A similar gold finish. A different metal underneath. GRCE offers 18K gold-plated brass and gold vermeil over sterling silver, so you can choose the material that fits your rotation and your budget.
Gold plated
Brass base
Gold vermeil
Sterling silver base
The base and the coating both matter. GRCE's gold-plated option uses brass. Vermeil uses sterling silver, which contains at least 92.5% silver.
Under the U.S. FTC Jewelry Guides, vermeil has gold of at least 10K on all significant surfaces, with reasonable durability and a minimum coating equivalent to 2.5 microns of fine gold.
2.5 microns equals 0.0025 mm. The standard is expressed as fine-gold equivalent; a lower-karat coating needs more physical thickness for the same equivalent. Sterling describes the core's composition. The vermeil definition does not set a fixed core thickness.
Gold layers are enlarged to show construction and are not to scale. These are illustrations of material categories, not measurements of a specific GRCE piece. Check the selected variant's Details for its materials.
The same idea, in pieces you can wear. These cutaway illustrations use GRCE rings and earrings to show the base beneath the gold surface in the indicated material option.
Gold plated option shown
The cut edge reveals the brass base beneath the gold surface.
Gold vermeil option shown
A similar gold finish, with sterling silver beneath the coating.
Gold plated option shown
A cutaway in the slim gold-finished huggie reveals the brass beneath its surface.
Gold vermeil option shown
The exposed section shows the silver base inside the gold-finished hoop.
Illustrations based on GRCE product photography, not photographs of cut products. Layers and cut edges are enlarged to explain construction, not to scale or measured coating thickness. Check your selected variant’s Details for its materials.
Compare three options: gold plated, gold vermeil and solid gold. GRCE offers plated and vermeil jewelry. Vermeil pairs a real gold surface with a sterling silver base, giving you a precious-metal foundation without the cost of solid gold throughout.
| Detail |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Gold coating over a base metal; GRCE uses brass. | Gold coating over a sterling silver base. | 14K or 18K gold alloy throughout, rather than a coating over another metal. |
| Durability / wear | The surface layer can wear through. Thickness and care matter. | A defined gold-coating minimum. The surface can still wear over time. | No gold coating to wear through. Scratches and dents are still possible. |
$ symbols are a general comparison, not GRCE prices. Coating thickness, friction and care affect wear. Design, weight, gold purity and brand also affect price. These categories do not predict a fixed lifespan.
An example from Lune Bold Huggies Medium, in gold vermeil. Compare materials, price, shipping and returns side by side—including where the benefits are the same. This comparison is specific to this product and material option. Competitor details reflect the sources and dates below.
| Comparison criteria | GRCE | MejuriBold Huggie Hoops |
|---|---|---|
| GoldfinishGold finish | 18K gold vermeil | 18K gold vermeil |
| BasemetalBase metal | 925 sterling silver | Sterling silver |
| Price | $75.00 | $118.00 |
| Savings(%)Savings (%) | — | 36% |
| OuterdiameterOuter diameter | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Width | 3.2 mm | 3.2 mm |
| FreeshippingFree shipping | IncludedIncluded | Free over $75Free over $75 |
| FreereturnsFree returns | IncludedIncluded30-day window | IncludedIncluded30-day window |
Material definitions and further reading