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What's the Difference?
If you've been jewellery shopping recently, you've probably seen both terms. They look similar in product photos. The prices aren't always that different either. So what's the actual difference?
Gold plated
Gold plated jewellery is made from a base metal, usually brass or copper, with a thin layer of gold applied on top. The gold layer is typically very thin (sometimes less than 0.5 microns), which is why gold plated pieces can lose their colour faster, especially with regular wear, sweat, or water contact.
It's not a scam. For jewellery you're going to wear a few times and move on from, gold plated is perfectly fine. But if you want something that holds its colour for years, it's not the right choice, with one exception...
The exception; gold plating over stainless steel
Not all gold plated jewellery is created equal. While most gold plated pieces use brass or copper as their base, plating over surgical-grade stainless steel changes everything. Stainless steel doesn't react with water, sweat, perfume or skin, which means the gold layer on top has nothing working against it. The result is a plated piece that genuinely won't tarnish, not with careful handling, but with everyday life. Shower in it, swim in it, spray perfume directly on it. It holds. This is what we use exclusively in our Everyday range.
Gold vermeil
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") has two key differences from standard plating:
- The base metal is sterling silver — not brass or copper
- The gold layer has to meet a minimum thickness (in the UK, typically 2.5 microns or more)
That thicker plating means the colour lasts significantly longer. And because the base is sterling silver rather than a reactive metal, you're less likely to experience skin reactions even if the plating does wear in a spot.
What we use
Our Demi Fine collection is gold vermeil — 9ct gold plating over a sterling silver base. Hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and built to last longer than standard plated pieces with proper care.
Our Everyday range is gold plated stainless steel — the exception above. Waterproof, tarnish-proof, zero maintenance.
Which should you buy?
- If you want waterproof and zero maintenance: Everyday stainless steel range
- If you want a finer finish that's still affordable: Demi Fine gold vermeil
- If budget is the priority and you'll wear it occasionally: standard gold plated fashion jewellery is fine
There's no wrong answer. Just make sure you know what you're getting.