Gold Vermeil or Solid Gold?
A guide to help you determine the best type of gold jewelry that will fit your lifestyle and particular needs.
You’re finally ready to invest in a couple pieces of jewelry. With an industry valued at 340 billion dollars in 2022, there are so many options available on the jewelry market today. So how do you decide what type of gold jewelry to invest in and where to shop? In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between buying solid gold versus buying other types of gold, like gold-plated or gold vermeil jewelry so that you can make an informed decision when making your next purchase. We’ll also look at how each type affects your budget and the value it may hold over time. With this information, you can make an informed decision on your next jewelry purchase!
Benefits of Solid Gold Jewelry
Let’s start with solid yellow gold. The main benefit to buying solid gold is that it is less prone to tarnishing than other types of jewelry, like gold-plated. Because the base metal is pure gold, it won’t tarnish as quickly as the less expensive options. This makes solid gold a great option for those who are looking for something they can wear every day without having to worry about replacing or polishing their piece regularly. Additionally, solid gold is also seen as being a better investment overall because its value stays relatively stable regardless of economic fluctuations in the market.
Helpful Shopping Tips for Solid Gold
When shopping for solid gold, it’s important to note the karat (k) of the piece. Pure gold is 24K, which means it has 24 out of 24 parts of gold without any other metals present, while 18K and 14K are mixed with other metals like palladium or copper. The higher the karat number, the purer and softer the metal will be. Keep in mind that buying a solid 24K gold piece means that it will be very soft and could become misshapen easily. 24K gold could also show scratches more often than something made in 14K or 18K for example. There is a certain beauty to this as well, if you like the antique look that 24K can develop over time. If you are okay with the piece of jewelry bending a bit and showing normal wear and tear, solid 24K gold would be the option for you. higher karats also tend to be more expensive than lower ones because they contain more pure gold. As long as 24K gold is not price prohibitive and you like the malleable and antique feel of it, then it may be a good option for you.
Additionally, since solid gold is heavier than other types of metal, it may not be as comfortable for those who prefer lighter jewelry. It’s also important to shop for solid gold pieces from reputable sources that use safe materials and provide good customer service. When buying online, make sure that you read reviews from past customers so that you know what kind of experience they had with their purchase. 14K and 18K yellow gold will still give you that bright yellow color that is signature to yellow gold while the other metals present will help the jewelry keep its shape and reduce its weight. Therefore, if comfortability or budget constraints are important considerations when choosing your next piece of jewelry and you want to go with solid gold, then 14K or 18K yellow gold are good options.
Solid gold jewelry will last and hold its value over time. But if you prefer a more affordable option, yellow gold vermeil or plated pieces could be a better fit for your budget. Let’s compare vermeil and plated jewelry so that you can make an informed decision when making your next purchase.
The Difference Between Gold-plated and Gold Vermeil
Gold-plated and gold-vermeil often get confused. In the jewelry industry, vermeil refers to a piece of jewelry with sterling silver as the base metal, coated with a thick layer of real yellow gold which gives the piece its color and shine. This type of jewelry is usually much more affordable than solid gold because it contains less pure gold than other options like 14K or 18K pieces. It also tends to be lighter in weight compared to solid pieces so it may feel more comfortable to wear. The yellow gold coating must be at least 2 microns thick, which makes it durable and gives the beautiful look of solid gold with a fraction of the investment.
Gold vermeil tends to be the material of choice for jewelry designers that are creative with their designs. You can get really unique, substantial pieces of jewelry in gold vermeil because there is more room for the designer to create really beautiful jewelry in statement shapes and sizes. Creating the same piece in solid gold would be cost prohibitive and too heavy for most consumers because of the cost and the weight of the piece. One potential downside of vermeil is that over many years of continuous wear, the coating on vermeil pieces can wear off which means they may need to be dipped in gold again in order for them to retain their appearance and luster. Check with your jewelry designer as to whether they will re-dip the pieces for you.
All About Gold-plated Jewelry
On the other hand, gold-plated pieces typically contain brass or copper as the base metal, instead of sterling silver. These pieces are usually less expensive than vermeil and solid gold, but they do not retain their appearance or value in the same way as higher quality metals. Plated jewelry can tarnish over time and may cause skin irritation for some people depending on its lower quality alloys and how your skin reacts to it. Gold-plated jewelry is a good option for those who like to change up their look often and are interested in what’s currently trending and fashionable. The lower price point and the look of solid gold makes it relatively accessible and fashionable.
Both vermeil and plated jewelry offer an affordable alternative to solid gold, but it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option and how it would fit in your lifestyle before you make your purchase. Consider the type of base metal used, how comfortable it is on your skin, and if you need something that will last a long time with minimal maintenance when making your decision. A good middle ground would be to opt for solid gold for a few basic everyday pieces of jewelry, such as a wedding ring or rings that you wear daily. And opt for gold vermeil for jewelry that you might wear once a week on the weekend or for a special occasion. That way you can still enjoy the unique designs you love, you get the look of solid gold and with proper care, you can ensure that your jewelry will last a lifetime. For beautiful earrings made in yellow gold vermeil, visit www.meghatiwarijewelry.com. All our pieces come beautifully packaged, perfect for gift giving.
Most Important Tip for All Jewelry
No matter what type of jewelry you choose, remember the most important thing of all - take good care of it so that it can continue to look its best. Read and follow the care instructions for your jewelry. If it comes in a keepsake pouch, store your jewelry in there when not in use. In general, a good rule of thumb when storing jewelry is to give it space. Avoid storing several pieces together in a bowl or tray. With proper care, your little treasures can last the test of time.