We plate 925 sterling silver in every common thickness, from a quick flash of color to 2.5 to 3 micron vermeil. Buyers often ask us why one supplier quotes so much less for the same look. Usually the two quotes are not for the same thing. Plating is priced by how much gold goes on the piece, and that depends on thickness, so a quote without a micron number is hard to compare. This page explains the options and gives you the questions to ask any supplier, including us.
Plating Thickness, Side by Side
A very thin layer, often around 0.05 to 0.1 micron. Gives the gold color at the lowest cost. On rings and bracelets it can wear through within months.
A middle option. Noticeably longer wear than flash plating for earrings and pendants that do not rub much.
Sterling silver base with at least 2.5 micron of 10K or higher gold. In the US this is the minimum to call a piece vermeil. The right choice for rings and pieces worn daily.
A bright white finish that slows tarnish on silver. Often used on stone set pieces.
We measure plating thickness and metal content on our own XRF machine. It also detects fillers like tungsten and rhenium.
Your quotation states the gold karat and micron thickness, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How Much Real Gold Is on the Piece?
Gold is sold by the gram, so the cost of plating follows the amount of gold deposited. Here is roughly how much pure gold each thickness puts on common pieces:
| Piece (approx. surface) | Flash, 0.1 micron | 1 micron | Vermeil, 3 micron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring band (5 cm²) | 1 mg | 10 mg | 29 mg |
| Pair of earrings (8 cm²) | 1.5 mg | 15 mg | 46 mg |
| Pendant, 2 x 2 cm (10 cm²) | 2 mg | 19 mg | 58 mg |
| Bracelet (30 cm²) | 6 mg | 58 mg | 174 mg |
Vermeil uses about 30 times the gold of flash plating. Real usage is higher than this table, because plating builds up more on raised areas so that recessed areas still reach the full thickness. Labor, polishing and quality checks come on top.
So if a quote for a vermeil pendant is close to the value of the gold that should be on it, ask how thick the plating really is. The easiest way is to ask for the micron thickness and gold karat in writing, and to have a sample measured by XRF.
Tell us about your project
Six quick answers help us check whether your design fits your budget before we quote. They open in WhatsApp, so you can still edit them and attach your sketch or photos there.
Gold Plating Questions We Get
What is the difference between gold plating and gold vermeil?
How long does gold plating last?
Why do gold plating quotes differ so much between suppliers?
Can you prove the plating thickness?
Is there a minimum order for gold plated pieces?
Planning a gold plated collection?
Tell us the piece, the quantity and the thickness you have in mind, and we will quote it with the specification in writing.