If you love the look of solid gold but want something more accessible, 14kt gold vermeil might be your new favorite material. At Brave Daughters, we choose vermeil intentionally for its beauty, durability, and elevated feel without the solid-gold price tag.

Let’s break down what gold vermeil actually is, how it compares to plated jewelry, and why it matters.

What Is 14kt Gold Vermeil?

A Precious Base Metal

Gold vermeil is made with a solid 925 sterling silver base, not brass, zinc, or mystery metals. Sterling silver is a precious metal, hypoallergenic, and designed for long-term wear.

A Thick Layer of Real Gold

Vermeil is coated in real 14kt gold, applied much thicker than standard plating.

Gold Thickness Standards

• Minimum gold thickness: 2.5 microns

• That’s roughly 1/100th of a millimeter

• This thickness is what separates true vermeil from basic plated jewelry

The Problem with Flash-Plated Jewelry

Most low-quality plated jewelry you see on the market is:

• Plated over a white zinc alloy

• Coated with an extremely thin layer of gold

• Typically under 0.175 microns thick

• Quick to wear off and reveal the base metal

This is why some “gold” jewelry fades, turns, or looks worn after just a few weeks.

How Vermeil Is Different

With gold vermeil:

• The gold layer is substantially thicker

• The base metal is sterling silver, not zinc

• The finish lasts longer and wears more beautifully over time

Vermeil vs. Plated Jewelry: What We Carry In-Store

Our Gold Vermeil Jewelry

• 14kt gold over 925 sterling silver

• Thick, intentional gold layer

• Elevated look and feel

• A great option for everyday wear with proper care

Our High-End Fashion Jewelry

We also carry high-end plated jewelry, but not the cheap kind.

• Thick gold plate over brass

• Carefully sourced and quality-tested, check out our current lines Mod + Jo, Miranda Frye + Thatch.

• Designed to last far longer than mass-market plating

We don’t do flash-plated, disposable jewelry. Ever.

Where Gold Vermeil Fits in Your Jewelry Wardrobe

Between Gold-Fill and Solid Gold

Gold vermeil sits right in the sweet spot:

• More elevated than gold-filled jewelry

• More accessible than solid gold

• Ideal for meaningful, wearable pieces

Why We Love It at Brave Daughters

Vermeil lets us design jewelry that feels intentional, special, and wearable without asking you to baby it or save it for “someday.”

Our Lucky Charms Collections go LIVE today! Check them out here.