Our Guide to Buying Gold Jewelry

Unsure about the differences between gold-plated, gold-vermeil and gold-filled jewelry? Worried about your gold jewelry tarnishing? Here's our definitive guide to help you understand the type of gold jewelry you're buying and to make sure you're buying the one that best suits you.

Introduction

Personally, I have always preferred gold because it brings out the warm tones in my skin, and gold jewelry has always been my go-to for completing my outfits. However, when it comes to buying gold jewelry, there are quite a few options available and it can be a little confusing. This is what you need to know. There are three common types of gold jewelry, with some containing more gold than others. Jewelry containing more gold means it will keep their gold look longer, which is why it’s important to know the difference!

Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option and it's readily available at almost every fashion outlet. It's the type of gold that is most commonly experimented with when it comes to fast fashion, as it contains the least gold.

Gold-plating is an electrochemical process in which a thin layer of gold is deposited onto the surface of a metal. The layer of gold is usually 0.5 to 2.5 microns thick. This is usually done by dipping the metal into a chemical solution, and then passing an electric current through it so that the positively-charged gold ions bond to the negatively-charged metal. For gold jewelry that lasts longer, the gold layer should have a thickness of 1.0 microns or higher.

Gold-Vermeil Jewelry

Gold-vermeil jewelry is produced in the same manner as gold-plated jewelry, that is, by electrochemical bonding. So why is gold-vermeil jewelry more expensive than gold-plated jewelry? It is because gold-vermeil jewelry uses a thicker layer of gold, of at least 2.5 microns thick, and is bonded to sterling silver 925. This base metal is a precious metal in its own right, which is why gold-vermeil jewelry tends to be more valuable than gold-plated jewelry.

Gold-vermeil jewelry is a great choice for everyday wear, as it's long-lasting yet affordable. Both gold and sterling silver 925 are metals that are most unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Gold-Filled Jewelry

Contrary to its name, gold-filled jewelry is not actually "filled with gold". Instead, a thick layer of gold, equivalent to 5% of the total metal weight, is mechanically bonded to the base metal. This is an expensive process that has been used since the early 1900s and it produces a fuller, longer-lasting gold look. Gold-filled jewelry is a great alternative to solid gold jewelry, as it will last just as long and won't tarnish or rub-off.

Conclusion

Gold-plated jewelry is used by many fashion outlets, ranging from top luxury brands to high-street fashion brands. If you enjoy wearing the latest looks or experimenting with different looks, then gold-plated jewelry is the best fit for you. Gold-vermeil and gold-filled jewelry tend to be pricier because they last longer and are more comfortable for everyday wear. 

Here at J.Bubs, we're committed to bringing you the highest quality products with exceptional value for money. Whether you're choosing gold-plated, gold-vermeil or gold-filled jewelry, we ensure the gold looks great, does not tarnish or rub-off easily. If you have any questions about our gold jewelry, then send an email to our Customer Care team at hello@jbubs.com.