Gold Plated and Gold Vermeil Jewelry: Explanation & Difference?
Gold plated and gold vermeil have subtle differences. Understanding these key differences is essential when choosing the right type of metal for your next piece of jewellery. From the thickness of the gold, to what type of base metal both materials use, we help you out now.
What is Gold Plated?
Gold plated refers to jewellery that consists of a thin layer of gold that is applied over the top of another affordable metal, such as silver,copper. The process of gold plating is done through putting the economical metal in a chemical solution that contains gold and then applying an electric current to the piece. The electric current attracts the gold to the base metal, where it reacts leaving a thin gold covering.
This process was invented by an Italian chemist, Luigi Brugnatelli in 1805, the first person to plate a thin coat of gold onto silver.
Many jewellers will use gold plating as a way to create affordable gold jewellery. As the base metal is less expensive than solid gold, it allows for cheaper production whilst achieving that bold metal look that so many adore.
