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All about goldplated silver
Gold-plated silver jewellery combines the best of both worlds – the elegant and luxurious feel of gold, together with the durable base of silver.
What does gold-plated mean?
Gold plating means that a layer of gold is applied over a core of sterling silver (925). The process is carried out through electrolysis, a controlled method in which the gold is bonded to the silver in an even layer. The result is a surface with the same visual expression as solid gold, but with a lighter construction and a more accessible price point.
As this is a surface treatment, the plating is naturally affected by wear over time. Friction, moisture and chemicals can gradually wear down the surface, which means that gold-plated jewellery requires more care than jewellery made from solid gold. With proper care, however, both colour and lustre can be preserved for a long time.
What does gold-plated mean?
Gold plating means that a layer of gold is applied over a core of sterling silver (925). The process is carried out through electrolysis, a controlled method in which the gold is bonded to the silver in an even layer. The result is a surface with the same visual expression as solid gold, but with a lighter construction and a more accessible price point.
As this is a surface treatment, the plating is naturally affected by wear over time. Friction, moisture and chemicals can gradually wear down the surface, which means that gold-plated jewellery requires more care than jewellery made from solid gold. With proper care, however, both colour and lustre can be preserved for a long time.
Gold plating or Vermeil?
Gold plating means that a thin layer of gold is applied to silver, making the jewellery more affordable than pieces in solid gold. At Efva Attling Stockholm, we use recycled and nickel-free 925 sterling silver. We choose recycled silver for our jewellery as silver is a finite resource, making it the more environmentally responsible option. The gold plating is in 18-carat gold.
Vermeil – what is it?
Vermeil is a quality designation for a more refined type of gold plating. To be classified as vermeil, the core must consist of genuine sterling silver (925), and the gold layer must meet a specified minimum thickness.
The thicker layer of gold used in vermeil makes the surface more durable and provides a longer lifespan compared to traditional plating.
The difference does not lie in the immediate appearance, but in the construction and durability over time. Vermeil combines the expression of gold with the stability of silver in a more robust form.
The result is a piece of jewellery that carries the character of gold, but with a considered structure beneath the surface – a conscious alternative to solid gold, where material choice, quality and longevity work in harmony.
