Gold vermeil vs. gold plated earrings

The short answer

Gold vermeil is gold of at least 10 karat, at least 2.5 microns thick, over a solid sterling silver base. Anything thinner, or gold over brass, is gold plate. Choose vermeil when the earrings need to survive daily wear for years and you want to describe them accurately; choose gold plate for short-run fashion ranges where the thickness and base are stated plainly on the quote.

Side by side

Where vermeil wins

Vermeil specifies a sterling base for a reason: it is about what the piece looks like at the end of its life. When gold over sterling eventually wears at the points that rub, it shows silver, which reads as a deliberate two-tone and is far less obviously worn. At 2.5 microns it survives years of regular wear. At Customized Earrings every piece sold as vermeil is plated to that standard, over solid sterling, with the thickness stated on the quote. See gold vermeil earrings.

Where gold plate makes sense

Gold plate is a legitimate choice when the range is seasonal or the price point is tight, as long as it is described honestly. The catch is that plating wears mechanically at contact points, and over brass it will eventually show brass. If you want the gold tone on a solid precious base, look at sterling silver earrings, and read why two identical-looking gold earrings age differently before you decide.

The verdict

Pick gold vermeil for a premium tier you can honestly call vermeil, and for earrings that will be worn every day.

Pick gold plate for short-run fashion pieces, with the thickness and base metal written on the quote.

Either way, the minimum order is 12 pairs, your free mockup arrives within 24 hours and standard turnaround is about 2 weeks. Send your logo or sketch and quantity through the quote form and we will confirm the plating in writing.