfect piece for you. We also have a wide range of other jewelry available in our all jewelry collection.