The short answer: gold vermeil is sterling silver coated in a thick layer of real gold (at least 2.5 microns), gold plated is any base metal with a very thin gold coating (often under 0.5 microns), and solid gold is gold all the way through. Vermeil sits in the sweet spot: real gold and real materials that last for years, without the price of solid gold.
If you want jewellery you can wear every day and actually keep, vermeil is usually the smart choice. Here's the honest breakdown.
What is gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is sterling silver coated in a thick layer of real gold. To be called vermeil, the base must be sterling silver and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. At Good Goods, every piece is 18k gold vermeil over sterling silver, which gives that warm, rich, glossy gold colour and a coating built to last. Real metals, real gold, made to be worn now.
What is gold plated jewellery?
Gold plated jewellery is a base metal, often brass or copper, with a very thin coating of gold flashed over the top. The gold layer is usually less than 0.5 microns, which is why plated pieces tend to wear, fade and reveal the metal underneath within months. It's the cheapest way to get a gold look, but it rarely lasts, and the base metals can irritate sensitive skin.
What is solid gold?
Solid gold is exactly what it sounds like: gold all the way through, usually 9k, 14k or 18k. Nothing to wear away, nothing underneath. It's the longest-lasting option and holds its value, but it comes at a much higher price, which makes it harder to justify for colourful, everyday, joy-first jewellery.
Gold vermeil vs gold plated vs solid gold: the comparison
| Feature | Gold Vermeil | Gold Plated | Solid Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base metal | Sterling silver | Brass, copper or other base metal | None — solid gold |
| Gold layer thickness | 2.5+ microns (thick) | Often under 0.5 microns (thin) | Solid throughout |
| How long it lasts | Years with care | Months | A lifetime |
| Skin-friendly | Yes — sterling silver base | Can irritate sensitive skin | Yes |
| Price | Accessible | Cheapest | Most expensive |
| Best for | Everyday wear you keep | Short-term, trend pieces | Heirloom investment |
Does gold vermeil tarnish or fade?
Gold vermeil won't fade the way thin gold plating does, but the coating can wear over time if it's not looked after. The good news is that caring for it is easy. Keep it away from perfume, lotion and water, wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wearing, and store each piece separately so it doesn't scratch. Treated well, vermeil keeps its warm gold colour for years. See our jewellery care guide for the full routine.
Which gold should you choose?
If you want colourful jewellery to wear and enjoy every day without overthinking the cost, gold vermeil gives you real gold and real materials that last. Choose solid gold for a once-in-a-lifetime heirloom piece, and skip gold plated unless you only need something for a single season. For most people who want the good stuff now, vermeil wins on confidence, colour and value. Our pieces are handcrafted in 18k gold vermeil, designed in Australia and made in small limited-edition batches of 20.
Frequently asked questions
Is gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. Gold vermeil is a layer of real gold (at Good Goods, 18k) bonded over sterling silver. It is not a fake or imitation gold.
Is gold vermeil better than gold plated?
Yes. Vermeil has a much thicker gold layer and a sterling silver base, so it lasts far longer and is gentler on skin than gold plated jewellery, which uses a thin coating over base metal.
How long does gold vermeil last?
With proper care, gold vermeil can keep its colour and finish for years. Keep it dry, away from chemicals, and store each piece separately.
Can you wear gold vermeil in the shower?
It's best not to. Water, soap and chemicals speed up wear on any gold coating. Take your jewellery off before showering, swimming or exercising.
Is gold vermeil worth it?
For everyday jewellery you want to keep, yes. You get real gold and real materials that last, without the price tag of solid gold.
Ready to wear real gold every day? Explore our colourful, limited-edition pieces in our bestsellers, or browse all our rings to find your colour. Wear the joy.