what is 18k gold vermeil

18k gold vermeil is a type of gold-plated jewelry that has been plated with a thick layer of 18k gold over a sterling silver base. The term "vermeil" is legally regulated and refers to a high-quality kind of gold-plated jewelry. To be considered vermeil, the gold on the piece needs to be at least 2.5 microns thick and at least 10k or higher. The main difference between gold vermeil and solid gold is that vermeil uses a sterling silver base metal, whereas solid gold is made entirely of gold. While gold vermeil may not be considered 100% “real gold”, thanks to its thick layer of plating, the quality definitely does not fall far behind solid gold jewelry. 18k gold vermeil is 75% pure gold and 15% alloy. It is more durable than 24k gold and has less of an orange tone.