Gold filled, gold plated, and gold vermeil jewelry all refer to pieces that feature a layer of gold over a base metal. However, the differences between them are significant in terms of composition, durability, and value. They are often used interchangeably by mistake, which can lead to confusion and even legal issues.
In this article, we’ll break down each of these terms, explain the legal standards behind them, and help you understand which is best suited for your brand’s needs.
What Is Gold Filled?
Gold filled is a legally regulated term under U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) standards. It refers to jewelry or other items where a substantial layer of gold has been bonded to a base metal (typically brass or copper) through soldering, brazing or other mechanical means rather than an electroplating process.
To be labeled as gold filled, two key legal requirements must be met:
- The gold used must be at least 10 karats in purity.
- The layer of gold must constitute at least 1/20th (5%) of the total metal weight of the item.
What Is Gold Plated?
Gold plated jewelry also falls under FTC regulation and involves a much thinner coating of gold applied to a base metal. This layer is typically added through a mechanical or electrolytic process, which binds a fine layer of gold to the surface of the item.
For a product to be legally described as gold plated, it must meet these requirements:
- The gold coating must be applied by mechanical or electrolytic means on all significant surfaces.
- The goldor gold alloy must be at least 10 karats in fineness.
- If applied through a mechanical process, the layer of gold must constitute at least 1/40th (2.5%) of the total metal weight of the item (such jewelry can also be marked as Rolled Gold Plate, Rolled Gold Plated, and Gold Overlay).
- If appliedthrough an electrolytic process, the coating thickness must be at least equivalent to 175 microns of fine gold (such jewelry can also be marked as Gold Electroplate and Gold Electroplated).
What Is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced “ver-may”) also has a precise legal definition. It differs from standard gold plating mainly in the base metal used and the required gold thickness. Vermeil jewelry is prized for its combination of quality and affordability.
According to U.S. standards, gold vermeil can only be used if all three of these criteria are met:
- The underlying material must be sterling silver—not brass, copper, or any other metal.
- The gold layer must be at least 10 karats in purity.
- The coatingthickness must be at least equivalent to 5 microns (approximately 100 millionths of an inch) of fine gold, applied by mechanical or electrolytic means.
Note that if sterling silver is covered with a base metal plated with gold, this must be disclosed; otherwise, it may constitute deceptive marketing.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Gold Filled | Gold Plated | Gold Vermeil | |
| Base Metal | Typically brass or copper | Typically brass or copper | Must be sterling silver |
| Gold Purity | ≥10K | ≥10K | ≥10K |
| Gold Weight | ≥5% of total weight | / | / |
| Gold Thickness | / | ≥0.5 microns of fine gold | ≥2.5 microns of fine gold |
| Application Method | Mechanical bonding | Electrolytic or mechanical | Electrolytic or mechanical |
| Durability | Very high | Variable (depends on thickness) | Moderate to high |
| Legal Regulation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gold Filled vs Gold Plated vs Gold Vermeil: Key Facts
For jewelry of the same karat, gold filled pieces are typically the most expensive to produce, primarily due to the higher amount of gold used. Gold vermeil comes next, as it prescribes the use of sterling silver.
While gold plated jewelry usually has the lowest production cost, this does not necessarily mean it is the least durable. Durability depends on both the thickness of the gold layer and the manufacturing technique. In fact, jewelry manufacturers can customize the electroplating process and the plating thickness to meet specific durability requirements for different brands.
Custom Electroplating Options with Star Harvest
If you’re looking for gold plated jewelry that balances durability and cost, Star Harvest has the solution.
We understand that every jewelry collection has unique requirements for finish, color tone, and longevity. That’s why we offer customized electroplating solutions tailored to your specific design and performance needs.
Whether you’re launching fast-moving fashion items or creating high-end collections, our advanced plating technologies ensure precision, consistency, and lasting beauty.
Star Harvest helps brands achieve the ideal balance of appearance, quality, and cost, ensuring your jewelry meets the expectations of both designers and customers.
