Ever get confused by the descriptions of jewelry, especially between gold filled, vermeil, or gold plated? Continue reading to learn the differences!

Gold plating as a term gets a bad rep…and it’s probably with good reason. The “plate” does tend to wear off! Gold plated by definition is a base metal such as steel or brass dipped into a bath of electroplating solution, with a lump of solid gold. When an electric current is introduced, a thin layer of gold attaches to the metal. This tends to be very thin which is why it tends to wear off!

Gold-filled (also called gold overlay) confuses people simply because of the term. These items are not actually “filled” with gold! They are made of a base metal (usually brass or copper) covered by sheets of gold in a mechanical bonding process which creates a thick coat of gold. The gold content is 5% or 1/20 of the total weight. It is usually made with 14k gold and it is hard wearing. Gold filled is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and about 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate. With reasonable care it will not flake or peel thus lasting as long as solid gold jewelry. It is also safe for most people with sensitive skin! We have a large selection of gold-filled jewelry!

Vermeil, pronounced “vermay” and also known as silver gilt, is sterling silver that has been coated with a heavy layer of gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold must also be at least 10-carat and be at least 1.5 micrometers thick. Most vermeil is plated with 14k gold or higher. It is a good alternative for people with allergy to normal, plated jewelry items. The biggest difference between vermeil and gold-filled is in the thickness of the gold (thicker than gold plated) and the base metal used. We also have a large selection of vermeil!

Still have questions? Email us at info@dcolejewelers.com or like us on Facebook!

Two of D. Cole’s more popular style rings are featured in this years Maine Magazine Wedding Issue! Included are a Platinum diamond engagement ring and a 14kw brushed wedding band with millgrain detail. Check it out:

After the holidays, wedding planning has picked back up for couples and what better timing than for Maine Magazine’s Wedding Issue to appear! A lot of people are thinking of proposing around Valentine’s Day as well – it’s only 1 week until Valentine’s Day! We are happy to show a small sampling of what D. Cole has to offer for engagement/commitment rings and wedding bands through such a great resourceful magazine. Check out www.themainemag.com.

Hello all,

When D. Cole heard about the Japanese tsunami, we wanted to know how we could help. That’s when we came across the healing pendant in which 100% of the net proceeds will go to the Japanese tsunami victims and families.

The healing pendants’s three charms represent peace, life, and inner strength. The 24k gold plated and silver dove symbolizes peace and harmony.

The pearl represents regeneration, life, and rebirth, and the amethyst, a healing stone, promotes inner strength.

They are all hung from an adjustable 24k gold plated 16-18″ chain. Each necklace comes with a card defining the symbolic meaning of the pendant. The necklace price is $75.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to Direct Relief International which donates 100% of the funds towards Japan’s relief efforts.

Be a part of the healing! We send our thoughts, prayers, and healing energy to Japan, and hope, together with you, we can do our small part in the rebuilding of lives.

Pandora FAQs

We were the first local retailer to carry the entire line of Pandora in Maine! It has become unbelievably popular over the last few years. It’s time to start answering some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers. Feel free to post questions you have, that are not answered here.

1.)    “I’m buying a Pandora bracelet as a gift, how do I know what size to get?”

• This is tricky. Without having a good idea what size wrist they have, you may end up making your best guess. Sizes go from 6.7” up to 9.1”. If we’re unsure we’ll go with the middle size of 7.5”, hope it fits, if it doesn’t then they can come in and we can size them with a full bracelet of beads to get the perfect size! It’s a paperless exchange as long as the bracelet was not worn.

2.)    “How do I clean my bracelet and beads?”

• Do NOT use liquid silver polish!! It will remove the oxidation treatment to some of the beads and chains that actually look better if you leave them.
• Do not wear product in pools or hot tubs.
• Do not store with rubber bands.
• Polishing cloths are the best option for cleaning, it can be timely, so while you’re watching TV, grab your bracelet and polishing cloth and polish away!
• We offer free cleaning of bracelets, for really deep cleaning/polishing (items that were exposed to chemicals and foreign agents) there may be a charge or you may need to leave it depending on the condition.

3.)    “What is the difference between clips and spacers?”

• It’s easy to get these mixed up! The clips actually open on a hinge the same way the clasp does. The clip goes over the two threaded pieces on the bracelet. They stop beads from traveling over and into the three different sections. They work well when you have a few beads that you don’t want to collect in one section by the end of the day. (Tip: If beads travel up onto the threaded section near the clasp and make it hard for you to undo the clasp, you can put a clip on the regular part of the bracelet (right next to the end of course) and it will stop beads from traveling onto it.)

• Spacers are very small thinner beads that do not thread onto the bracelet. They look nice with one spacer in between each bead. Some people only get a couple, some people don’t use them at all, and some people put them every other bead. It depends on the look you’re going for.

4.)    “What are retired beads?”

• Pandora occasionally “retires” beads. This means they are no longer making them so when you see a retired bead that you like…GET IT. We won’t be getting in any more.

5.)    “I’ve had my bracelet for a little while and with added beads it doesn’t fit well anymore, what can I do?”

• Usually, you’d have to buy a new bracelet if your previous one is really worn. Once in awhile we’ll have worn bracelets that we may be able to swap it with, but it’s totally dependent on what we have and NEVER a guarantee. We try to accommodate you as much as possible.

6.)    “What can I do once my bracelet is full, am I done?”

• This is a personal decision. You can certainly keep buying beads for your bracelet, the more the merrier! You can make many more combinations and coordinate colors to outfits. Many people buy multiple bracelets, they look really nice stacked. Or you could purchase a Pandora necklace or leather bracelet for another platform for your beads.

♥Blog written by Lindsey Cole