You're browsing for gold jewellery and two terms keep appearing: 18K gold plated and gold vermeil. They both look similar, but they're not the same. Here's what you need to know before buying.
What is 18K Gold Plated Jewellery?
18K gold plated jewellery has a base metal (stainless steel, brass, or silver) coated with a thin layer of 18 karat gold. The base metal determines durability and skin safety.
- Stainless steel base — Most durable, hypoallergenic, anti-tarnish
- Brass base — Common in fashion jewellery, can tarnish
- Silver base — Better quality, more prone to tarnish than steel
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is sterling silver coated with gold of at least 10K, with a minimum plating thickness of 2.5 microns. It's a regulated term — base metal must be 925 sterling silver.
18K Gold Plated vs Gold Vermeil: Key Differences
| Feature | 18K Gold Plated (Steel) | Gold Vermeil |
|---|---|---|
| Base Metal | Stainless steel | 925 Sterling silver |
| Plating Thickness | Varies (PVD = thicker) | Min 2.5 microns |
| Durability | Very high (steel base) | Moderate |
| Tarnish Resistance | Excellent with PVD | Good |
| Price | More affordable | Higher |
| Best for | Daily wear | Occasional wear |
Carryallco's Approach
Carryallco uses 18K PVD gold plating on 316L surgical stainless steel — combining the hardest plating technology with the most durable base metal. This is why we can offer a 5-year anti-tarnish warranty that gold vermeil brands typically can't match.
