Keeping Jewelry Promises: What Labels Like '925' or 'Gold Vermeil' Guarantee
Jewelry retailers use many terms – "925 Silver", "Gold Vermeil", "14k Gold-Plated", "Hypoallergenic". But what do these terms actually mean? What is guaranteed? This guide explains which jewelry promises are truly kept and what lies behind them.
"925" or "925 Sterling Silver"
What it promises: 92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals (mostly copper). This is genuine silver jewelry.
What it guarantees: Genuine silver content, proven in the EU by the stamp "925" or "S925".
What it does not guarantee: Nickel-free (copper is the usual additive, but other metals are possible), no coating on top (sometimes 925 silver is rhodium-plated – this should be asked separately).
Where to find: On the clasp, inside the ring, on the bail of the clasp.
"585" or "14 Karat Gold"
What it promises: 58.5% pure gold, 41.5% alloy metals (copper, silver).
What it guarantees: Real gold with officially certified gold content. Mandatory in the EU for genuine gold jewelry.
What it does not guarantee: Which alloy metals other than gold are included (white gold can contain nickel).
Tip: 585 yellow gold typically has copper and silver as an alloy – well tolerated. 585 white gold can contain palladium or nickel – inquire if you have allergies.
"Gold Vermeil" (Pronunciation: Ver-may)
What it promises: At least 2.5 microns of gold plating (layer thickness) on a 925 sterling silver base.
What it guarantees: A higher gold layer standard than regular "Gold Plated" AND a high-quality base material.
What it does not guarantee: Eternal durability – the plating wears off, especially due to sweat and friction.
Difference from "Gold Plated": Gold Plated has no minimum layer thickness and no defined base material – it can be flash plating on brass.
"18k Gold-Plated" or "14k Gold-Plated"
What it promises: A gold plating whose gold "purity" corresponds to 18k (750‰) or 14k (585‰).
What it does NOT guarantee: The layer thickness! "18k Gold-Plated" says nothing about the thickness of the layer – it can be minimal.
Conclusion: "18k Gold-Plated" without further specifications is less valuable than "Gold Vermeil" – look for additional micron information.
"Hypoallergenic"
What it promises: Low risk of an allergic reaction.
What it guarantees: Nothing binding – "Hypoallergenic" is not a legally protected term in the EU.
What it means in practice: Usually, nickel-containing alloys are avoided. The exact composition should be inquired about.
More reliable alternative: "Nickel-free according to EU Directive 94/27/EC" is a real standard – a maximum of 0.05 mg nickel/cm²/week release is allowed.
"Stainless Steel 316L" or "Surgical Steel"
What it promises: A specific stainless steel alloy (16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel, 2–3% molybdenum) that is very corrosion-resistant and biocompatible.
What it guarantees: 316L is a standardized steel approved for medical applications. Very low nickel release – compatible for almost all allergy sufferers.
Transparency at Corelune Jewellery
Clear material specifications for every piece – with Corelune Jewellery, you know exactly what you're buying.
