Filled Gold and Gold Vermeil - What are they?

WHAT IS FILLED GOLD? AND IS IT THE SAME AS GOLD PLATED?

No, gold plating is not the same as filled gold. Plating gives a base metal a minuscule layer of solid gold. The plating does not compose any measurable proportion of the product's total weight.

It is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating can wear off quickly and expose the brass base product. It does not stand up to heat, water or wear over time

FILLED GOLD

Despite its name, gold filled jewelry (also referred to as "rolled gold") is not actually filled with gold. Rather it consists of a base metal, such as brass or copper, that is covered in sheets of gold.

These gold sheets are bonded to the base metal using a mechanical process involving heat. Once this process has taken place you are left with jewellery covered in a thick layer of gold that usually constitutes 5% of its weight.

Creating gold jewellery from this metal as the thick gold layer makes it hard wearing and resistant to tranishing. Compared to solid gold, it is also a far more affordable option.

HOW LONG DOES GOLD FILLED JEWELLERY LAST?

Due to each type of gold having a different production, and a different thickness of gold layer, they each have their own wear times. The thick layer of this precious metal on gold filled jewelry allows it to last a very long time with proper care, anywhere from between 10 - 30 years.

By learning how to clean and care for your gold jewelry, you can help to prevent tarnishing happening to your gold filled and gold vermeil pieces.

WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?

Vermeil jewellery is one of the hottest trends right now as it strikes the perfect balance between quality and value.  Gold vermeil is similar to gold-plated jewellery but far superior. The difference being that the layer of gold is thicker and the metal underneath is sterling silver. It really is the best of both worlds - all of the exclusivity, beauty, and quality of designer jewellery, but at prices that won't break the bank.