The gold with fine gold
Fine gold plating is a designation used when a very thin layer of 24k gold covers a piece of base metal jewelry.
The gold layer is 1 micron thick and is usually applied to copper or brass. A thin layer of copper is usually added to smooth the surface of the metal before gilding.
The very thin layer of gold and the properties of base metals do not give the jewelry a high quality: it is not very durable, oxidizes quickly, its color wears off easily, and it may irritate sensitive skin over time.
It is the most fragile gilding, but one of the most widespread, so the choice of jewelry is very wide. Fine gold jewelry is popular because it is very affordable and perfect for adorning yourself with different jewelry, whether for an occasion or to follow new trends and change styles with the seasons.
Gold plating
Gold plating is a layer of 18k gold of 3 microns deposited on a metal, whether it is common or not. A thin layer of copper is often added to smooth the surface of the jewel before it is gilded.
Gold-plated jewelry is most often found on brass, but silver-plated jewelry is also available, most often on foreign markets. If the gold is plated on silver, your jewelry is more noble and durable.
Because the gold layer is thicker than fine gold, the jewelry is more resistant and lasts longer, although care is still highly recommended.
Gold plating is the most present designation on the jewelry market. It is difficult to keep them for a lifetime, but it is appreciated for being the right compromise between affordability and quality of the jewelry.
The gold filled
The gold filled corresponds to a thick layer of gold not affixed but mechanically bound to a metal base, this base generally corresponding to the manufacturer's own brass.
The gold filled is still very rare on the French market, and is rather found in America.
In the United States, to obtain this designation, the layer of 14k or 12k gold must be 5% of the total weight of the jewel. In Brazil, it is 3% of 18k gold that is bonded to the brass.
Gold filled is similar to gold plating since the gold layer is thicker and on brass. But the gold filled containing 50 to 100 times more gold although the quality of gold is lower, it is still much more durable and resistant, and does not oxidize. It is more qualitative and therefore a little more expensive.
18k vermeil
18k vermeil is a precious metal in its own right, since it corresponds to 18k gold plated on solid silver.
To obtain this designation, the thickness of the gold layer must be at least 5 microns in France, while 2.5 microns is sufficient abroad. Gold must be applied to solid 925 silver, also known as sterling silver.
Vermeil is therefore noble and extremely durable, capable of lasting a lifetime and more. It is very resistant and does not oxidize. Gold and silver are both non-allergenic metals, so vermeil jewelry can also be worn on a daily basis.
More often used for signet rings, escutcheons or tableware, we have decided to make it a standard for even our most delicate jewelry. Because we're committed to sustainability, and we want to create pieces that inspire you every day, that carry your wisdom, and can pass it on to future generations.