Gilding vs Vermeil

Gold Vermeil is Better than Gold Plating – Here's Why

14. April 2025

When you're shopping for gold jewellery, you might come across terms like 'gold plated' or 'gold vermeil'. Many people assume these are all the same – and gold vermeil is often mistaken for regular gold plating. But there’s a big difference.

Gold vermeil (pronounced ‘ver-mey’) is not just another form of plating. It’s a refined technique with roots in France, traditionally used to gild silver with a thick layer of gold. It’s considered both a luxurious and sustainable option, avoiding cheap base metals, reducing waste, and because we use 100% recycled 925 sterling silver and 18k gold – we eliminate the need for mining new materials.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between gold vermeil and gold plating – and why gold vermeil is the better choice if you want jewellery that’s long-lasting, beautifully made, and offers the luxurious look and feel of solid gold at an affordable price.

What is Gold Plating?

Gold plating is a technique where a very thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal like brass or copper.

Gold thickness: Typically just 0.5 microns, making it vulnerable to wear.
Durability: The thin gold layer wears off quickly, exposing the metal underneath which can tarnish and lose its shine.
Price: Gold-plated jewellery is usually a cheaper option, but it doesn’t last long.

Here you can see how ordinary gilding has worn away.

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil is a beautiful and high-quality plating technique that allows us to create jewellery that is perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.

At MERANNI Jewellery, we use this technique to combine luxury with responsibility. The result is jewellery coated with a gold layer that’s 5x thicker than standard gold plating and significantly more durable. You get the feel of fine jewellery – crafted with care and priced so you can treat yourself without compromise. Gold vermeil is real gold layered over real 925 sterling silver, and at MERANNI Jewellery, we use the highest percentage of gold alloy allowed for jewellery – 18 karat.

It’s the ideal choice if you want elegant jewellery that lasts and reflects your values.

Gold vermeil is held to a higher standard than standard gold plating, with three key requirements:

Thicker gold: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 micronsthick – that’s 5 times thicker than standard gold plating.
Sterling silver base: The base metal must be genuine sterling silver, which is durable and hypoallergenic.
High gold purity: Gold vermeil often uses 18 karat gold or higher , offering a rich, luxurious finish.

This combination makes gold vermeil far more durable, beautiful, and valuable than regular gold plating.

What is a Micron?

A micron is a unit of measurement used to describe the thickness of gold on jewellery. The more microns, the thicker the layer of gold – making the jewellery much more durable.

Why Choose Gold Vermeil from MERANNI?

At MERANNI Jewellery, we create timeless, elegant pieces made to last. Our gold vermeil jewellery combines luxury and durability with a strong focus on sustainability.

We use 100% recycled sterling silver som gør vores smykker allergivenlig.
Every design is finished with a 5x thick layer of 18k gold
You get jewellery that lasts longer and is better for the planet

Ready to Elevate Your Jewellery?

Choose quality, style, and sustainability with gold vermeil from MERANNI. Explore our collection and find your next favourite piece today.

Shop the collection now

Essence Glow Drop Studs

1.250,00 kr.

Essence Soul Necklace – Champagne

899,00 kr.

Essence Radiance Drop Studs – Champagne

999,00 kr.

Essence Reflection Drop Hoops – Champagne

1.099,00 kr.