Are you tired of your favorite necklace leaving your neck green? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the different types of gold jewelry available in the market? Look no further! Noir Reserve is here to simplify the process for you and provide you with high-quality jewelry that suits your everyday style.
What is the Difference Between Gold Plated, Gold Vermeil, Gold Filled, and Solid Gold?
When it comes to gold jewelry, there are various options to choose from - gold plated, gold vermeil, gold filled, and solid gold. At Noir Reserve, we primarily offer 18k gold filled jewelry, known for its quality and durability. Let's break down the differences:
Gold Plated:
Gold plated jewelry consists of a very thin layer of gold, typically 0.05% actual gold or less, plated onto a base metal such as brass or copper. This thin layer of gold gives the jewelry its luxurious appearance without the hefty price tag of solid gold pieces.
Why is Gold Plated Jewelry Prone to Tarnishing?Due to the thin layer of gold, gold plated jewelry is more susceptible to tarnishing. Exposure to liquids or chemicals can cause the gold plating to rub off or discolor. While gold itself does not corrode, the base metals like copper and brass can tarnish when exposed to substances like sweat, lotion, perfume, and more.
Why is Gold Plated Jewelry More Affordable?Compared to solid gold jewelry, gold plated jewelry is much more affordable because it uses only a small amount of gold on top of a base metal. This makes it a great option for those looking for stylish pieces without breaking the bank. Whether you need jewelry for a special occasion or simply want to experiment with new styles, gold plated jewelry offers a budget-friendly solution.
Gold Vermeil:
Gold vermeil jewelry is made by coating 925 sterling silver with a thick layer of gold. This option offers a higher quality than gold plated jewelry and is more durable.
Gold vermeil, pronounced ver-may, is a type of jewelry that consists of a thick layer of gold plating on top of sterling silver. In the United States, the standard requirement for gold vermeil is at least 2.5 microns of gold plating, ensuring a high-quality finish. However, in some other countries like Canada, the requirement is only 1.0 micron.
Why Vermeil over Gold Plated?One of the main advantages of gold vermeil is its hypoallergenic properties, making it safe for individuals with metal allergies to wear. Additionally, gold vermeil jewelry lasts much longer than traditional gold-plated jewelry due to its thicker plating. Even with more frequent use over the years, the gold plating on vermeil jewelry is less likely to wear off in areas of frequent contact.
How to Care for Gold VermeilSince the base metal of gold vermeil is sterling silver, it is susceptible to tarnishing when exposed to air. To prevent tarnishing, it is recommended to store your gold vermeil jewelry in an airtight bag when not in use. If your jewelry does tarnish, you can easily clean it off with a gentle jewelry cleaner or a polishing cloth.
Gold Filled:
Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, providing a more durable and longer-lasting option compared to gold plated or gold vermeil jewelry. Our 18k gold filled jewelry at Noir Reserve is perfect for everyday wear.
Gold filled jewelry is a layer of solid gold that is mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically jeweler’s brass. According to US standards, the gold layer must make up 1/20th (or 5%) of the jewelry’s total weight. This layer of gold can be made with either 14k or 12k gold, with 14k being the more common. At Noir Reserve a majority of our gold filled jewelry is made of 18k gold providing a more durable and longer-lasting option compared to gold plated or gold vermeil jewelry, perfect for everyday wear.
How is Gold Filled Jewelry Different?Unlike gold plated jewelry, where a thin layer of gold is simply plated onto the surface, gold filled jewelry has almost 100 times more gold. The gold in gold filled jewelry is bonded to the base metal, making it resistant to rubbing off. This means that your gold filled jewelry will maintain its beautiful gold finish for much longer.
Benefits of Gold Filled JewelryGold filled jewelry offers the same luxurious look and feel as solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost. It is tarnish resistant and waterproof, making it perfect for everyday wear. Whether you're heading to the office or out for a night on the town, gold filled jewelry is a versatile and durable option.
Next time you're shopping for jewelry, consider adding some gold filled pieces to your collection. With its high quality and affordable price point, gold filled jewelry is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their style without breaking the bank. Some of our favorite pieces include: Artsy Abstract Chunky Ring, Diamond Cut Golden Shield Earrings, In The Loop Toggle Chain, Metallic Rivers Oversized Earrings, Studded Ear Cuffs.
Solid Gold:
Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold and is the most expensive option. While solid gold jewelry is luxurious and valuable, it may not be as practical for everyday wear.