The problem with ambiguous labels
The world of gold-toned jewellery is full of terms that sound luxurious but describe very different realities.
Gold-plated
Gold-plating involves applying a very thin layer of gold — usually between 0.5 and 2.5 microns — over a base metal. With daily wear, the coating wears off and the base metal starts to show.
Goldfilled
In goldfilled jewellery, gold is mechanically bonded through heat and pressure to a base metal core. The gold layer must represent at least 5% of the total weight. Far more resistant to wear than plating.
Vermeil
Vermeil is sterling silver (925) coated with a layer of gold at least 2.5 microns thick. When the gold wears off, quality silver is revealed — not copper or brass.
Solid gold
Solid gold — 9K, 14K or 18K — is gold throughout the entire mass of the piece. The most durable and valuable option, a well-cared-for solid gold piece can pass from generation to generation.
