And why does it matter...

Neola Gold Vermeil

All Neola Gold Vermeil pieces have a base of Sterling Silver with an 18ct gold plating. An extra thick layer of gold, min. of 3 microns, is coated over the top to give it long-lasting quality. This creates a finish that is five times thicker than average gold plating and far more durable. Gold Vermeil is a stunning metal that allows us to create pieces that combine contemporary designs and fine jewellery at an affordable price point.

Types of gold jewellery

There are many ways to utilise the lustre and appearance of gold at several price points. When shopping for gold jewellery, you will discover a variety of different terms like Gold Vermeil, Gold-filled, Gold-plated and so on. It can be quite confusing to know what item of Gold jewellery is the best for you.

Gold Vermeil vs. Gold-plated

Gold Vermeil is superior to Gold-plating. Gold-plating is not regulated and doesn't require any minimum karat weight or thickness. Gold-plated jewellery indicates a type of gold-toned jewellery consisting of a cheaper base metal, typically brass or copper, with a thin plating of gold.

The layer of gold is considerably thinner than that on Gold Vermeil, which means that it wears off more easily.   The base metal is lower quality than solid silver, a precious metal. This can be a fab option if you are looking for seasonal fashion jewellery at a low price point.

Gold Vermeil vs. solid gold

 Solid gold jewellery is made out of gold alloy and not pure gold. 100% gold is very soft and not suitable for jewellery. It needs to be compounded with other metals to become harder. Solid gold comes in three colours, yellow, white, and rose. Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with zinc and copper. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with white metal such as palladium, manganese, or nickel. Rose gold is created by combining pure gold with copper to create a rosy hue.

The degree of purity is on a scale of 1 to 24 and is expressed in karat or carat. The higher the karat, the more delicate the jewellery. 24 karat gold jewellery has a deep yellow tone and needs to be worn with greater care than a 14 karat gold piece. Solid gold is considerably more expensive than other types of gold jewellery, but it has the advantage that it will last a lifetime.

What are the benefits of Gold Vermeil?

Gold Vermeil is an affordable alternative to solid gold.  Gold Vermeil looks exactly like solid gold, giving you the desired look and durability without the price tag of solid gold.  The benefits of Gold Vermeil compared to basic gold plating include its longevity and high quality. Therefore, we refer to it as affordable luxury, which means you can wear your favourite piece again and again.  Compared to other types of gold plating, Gold Vermeil is considered hypoallergenic, which means it is unlikely to cause an allergy. Gold Vermeil is less likely to react with your skin as the entire piece is made of precious metals, rather than base metals that can irritate.

For those wanting a higher quality at an affordable piece, Gold Vermeil is the perfect choice. Gold Vermeil allows us to create pieces that combine contemporary designs and high quality at prices that are right for you.

Is Gold Vermeil real gold?

Yes, Gold Vermeil is real gold. Whilst these pieces are not solid gold, the plating itself consists of real gold. At Neola Design we use 18ct gold to plate our jewellery pieces on Sterling Silver.

Types of Gold Vermeil

It can be used to create both gold and rose gold jewellery.

How to clean Gold Vermeil jewellery?

It is easy to clean Gold Vermeil jewellery at home. We recommend using a gentle polishing cloth on your Gold Vermeil pieces, ensuring it is clean and dry. Simply wipe your piece in one direction to remove any dirt. Ensure you are gentle and avoid rubbing. Alternatively, you can simply clean it with lukewarm soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals.

How to care for Gold Vermeil jewellery

Always remove your Gold Vermeil jewellery before swimming or showering. When you’re not wearing your jewellery we recommend storing it individually in a pouch rather than together with other jewellery pieces. We recommend you remove Gold Vermeil rings when doing the dishes to avoid contact with the chemicals in soaps and detergents. Put your jewellery on last when getting ready as makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions can affect the beauty and shine of your Gold Vermeil.

How long does Gold Vermeil jewllery last?

Gold Vermeil is a durable option for jewellery pieces, due to its thicker gold layer. Taking proper care of your favourite pieces will ensure they stand the test of time. The timeframe depends on how often you wear your jewellery and if you do any heavy duty. If kept for weekly wear, you will get years of enjoyment from your Gold Vermeil jewellery before it starts to wear off. There are numerous ways to care for your jewellery, from keeping it clean to keeping it away from liquids, and even storing it in its own pouch.