The main differences between solid gold, vermeil, and gold-plated jewellery lie in the composition and the way they are made. Here's a breakdown:

1. Solid Gold:

• Composition: Solid gold is pure gold (or gold alloy) throughout the entire piece. It typically comes in various purities, such as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K, with 24K being the purest form of gold.
• Durability: Solid gold is durable, resistant to tarnishing, and retains its value over time.
• Price: Solid gold is the most expensive option because of the high percentage of gold in the piece.
• Appearance: It has a rich, warm gold color and does not fade or change color over time.

2. Vermeil:

• Composition: Vermeil is a type of gold-plated jewellery made by coating a base metal (typically sterling silver) with a thick layer of gold. The gold layer must be at least 10K and be at least 2.5 microns thick.
• Durability: The gold layer is thicker than regular gold plating, making it more durable, but still susceptible to wear and tear over time. The silver base can tarnish, but the gold layer generally holds up well.
• Price: Vermeil is more affordable than solid gold but still offers the look of gold without the hefty price tag.
• Appearance: It looks very similar to solid gold but may wear down over time, especially if exposed to chemicals or moisture.

3. Gold-Plated:

• Composition: Gold-plated jewelry involves a thin layer of gold (usually much thinner than vermeil) applied to a base metal like brass, copper, or nickel using a process called electroplating.
• Durability: The gold layer is much thinner, making gold-plated jewellery the least durable of the three. It is more prone to scratching, fading, and tarnishing over time, especially with regular wear.
• Price: Gold-plated jewelry is the most affordable option due to the thin layer of gold used.
• Appearance: Initially, gold-plated pieces look shiny and resemble solid gold, but the gold layer can wear off over time, especially with frequent contact.

Summary:

• Solid Gold is pure and durable, with the highest cost.
• Vermeil has a thicker gold coating over sterling silver, offering good durability at a mid-range price.
• Gold-Plated is the least durable, with a thin layer of gold over a base metal, and is the most affordable.

If you're looking for longevity and value, solid gold or vermeil would be the better options. Gold-plated jewellery is great for budget-conscious buyers, but it may not last as long.