Is solid gold more durable than gold plated or vermeil?
Solid gold jewellery is made entirely of a gold alloy, which means it is the same all the way through, unlike gold-plated or gold vermeil pieces that feature a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Solid gold pieces can endure over time without tarnishing when cared for properly, unlike gold plated or gold vermeil jewellery.
What type of gold jewellery retains its value?
Solid gold holds intrinsic value that extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Gold-plated or gold vermeil jewellery usually wears down over time, and due to this and the fact that the process for reclaiming the gold on these pieces is time consuming, it often has minimal resale value. Solid gold maintains its value, sometimes even improving over the years, making it a wise investment as its value is not solely tied to trends, but is rooted in the value of the precious metal itself.
What type of gold jewellery is the most skin-friendly and hypoallergenic?
One of the disadvantages of wearing gold-plated jewellery is the risk of skin irritation due to the underlying base metal causing allergic reactions. Solid gold is hypoallergenic and less likely to cause discomfort, which is especially important for people with sensitive skin as it means your jewellery not only looks beautiful but also feels comfortable to wear.
What maintenance is required for solid gold jewellery versus gold plated or vermeil?
Gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery requires occasional re-plating to maintain their appearance due to the gold wearing off and the base metal coming to the surface. Gold vermeil and plated pieces will wear significantly quicker if worn in some settings, for example when swimming, cleaning, showering, washing your hands, or putting on makeup or perfume. Solid gold has no such issue as it is the same composition all the way through, however there is a case for using caution about wearing your solid gold jewellery all the time as it may affect the colour over time.
