Gold-Plated vs Gold Vermeil vs Solid Gold Jewellery: What’s the Difference?
Not all that glitters is equal. If you’ve ever bought a shiny “gold” necklace only to have it tarnish or turn your skin green, you know the struggle. In this guide, we break down the key differences between gold-plated, gold vermeil, and solid gold jewellery.
You’ll learn which type of gold is best for everyday wear, which offers the best value for money, and how each one holds up in terms of durability, price, tarnishing, skin-friendliness, and resale value.
Stay-at-home mums (and all busy women) deserve jewellery that fits both our style and our lifestyle. So let’s demystify these gold terms so you can shop smarter and maybe even make some extra cash from the old jewellery sitting in your drawer.
What Is Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery is essentially costume jewellery with a thin layer of real gold on the outside. The base metal underneath is usually copper or brass, and the gold layer is ultra-thin, often less than 1 micron thick.
According to a 2021 UK report, over 30 million pieces of fashion jewellery are discarded each year, and most end up in landfill due to their low-quality metal and plastic content.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great for trend-based jewellery
Cons:
- Tarnishes quickly (usually within 1–2 years)
- It can cause skin reactions once the plating wears off
- No resale or scrap value
- Ends up in landfill
Best for: Occasional pieces, budget-friendly options, or testing a trend.
What Is Gold Vermeil Jewellery?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is higher quality than standard plating. It uses a sterling silver base and must have at least 2.5 microns of gold (usually 14k or 18k).
According to jewellery experts, vermeil offers a five-times thicker coating of gold than standard plating, and lasts 3 to 5 years or more with proper care.
Mejuri explains their gold vermeil process and why it lasts >
Pros:
- Longer-lasting than gold-plated
- Sterling silver base (precious metal)
- Usually hypoallergenic
- Great balance of quality and price
Cons:
- Still wears down eventually
- Minimal resale value (some from silver)
- May not be able to recycle and can end up in a landfill
Best for: Everyday jewellery you want to last a few years without splurging on solid gold.
What Is Solid Gold Jewellery?
Solid gold means the piece is gold all the way through – usually 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct or 24ct. There’s no plating, no base metal. It’s the most durable and valuable of all three types.
As of 2025, gold is valued at over AUD $5,000 per ounce, making it one of the most traded and reliable precious metals in the world.
Live gold prices from ABC Bullion >
Pros:
- Will never tarnish or flake
- Hypoallergenic (especially higher carats)
- Holds long-term value (can be resold for cash)
- Can be a long-term investment
- Can last generations
Cons:
- Highest upfront cost
Best for: Wedding rings, heirloom pieces, daily wear jewellery, and investment-worthy pieces.
Quick Comparison Table
| Jewellery Type | Base Metal | Gold Layer | Durability | Skin Friendly | Resale Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-Plated | Brass or Copper | <1 micron | Low (~1–2 yrs) | Often not | None |
| Gold Vermeil | Sterling Silver | 2.5+ microns | Medium (3–5 yrs) | Yes | Low–Medium |
| Solid Gold | Gold Alloy (9ct–18ct) | Solid | High (Lifetime+) | Yes | High |
So, What Should You Buy?
- Go gold-plated for low-cost fun.
- Choose vermeil for long-lasting style without breaking the bank.
- Invest in solid gold when it really matters and when you want something that holds value.
Many of us wear a mix. But when it comes to sustainability and long-term value? Solid gold wins every time.
A recent report showed that 72% of women now buy jewellery for themselves, with the majority preferring quality over quantity and showing increased interest in sustainability and resale value.
Source: Jewellery Industry Market Report – McKinsey & Company
Got Old Gold Jewellery You No Longer Wear?
If you’ve got solid gold pieces you never wear – broken chains, single earrings, outdated gifts – don’t let them sit in a drawer. Sell them for fast, easy cash through our trusted online service.
We pay top prices for solid gold jewellery in any condition.
You’ll receive a FREE insured Gold Mail-In Pack, a same-day valuation, and payment within 24 hours of accepting our offer.
It’s safe, secure, and 100% Aussie operated.
