When it comes to choosing jewellery, design is key. If you like it, you really don't care how its made! However, understanding the differences between sterling silver, gold-filled, and gold vermeil is essential for making the right purchase. To help you, we've set out a comparison between each finish. .
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. Sometimes, you will see the silver item is stamped 925 to signify this composition. The addition of the copper assists in durability as pure silver is a soft metal.
Sterling silver items can be in a shiny or matt finish, they add radiance to skin tones but they can tarnish over time, particulalry if they are exposed to air and moisture. The good news is that their sparkle will come back with a touch of silver polish or a silver polishing cloth.
Silver is less expensive than gold, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.
Gold Filled
Gold-filled jewelry consists of a base metal (usually brass) that is bonded with a thick layer of gold, typically 14K or 18K. The gold layer must comprise at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.
It looks very similar to solid gold due to the thickness of the gold layer. Unlike gold plating (which has a miniscule amount of gold), it is hardwearing and won't flake or peel.
If you prefer the look of gold to silver, then gold filled jewellery offers the appearance of solid gold at a fraction of the price.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is sterling silver plated with gold. The thickness of the gold may vary but the gold must be at least 10k and have a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns.
It is a warm shade of gold and offers an expensive look without the price tag.
Chunky gold vermeil T-bar necklace
Caring for your jewellery
All jewellery can tarnish with time. To keep it fresh, use a specialist jewellery cloth or silver cleaner. Avoid wearing your jewellery in the shower or when swimming.
Jewellery is often very emotive. Looked after properly, your jewellery can be a long-term reminder of a significant event and evoke many memories.
Most of all, it is there to be enjoyed!