Gold-Plated vs Vermeil vs 9ct Gold Guide

Three finishes, one collection

Every piece we make is designed to be worn. The question is how you'll wear it.

Our gold-plated pieces are for styling, stacking and gifting: the pieces you change with your outfit or your mood. Our Gold Vermeil pieces carry a much thicker layer of gold, for the pieces you reach for most days. Our 9ct Gold pieces are real gold, for the jewellery you'll wear for years. Most of our customers end up with a little of each.

Here's how they differ, so you can choose the right gold for the way you live.

Pair of 9kt solid gold Rounded Huggie Earrings with a polished finish and classic circular design, shown worn on a woman's earlobe.

Everyday Collection · Gold-Plated Silver

Made for styling

Our gold-plated pieces start with an S925 sterling silver base, finished with a layer of 14kt gold which is flash-plated. You get the warmth and shine of gold at a price that lets you build a collection, change it with the seasons and give generously.

Because the gold is a surface finish, it needs a little care. Put it on last, take it off first, and keep it away from water, perfume and the gym.

Shop the Everyday Collection

A close-up of a woman's ear wearing a small gold huggie hoop earring set with clear CZ stones, shown against her hair and skin.

Everyday Collection · Gold Vermeil

Made to be worn often

Gold Vermeil (say "ver-may") is sterling silver with a thick layer of 14kt / 18kt gold, at least 2.5 microns. That's many times thicker than standard gold plating, so the colour lasts noticeably longer, even on the pieces you wear most days.

It's the perfect middle ground: the richness of gold and the quality of a sterling silver base, at a price that sits comfortably below 9ct gold. Treat it with the same care as plated pieces and it will stay beautiful for years.

Shop Gold Vermeil

9kt solid gold Dot Stud Earrings featuring a smooth, polished 4.4mm rounded dome design, worn on a woman's earlobe.

9ct Gold

Real gold, made to last

Our 9ct gold pieces are real gold: 37.5% pure gold, alloyed with other metals for strength. They're never plated, so there's no gold layer to wear away, and the colour stays the same however often you wear them. Most are hollow, which keeps them light and comfortable to wear every day.

9ct is one of the hardest-wearing golds, which makes it ideal for everyday wear. Each piece is made in Italy and lists its gold weight, and pieces over 1g are hallmarked by the London Assay Office.

Shop 9ct Gold

At a glance

	Gold-plated silver	Gold Vermeil	9ct Gold
What it is	14kt gold layer on S925 sterling silver	Thick 14kt or 18kt gold layer (2.5 microns min.) on S925 sterling silver	Real 9ct gold (37.5% pure gold), never plated. Most pieces are hollow, so they're light to wear
Everyday wear	Take it off for showering, swimming, exercise and sleep	Take it off for showering, swimming and the gym	Made for everyday wear. Take it off for sleep, pools and sport
How long it lasts	Plating gradually wears with use	Much longer than plating; can wear eventually	Won't tarnish or lose its colour. Years of everyday wear, with care
Hallmark	Silver hallmark only on pieces over 7.78g	Silver hallmark only on pieces over 7.78g	Hallmarked by the London Assay Office (pieces over 1g)
Best for	Styling, stacking, gifting	Pieces you wear most days	Everyday staples, milestone pieces
Price	From £40	From £50	From £115

Which gold is right for you?

You love to change your look
Choose gold-plated silver. Build a wardrobe of hoops, huggies and pendants to mix and match with every outfit.
Shop gold-plated silver
You wear the same pieces most days
Choose Gold Vermeil. The thicker layer of gold keeps its colour far longer than standard plating.
Shop gold vermeil
You want it to last for years
Choose 9ct Gold. Real gold that won't tarnish or lose its colour, made for everyday wear.
Shop 9ct gold

Can I wear both together?

Absolutely. Many of our favourite stacks mix all three. You may notice that 9ct gold has a slightly softer, more subtle yellow than our gold-plated and vermeil pieces, because their surface gold is a higher carat. We think the contrast looks relaxed and modern, but if you prefer a perfect match, keep each stack to one finish.

Caring for your gold

Gold-plated and Gold Vermeil: put it on last and take it off first. Remove it before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping, and store each piece separately in its pouch. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.

The thicker gold on vermeil lasts much longer, but it is still a layer of gold, so the same care keeps it at its best.

9ct Gold: 9ct Gold: made for everyday wear. Take it off for sleep, swimming and sport. To keep its shine, clean it occasionally with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then dry it with a soft cloth.

Read our full care guide

Your questions, answered

Is 9ct gold real gold?

Yes. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, mixed with other metals to make it strong enough for everyday wear. It's a recognised UK gold standard and is hallmarked as "375".

What is gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil is sterling silver coated in a thick layer of gold, at least 2.5 microns. Ours uses 14kt / 18kt gold. Because the layer is so much thicker than standard plating, it keeps its colour far longer.

Will gold-plated jewellery fade?

Over time, the gold layer can gradually wear, depending on how often you wear it and what it comes into contact with. Keeping it away from water, perfume and friction helps it stay bright for longer.

Will 9ct gold tarnish?

9ct gold won't wear away, but it can lose a little shine over time, especially if stored for a while without cleaning. A gentle wash with warm, soapy water, and a soft polish cloth, brings it back.

Are your earrings suitable for sensitive ears?

Yes - all our earrings are nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

Can gold-plated and vermeil pieces be replated?

Yes it can be. We don't currently offer a replating service, but we're working on it!

What does hallmark mean?

A hallmark shows that a piece has been independently tested by an Assay Office and confirmed to be the gold content stated. In the UK, gold pieces over 1g must be hallmarked by law.