What You're Really Wearing, and What We Use at Nadora Sky

Shopping for gold jewelry can feel like learning a new language. Vermeil, gold-filled, gold-plated, solid gold. They all look golden in the photo, but they are not the same thing, and the difference matters for how long your piece lasts.

At Nadora Sky in Atlanta, Georgia, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're wearing. So here's a simple breakdown of the three terms you'll see most, and which ones we use in our studio and online shop.

Gold vermeil: real gold over sterling silver

Gold vermeil (say it “ver-MAY”) has two parts: a sterling silver base and a thick layer of real gold on top.

In the U.S., “vermeil” isn't just a pretty marketing word. To use it, the base has to be .925 sterling silver, and the gold layer has to be at least 10k and at least 2.5 microns thick. That's many times thicker than ordinary gold plating.

Our Encased custom photo lockets are made with 18k gold vermeil and 3 microns of gold instead of the standard 2.5 microns. We chose it because we wanted a fine-jewelry option with a sterling silver foundation and a beautiful layer of real gold.

Gold-filled: a thick layer of gold, bonded for everyday wear

Gold-filled jewelry has a layer of real gold that's bonded to a core metal using heat and pressure. It's not painted or dipped on.

By U.S. standards, the gold has to make up at least 1/20 (5%) of the piece's total weight. That's a lot of gold compared to plating, which is why gold-filled holds up so well to showers, sweat, and daily life.

That's exactly why our permanent jewelry chains come in 14k gold-filled (alongside sterling silver). A permanent bracelet never comes off, so it needs a gold layer that can keep up with you.

Gold-plated: a thin coat over a base metal

Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold, usually over a base metal like brass or copper. Standard plating is often well under one micron thick.

Plated pieces can be cute and affordable, but the thin layer can wear through with regular use, especially on rings and bracelets that rub against things all day. That's why a thicker gold layer, like vermeil or gold-filled, is the better pick for pieces you wear every day.

The quick version

• Gold vermeil is real gold over sterling silver. At Nadora Sky, it's what our Encased photo lockets are made of.
• Gold-filled is a thick layer of real gold bonded to a core metal, made for everyday wear. It's what we use for our permanent jewelry chains, alongside sterling silver.
• Gold-plated is a thin coat of gold over a base metal. It's fine for occasional wear, but you won't find any gold-plated jewelry at Nadora Sky. We strictly stick to gold-filled (permanent jewelry) and gold vermeil (locket collection).

Which one is right for you?

It depends on how you'll wear it.

• For permanent jewelry, gold-filled or sterling silver is the way to go. Your bracelet, anklet, or necklace stays on through workouts, showers, and swims, so it needs a durable, real-gold layer.
• For a meaningful keepsake like a custom engraved locket, vermeil gives you real gold over a sterling silver core.
• If you have sensitive skin, sterling silver and gold vermeil can be good options for people who react to certain metals. Everyone's skin is different, so individual reactions can still vary.

How to care for your gold pieces

• Wash gently with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
• Skip harsh chemicals, chlorine, and heavily fragranced products when you can.
• Store lockets and removable pieces somewhere dry, away from other jewelry that can scratch them.
• Polish with a soft jewelry cloth to bring back the shine.

Want more tips for keeping permanent pieces bright? Read Does Permanent Jewelry Tarnish?

You deserve to know what you're choosing

Education is a big part of the Nadora Sky experience. When you understand what goes into your jewelry, you can choose a piece with confidence and wear it without second-guessing.

Ready to find yours? Explore our custom engraved photo lockets, which ship right to your door, or book a permanent jewelry appointment at our Atlanta studio. Have a question about materials? Email us at hello@nadorasky.com. We'd love to hear from you.