Gold Vermeil Jewelry Decoded: What Is It, How To Care For It, & More
When shopping for accessories like a pair of gold hoops or a diamond tennis bracelet, it’s easy to get lost in the jewelry vernacular. You’ll come across product descriptions that read “14k yellow gold” or “gold plated,” but what does this actually mean? A reoccurring, and often confusing, term you may have noticed, too, is gold vermeil jewelry. Is it gold? What is vermeil? Before you fret over these questions, TZR asked several jewelry industry experts, who work directly with this material, for answers. They break down the composition of gold vermeil and offer tips and tricks to buying, and wearing, this type of jewelry.
According to Edge of Ember founder Lynette Ong, gold vermeil is defined as having a sterling silver base with a layer of gold applied onto it that is at least 2.5 microns (0.0025 mm) in thickness. The gold has to be at least 10k, or 41.7% pure gold, (the k stands for karat, a measure of the purity of gold). A higher karat means a higher percentage of gold, so a 24k gold piece of jewelry signifies 100% pure gold. However, this is very rarely used in jewelry manufacturing due to how soft this unadulterated precious material is. Most brands opt for 14k gold (58.3% pure gold) that gives the jewelry a soft, lustrous hue.
For jewelers, one of the pros of creating a gold vermeil piece rather than gold-plated jewelry, which typically has a 0.5 micron gold sheet layered over a base metal like brass, copper, or nickel, is its durability. “The porousness of brass makes it difficult to keep pristine in that way,” KHIRY founder Jameel Mohammed tells TZR. “Ultimately, all plated jewelry will fade over time. That’s why I transitioned to silver [after experimenting with gold-plated brass samples]. It felt less prone to the kind of diffuse that can come with plated jewelry.”
Ong says you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a low-tier gold vermeil ring to $350 for a gold vermeil necklace while Mohammed adds pricing depends on how durable and unique you want your piece to be. “Long story short, there’s not a single price. It’s about where in the market that brand is aiming to be perceived,” Mohammed states. “If you are looking to support smaller businesses, you should think about the fact that their costs are probably higher for the same thing, relative to like larger companies that have greater economies of scale.” (For reference, KHIRY’s gold vermeil pieces range from $215 for a stacking ring to $675 for a medallion necklace.)
In addition to gold vermeil and gold-plated pieces, there’s also the term gold-filled. The difference between the latter and gold-plated jewelry boils down to technique. In gold-filled jewelry, a solid layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically brass. (A gold sheet or wire wraps around the core base metal while heat is used to fuse the gold layer and the underlying core together.) “Because it is produced in this bonded way, the gold cannot rub off, so it has the benefits of solid gold jewelry, but at a fraction of the cost,” Ong shares. “However, gold-filled jewelry has some limitations in the way it can be manufactured. It cannot be cast or poured into a mold as it’s only available in [gold] sheets or wire.” When comparing gold-filled jewelry to gold vermeil then, gold-filled pieces will likely be more durable than gold vermeil, due to manufacturing processes.
Finally, there is solid gold, which is always a top option, as it can be worn every day and is immune to discoloration or tarnishing. There is one catch: don’t confuse it with pure gold. Pure gold has to be 24k in weight while solid gold can be made up of the least pure, yet most durable, 10k kind. What the term solid gold signifies is that the piece contains no other metal to serve as the base for the jewelry piece.
Overall, gold vermeil wins for its durability and affordability. It’s important to treat this type of jewelry with care, too, like you would with luxe jewelry. As a general rule of thumb, avoid showering or exercising with gold vermeil jewelry. Store pieces individually and out of the sunlight. Beauty products, too, like hand sanitizer, perfumes, creams, and hairsprays can cause tarnish. (The sterling silver base in gold vermeil oxidizes when exposed to air, humidity, sweat, or chemicals, hence the discoloration seeping through over time.)
If the tarnishing has already happened though, there are ways to alleviate the damage. “Light tarnishing can be lifted by cleaning your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth,” Ong says. “And if dirt is beginning to build up on your pieces and you need something a little stronger, use a silver polish solution.” As a final solution, you can always replate your beloved gold vermeil piece (KHIRY offers this service in-house on an ad hoc basis.)
Now that you’re caught up on the ins and outs of gold vermeil jewelry, start adding some pieces into your own collection. You’ll find an assortment of everyday earrings, statement rings, and more ahead.
We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
The Best Affordable Jewelry Brands to Add to Your Collection ASAP
Whether you’re here for the Y2K jewelry trend or all about timeless, dainty pieces you can layer, the best affordable jewelry brands on the market offer rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings worth adding to your everyday ~lewk~.
Yes, fine jewelry is #goals, meriting the investment if you can swing it. But tons of buzzy brands are putting out fun and stylish designs that are equally worth indulging in, easier on the wallet, and more fitting for everyday wear—think gold vermeil chains, chunky dome rings, pretty pearl pieces, and colorful drop earrings. Many even offer high-quality adornments made from solid yellow gold, silver, and rose gold with legit diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, if you’re looking for a more investment-worthy style at a better price point. Whether you lean minimalist, classic, or full-on maximalist, there’s undoubtedly a budget-friendly bauble for you.
As for styling jewelry at affordable prices, we’re partial to the look of classic pieces with bolder styles with bright colors, playful beads, acetate, and more. When skewing timeless, consider layering a few pendants with a sleek snake chain or seed pearl strand. Or mix and match delicate studs with gold hoops for a modern vibe. All about bracelets? Try piling on the retro-inspired chains—and mix in a tennis bracelet for a hint of shimmer. A signet ring reads Bridgerton-chic, and when leaning into the ’90s or 00’s look, have fun with a cute anklet or two—for an even bigger statement, go for the body chain.
Once you have your bling in-hand, consider investing in an eye candy-worthy jewelry box for safekeeping. Ready to shop? Ahead, discover the 12 best affordable jewelry brands to dial up your look.
Baublebar
The ultimate in affordable and trendy jewelry, Baublebar has everything from the latest jewelry trends—right now, we love the enamel and two-toned gold and silver offerings—to shimmering statement pieces to pair with occasion attire, in case you’ve got a wedding in the works. They’ve even got fine jewelry for under $1000, ranging from versatile earrings sets to trendy chains and stackable rings.
Story continues
Baublebar Bennett Crystal Bracelet
$48.00, Baublebar
Baublebar Sage Color Blocked Huggie Hoop Earrings
$44.00, Baublebar
Baublebar Hera Two-Tone Necklace
$44.00, Nordstrom
Baublebar Maro Ring Set
$58.00, Baublebar
Mejuri
You’ve likely spotted Mejuri’s cult-loved pieces all over Instagram (croissant hoops and dome rings, anyone?). The brand has got it all, from under-$50 staples you can wear daily to playful pieces for occasions like an event or vacation. Also on offer: customizable pieces, fine jewelry, and limited-edition capsules.
Mejuri Solid Croissant Dome Hoops
$75.00, Mejuri
Mejuri Charlotte Bold Ring
$95.00, Mejuri
Mejuri Boyfriend Bold Chain Necklace
$285.00, Mejuri
Mejuri Serpentine Chain Bracelet
$300.00, Mejuri
Oma the Label
New York-based fashion stylist Neumi Anekhe founded Oma The Label to bring more diversity to the fashion industry—specifically, the jewelry space. At the crux of this collection, you’ll find lots of weighty 18-karat gold pieces with a nostalgic and edgy twist. Think: bold and chunky links, oversize hoops, and a sprinkling of shimmer when the vibe is frosted.
Oma The Label The Mira Wavy Hoop Earrings
$80.00, Intermix
Oma The Label Lydia Gold-Plated Earring Set
$64.00, Selfridges
Oma The Label The Caroline Chain
$79.00, Oma The Label
Oma The Label The Kosi Bracelet
$110.00, Oma The Label
Aurate
This ethically made, New York City-based jewelry brand founded by Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui prioritizes sustainability while delivering the modern pieces you crave. The line features tons of sleek, timeless pieces for layering, from diamond-dusted rings to versatile huggies and zodiac pendant necklaces—all utilizing ethically sourced materials and recycled metals. Plus, the label has partnered with Kerry Washington, from whom you’ll discover chunky gold chains, Lioness charms, baroque pearl pieces, and more co-designed by the A-lister.
Aurate Venus Gold Ring
$120.00, Aurate
Aurate Simple Opal Necklace
$380.00, Aurate
Aurate Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring
$140.00, Aurate
Aurate Geometric Hamsa Bracelet
$100.00, Aurate
Notte
If nostalgia’s your game, look no further than Notte—a spirited collection of rings, earrings, bracelets, and more, founded by former accessories trend director Jessica Tse. The overall theme is fun with a capital-F—every piece in this affordable jewelry line sparks joy, from the rainbow-colored palette to the joyful statement earrings.
Notte Yin to my Yang Chunky Hoops
$79.00, Revolve
Notte Now Or Never Chunky Ring
$118.00, Notte
Notte Summer Love Necklace
$132.00, Revolve
Notte Floral Donut Single Earring
$49.00, Notte
Missoma
This London-based brand is a go-to for modern jewelry with timeless appeal. Everything is meant to be layered—whether you pile on necklaces and bracelets or rock an earful of studs, drops, and hoops—with fine jewelry in the mix, too. The brand also offers sets that make for excellent gifts or the perfect indulgence to make things easy, whether you’re into initial jewelry, gemstones, or gold chains. Not to miss is the label’s recycled metals collection, as well as trend-forward pieces designed in collaboration with influencer Lucy Williams.
Missoma Bond Ring
$103.00, Missoma
Missoma Pavé Cubic Zirconia Lightning Stud Earrings
$78.00, Missoma
Missoma Gold Deconstructed Axiom Bracelet
$167.00, Missoma
Missoma Medium Braid Hoop Earrings
$145.00, Missoma
Rellery
If the words “affordable” and “jewelry” make you think it’s not high-quality, guess again. The label only works with precious metals, including sterling silver, solid 14-karat gold, or thick 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver. So, whether you’re looking for a fun and playful piece (peep the label’s Insta-famous checkered rings) or a plate necklace engraved with a meaningful phrase, you’ll feel good knowing your chosen piece was worth the spend. And, fun fact: celebrities like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Irina Shayk have all rocked styles from this line.
Rellery Triple Rope Bracelet
$95.00, Rellery
Rellery Checker Rings Set
$245.00, Rellery
Rellery Color Pop Pearl Necklace
$85.00, Rellery
Rellery Marina Chain Anklet
$115.00, Rellery
Catbird
This Brooklyn-based jewelry brand is a mecca for all dainty everything, including thin stacking rings, teensy stud earrings, and barely-there chain necklaces and bracelets you’ll never want (or have) to take off. Catbird also offers engagement rings and wedding jewelry for more investment-worthy designs, and frequently collaborates with other brands to create delicately distinctive pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Catbird The Sparkler Earring (Single)
$88.00, Catbird
Catbird x The Met Petal Necklace
$398.00, Catbird
Catbird The Painter’s Ring
$112.00, Catbird
Catbird Tinsel Bracelet
$128.00, Catbird
Gorjana
Founded just outside of Los Angeles in breezy Laguna Beach, this jewelry line gives us serious Cali-girl vibes. Whether you’re the type to rock a single delicate necklace or layer up with cool chains, coin necklaces, and beads, pieces from this line will always add a decided freshness to any outfit.
Gorjana Diamonds Stacking Ring
$130.00, Gorjana
Gorjana Port Necklace
$75.00, Gorjana
Gorjana Fleur Freshwater Pearl Flower Drop Huggie Hoop Earrings
$50.00, Nordstrom
Gorjana Venice Bracelet
$60.00, Amazon
WALD Berlin
Another nostalgic jewelry brand to have on your radar is WALD Berlin, where every piece takes inspiration from founders Joyce Binneboese and Dana Roski’s global travels. Signatures of the brand include über-playful inspo from seashells, smiley faces, daisies, and rhinestones, which you’ll find on charm necklaces, dangly earrings, and chunky acetate bracelets and rings. For a more-is-more aesthetic, team a few colorful styles together, like beaded earrings, a charm necklace, and a bold bangle. Or amp up the look of timeless, dainty pieces by mixing in a single statement bauble.
WALD Berlin Shining Star Ring
$288.00, Anthropologie
WALD Berlin Shining Star Cuff Bracelet
$398.00, Anthropologie
WALD Berlin You Are Beautiful Pendant Necklace
$348.00, Anthropologie
WALD Berlin You Are Beautiful Ring
$298.00, Anthropologie
Electric Picks
If trendy gold jewelry is your jam, then you might already be familiar with Electric Picks. The label offers tons of layer-able pieces made to be piled on, from chains to hoops and anklets. Among our current picks: chunky necklaces, bracelets, and rings inspired by the ’80s and ’90s.
Electric Picks Python Belly Chain
$148.00, Electric Picks
Electric Picks Dylan Chain Bracelet
$78.00, Nordstrom
Electric Picks Ace Ring
$64.00, Revolve
Electric Picks Cobra Necklace
$108.00, Revolve
Soko
If you’re all about sustainably made jewelry, you’ll love Soko, an ethical label that utilizes sustainable materials in Nairobi, Kenya. The vibe? Architectural and sleek with an organic sense of movement in many pieces. Come for the unique takes on everyday hoops and chains, stay for the sculptural and mixed-metal statement pieces.
Soko Open Square Statement Ring
$78.00, Nordstrom
Soko Mezi Tapered Hoop Earrings
$88.00, Soko
Soko Organic Mixed Metal Ring
$98.00, Revolve
Soko Dash Hinge Wrap Choker Necklace
$110.00, Soko
Originally Appeared on Glamour
Kate Middleton-Loved Jewelry Brand Monica Vinader Just Launched a New Sustainable Collection with Doina
It should hardly come as a surprise that the royal family have exceptional taste in jewelry, so naturally when a brand gains the devotion of a royal, we sit up and take notice. But when that brand actually garners the love of not one but two impeccably stylish royal women? Well, obviously we need to add it to our own collection ASAP. Such is the case of Monica Vinader, which has become a go-to brand for both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, and now we can feel even better about piling on their effortlessly chic pieces, thanks to their brand new collaboration with sustainable fashion influencer, Doina Ciobanu.
Inspired by vintage styles, the new collection features ten pieces, all of them made in 100% recycled gold vermeil and sterling silver as well as sustainably sourced natural baroque pearls, hand-cut lapis lazuli, and green onyx. The styles include luxuriously understated drops, statement-making pendants, and a voluptuous chain motif that neatly treads the line between demure and on-trend chunky.
The collaboration comes a year after Doina and Monica Vinader first teamed up to make covetable baubles, and just like the original collection, you can expect these beauties to sell out quickly. Below, take a look at the new collection, then head to Monica Vinader to shop all of the styles!