In this guide, we'll look the different purities of gold and silver, as well as the terms vermeil and plating. 

Summary: Buy solid 925 "Sterling" silver or higher, vermeil, and solid gold 10-18K Gold. Vermeil and solid jewelry lasts a lifetime, whereas plated jewelry will often wear out.

 

Gold Purity

Gold purity is measured in karats (also spelled with a C: carat), which indicates the purity of the metal. The higher the karat, the purer the gold. Here are the most common gold purities:

	Karat	Fineness	Purity	Jewelry Use
Gold	24	999	99.9%	Too soft
Gold	18	750	75.0%	Great, but soft
Gold	14	585	58.5%	Great, sturdy
Gold	10	417	41.7%	Sturdy

24K Gold: This is the purest form of gold, with a purity of 99.9%. However, it is also very soft, so it is rarely used for jewelry.

18K Gold: With a purity of 75%, 18K gold is a popular choice for fine jewelry. It offers a good balance between purity and durability.

14K Gold: This is the most common gold purity used in jewelry, with a purity of 58.3%. It is more affordable than higher purities and offers good durability.

10K Gold: With a purity of 41.7%, 10K gold is the most durable option. It is often used for jewelry that needs to withstand daily wear and tear.

 

Silver Purity

Silver, like gold, is also measured in terms of purity, however not in terms of karats.

	Fineness	Purity	Jewelry Use
Silver "Fine"	999	99.9%	Too soft
Silver	935	93.5%	Great
Silver "Sterling"	925	92.5%	Great
Silver	800	80.0%	Too impure

The most common silver purities are:

• Fine Silver: Fine silver has a purity of 99.9% and is often used for silverware and decorative pieces. However, it is too soft for most jewelry.
• Sterling Silver: This is the standard for silver jewelry, with a purity of 92.5%. It is a durable and affordable option.

What is Vermeil?

Vermeil is a term used to describe silver jewelry that is plated with a thick layer of gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick and the base metal must be sterling silver (or purer). Vermeil offers the look of gold jewelry at a more affordable price. Vermeil wears off over time, revealing the base metal underneath, and resulting in tarnishing.

What is Plating?

Plating is a process in which a thin layer of gold or silver is applied to a base metal. It is a more affordable option compared to both vermail, and solid gold or silver jewelry. Plating wears off over time, revealing the base metal underneath, and resulting in tarnishing. Even if a manufacturer tells you it has been "triple-plated", it will still tarnish over a number of years.

 

Now that you have a better understanding of gold and silver purities, as well as the terms vermeil and plating, you can make a more informed decision when buying jewelry. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of gold or the sleek beauty of silver, you can be confident in your choice.