Gold types explained: Vermeil, gold filled, gold-plated or solid gold?

Welche Goldschmuck arten gibt es? Massiv, vergoldet,vermeil filled oder plattiert?

Golden variety: The different types of gold jewelry and their character

Gold-plated, vermeil, gold-filled or solid gold – what is the difference?

If you are looking for high-quality gold jewelry, the differences between gold types will help you make the right decision.

In this article you will learn:

  • what types of gold there are
  • how they differ in quality, durability and price
  • and which type suits your needs – whether for everyday use or for life.

Special focus: solid 18K gold , which stands for timeless quality and real value.

Massivgold Ring aus 18 Karat recyceltem Gold – langlebiger Echtgold-Schmuck von Ilikoez

SOLID GOLD – durable & high-quality

Solid gold – also known as 750 gold or 18-carat gold – consists of 75% pure gold, alloyed with other precious metals for greater stability.
It doesn't tarnish or discolor, and is extremely durable. Perfect for jewelry that will last for generations.

At Ilikoez, we use only 100% recycled 18K gold from responsible sources. Each piece is individually crafted—timeless, sustainable, and masterfully crafted.

Advantages:

  • Highest material & ideal value
  • No abrasion or staining
  • Ideal for allergy sufferers
Vermeil vergoldetes 925er Silber mit Goldschicht

VERMEIL GOLD – gold-plated silver with limited durability

Vermeil is a special form of gold plating: 925 sterling silver is covered with a slightly thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 micrometers) .
Compared to simple gold plating, vermeil is more robust and better tolerated because it does not contain any base metal.

Even though vermeil appears to be high-quality gold jewelry at first glance, it's important to note that the gold layer wears off over time – especially in rings that are worn daily or come into contact with water. Vermeil is therefore a visually appealing, but not permanent, alternative to solid gold.

Suitable for: occasional wear, sensitive skin, golden look at a moderate price
Not suitable for: everyday use, long-term use, wearing while exercising, showering or sleeping

 Gold Filled Schmuck

GOLD FILLED – slightly more robust, but not for eternity

Gold-filled jewelry consists of a base metal—usually brass—that is mechanically bonded to a thicker layer of gold. Unlike simple gold plating, the layer is not merely applied electroplated but firmly bonded. This makes gold-filled jewelry somewhat more abrasion-resistant and longer-lasting.

However, even this gold layer wears off over time with regular wear. Gold-filled is an interim solution for those who want a more durable gold look but don't want to invest in solid gold.

Suitable for: Jewelry that is worn occasionally, slightly more durable than gold-plated
Not suitable for: frequent wear, water, friction, long-term use

Vergoldeter Schmuck

GOLD PLATED - cheap look & hardly any durability

Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable way to wear a piece of "gold." A very thin layer of gold—usually less than 0.5 micrometers thick—is applied to a base metal such as brass, stainless steel, or silver. This is usually done by briefly immersing the piece in a gold bath (electroplating).

This method makes it possible to offer jewelry with a gold finish at a fraction of the cost. However, the layer is very delicate: Friction, skin contact, or moisture can quickly wear it off, revealing the underlying metal, which can tarnish or cause skin irritation.

In short: Gold-plated jewelry consists of a raw material to which a thin layer of gold is applied. It looks like real gold, but its durability is limited.

Suitable for: occasional wear (e.g. at events), small budget, fashionable looks where durability is not the focus
Not suitable for: daily use, water or skin contact, sensitive skin (depending on the base material)

OVERVIEW OF GOLD TYPES

📌 Conclusion: Which type of gold suits you?

If you value high quality, durability and sustainability, you should choose 18K solid gold.
Gold-plated alternatives may look fashionable – but they are not made to last forever.

Our tip:
If you are looking for a piece of jewelry to last a lifetime, solid gold is the best choice.
Vermeil or gold filled can be sensible interim solutions –
But if you want to invest in lasting value, real jewelry made from 18K recycled gold is unbeatable.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about gold types

Which is better: vermeil or gold-plated?

Vermeil has certain advantages over simple gold plating: The silver core is more tolerable, and the gold layer is slightly thicker. However, vermeil is not a durable alternative to solid gold. Here, too, the gold layer can wear off over time—especially with daily wear or contact with water. Those who value long-term durability should opt for solid gold.

What does 750 gold mean?

18-karat gold is 75% pure gold—also known as 18-karat. This alloy is ideal for high-quality, long-lasting jewelry: durable, colorfast, and perfect for everyday wear. At Ilikoez, we only use 18-karat recycled gold.

Which gold jewelry is suitable for allergy sufferers?

Best suited: 18K solid gold or vermeil , as they do not contain nickel or base metals that can cause skin irritation.

What is gold-filled?

Gold-filled jewelry isn't solid gold, but a base metal (usually brass) that's mechanically bonded to a thicker layer of gold. It lasts longer than gold-plated jewelry, but it's not permanent. The layer can wear off over time, especially with intensive contact with skin, water, or friction.

Why does gold-plated jewelry tarnish?

The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry is very thin. Even after a short period of use, it can wear off due to friction or skin contact. The underlying metal (e.g., brass) becomes visible, oxidizes, and can cause skin irritation. Therefore, gold-plated jewelry is more suitable for occasional wear.

Which gold jewelry is suitable for allergy sufferers?

Best suited: 18K solid gold . It contains no allergenic metals and is particularly skin-friendly. Vermeil can be a good interim solution, provided the gold layer remains intact. Gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry may contain nickel or other irritants if the base metal is exposed.

What does it mean when jewelry is gold-plated?

Gold-plated means that a piece of jewelry is made of a base metal (e.g., brass or stainless steel) and coated with a thin layer of gold. This gold layer is visually appealing but not durable.

Is gold-plated jewelry worth anything?

Gold-plated jewelry has no lasting material value because the gold layer is very thin. However, the emotional or fashion value can be high. For true value retention, solid gold is the better choice.

Can gold-plated jewelry be stamped?

Yes, gold-plated jewelry is sometimes stamped with a hallmark (e.g., "18K GP" for "gold plated"). However, this stamp does not indicate the value or thickness of the gold layer. Only a so-called "hallmark"—an officially certified hallmark—is a true mark of quality and is found exclusively on genuine solid gold or high-quality silver.

What does 24K gold plating mean?

Here, 24-carat (pure) gold was used for the plating. However, the layer itself is still thin—the jewelry is not made of solid gold.

How long does gold-plated jewelry last?

Depending on wear, it can last from a few weeks to a few months. With careful handling, it can last a little longer, but not comparable to solid gold or vermeil.

Gold-plated or real? How do you tell the difference?

Gold-plated jewelry is lighter, tarnishes more quickly, and doesn't have a consistent gold color throughout. When polished, the base metal underneath reveals itself. Genuine gold pieces bear a certified hallmark such as 585 or 750.

Further articles:

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