Basic Hoops

Let’s talk gold! We know that the jewellery jargon — Microns! Karats!  jumping at your left, right and centre when you’re shopping for new fines can be a little bit… daunting (to say the least). But don’t worry, we’re here to help you decipher what is what. In this little guide, we’ll go over the difference between 9K and 18K gold and gold vermeil to help you choose what’s best for you. 
 

What is vermeil?


Pronounced 'ver-may' (it's French!), vermeil is a legally regulated term that refers to jewellery made of pure or sterling silver and plated with a thick layer of solid gold. 

For jewellery to be labelled 'vermeil', this coating needs to have a thickness of at least 2.5 microns of gold — if you're into the nitty-gritty details: one micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre — and the gold used must be no less than 10K in purity. 
 

Our gold vermeil is a little different...


We want you to enjoy your vermeil fines for as long as possible. That's why we gild all of our vermeil jewellery with 5 microns (yep, that’s indeed 100% thicker than the industry standard!) of 18K solid yellow, white or rose gold. 

We want to do our part in supporting and empowering local miners as well as their communities while being kind to the planet. Our ultimate vision is to create fines that are 100% traceable from the mine all the way to your jewellery box, which is why the 925 sterling silver we use as a base for our vermeil is Fairtrade-certified. The gold we plate it with is 100% recycled from reclaimed jewellery pieces.

Left to right: Gaia Hoops, Gaia BangleSoufflé RingOval Eternity RingMini Beaded Thick BandLine Pattern RingNarrow Criss Cross Ring

FYI, gold vermeil isn't the same as gold-plated 


Gold-plated jewellery — also known as 'costume jewellery' — is made of a base material of non-precious metals such as copper, steel or brass that has been quickly dipped into a gold bath. The gold content of gold-plated pieces is usually less than 1%; the plating only has to be 0.5 microns to be considered gold-plated. Let's do the math: that's 10 (!) times less than our gold vermeil jewellery and 5 times less than regular vermeil!  

Gold-plated pieces may be tempting to buy because they’re relatively cheap, but be aware that they come at a high cost to the environment. Because the gold plating is very thin, costume jewellery only holds up for a hot second. After only a few wears, the piece will highly likely start to tarnish, its edges turn green (because of a chemical reaction with your skin), and it's ready to be discarded into a landfill; you're buying a new one, rinse and repeat. 

Once the gold has been (partially) rubbed off, the base material can also leave you with discoloured or even irritated skin: gold-plated jewellery usually contains nickel and other materials that can cause an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin.
 

Why choose gold vermeil jewellery?


Vermeil fines boast all the glowy good looks of solid gold, but for a smaller price tag. Thanks to its extra-thick layer of solid gold coated on top of high-quality silver, vermeil jewellery is gold-plated jewellery's much more durable and eco-friendly sibling. If cared for properly, vermeil pieces can be worn for years without tarnishing or fading. Aesthetics aside, vermeil is hypoallergenic — it's made with precious metals only — making it a great choice if you have sensitive skin. 
 

Go for gold vermeil jewellery if you...
 

  • are looking for affordable luxury

  • like to keep up with trends while being kind to the environment

  • enjoy having many pieces to pick from

  • prefer larger statement pieces 

  • want to wear tarnish-resistant jewellery you don’t have to take off

  • have sensitive skin

Shop our vermeil jewellery

Left to right: Gaia Bangle, Spiral RingSoufflé RingSolar Medallion Ring Necklace

What is gold?


Gold is a noble, precious metal that doesn't react with other elements, meaning it won't corrode or rust like most metals. In its purest form, 24 karats, it's not well suited for jewellery making as it bends and scratches easily (all while being as expensive as gold gets!). Therefore, gold is mixed with other metals called 'alloys' to give it durability and strength.
 

Our golden fines


All of our solid gold jewellery is available in both 9K and 18K solid yellow, white and rose gold. We use recycled gold from reclaimed jewellery pieces, as gold can be melted infinitely and easily be brought back to its full purity through a refining process. Using recycled gold reduces the demand for new gold mining, which in turn saves water, land and carbon emissions. 
 

Why choose 9K gold jewellery?


9K gold pieces are a highly durable yet accessible choice. Containing 9 parts of gold and 15 parts of alloys, 9 karat gold jewellery can be worn daily for decades on end without scuffing, scratching or tarnishing with the right care.

Left to right: Oval Eternity RingOpen RingOpen Circle Diamond Necklace

Go for 9K gold jewellery if you...
 

  • want to build lasting memories with your fines

  • are looking for a bit of luxury

  • prefer low-maintenance jewellery

  • want to wear tarnish-resistant jewellery you don’t have to take off 

  • have sensitive skin
     

Why choose 18K gold jewellery?


18K solid gold jewellery is the closest you can get to pure gold without sacrificing durability and strength. 22K gold jewellery is, for instance, not strong enough to hold diamonds and gemstones (not to mention it’s more pricey than pieces made of 18K gold!). Containing 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of alloys, 18K gold jewellery never fades or tarnishes, striking the perfect balance between longevity and luxury.
 

Go for 18K gold jewellery if you..
 

  • are looking for a piece to wear for a lifetime, like an engagement ring or a wedding ring

  • want an heirloom piece to pass on for generations to come

  • prefer extremely low-maintenance jewellery that doesn’t tarnish

  • want to wear jewellery you don’t have to take off

  • have sensitive skin

Shop our solid gold jewellery

We hope this guide made picking your next piece of jewellery a little easier! Feel free to reach out to us via social media, e-mail (info@nyrelle.com) or phone (+852 2853 1162) if you have any other questions for us. 

Shop

Ginkgo Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$358 USD
$358 USD
$358 USD
Best Seller

Bezel-Set Diamond Drop Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$226 USD
$226 USD
$226 USD
In 4 Sizes

Thin Maxi Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$352 USD
$352 USD
$352 USD

Criss Cross Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$116 USD
$116 USD
$116 USD

Solar Pendant Necklace / Vermeil

Vermeil
$116 USD
$116 USD
$116 USD

Diamond Eclipse Bracelet / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$160 USD
$160 USD
$160 USD

Boyfriend Band / Vermeil

Vermeil
$89 USD
$89 USD
$89 USD
In 3 Sizes

Large Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$462 USD
$462 USD
$462 USD

Gaia Ring / Vermeil

Vermeil
$138 USD
$138 USD
$138 USD
Best Seller

Mini Sphere Studs / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$55 USD
$28 USD
$55 USD
In 4 Cuts

Heart Cut White Sapphire Bracelet / Vermeil

Vermeil
$99 USD
$99 USD
$99 USD
In 4 Sizes

Thin Inbetween Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$98 USD
$98 USD
$98 USD

Spiral Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$182 USD
$182 USD
$182 USD

Seamless Bangle / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$330 USD
$330 USD
$330 USD
Best Seller

Double Line Ring / Vermeil

Vermeil
$77 USD
$77 USD
$77 USD

Gaia Bangle / Vermeil

Vermeil
$303 USD
$303 USD
$303 USD

Coffee Bean Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$160 USD
$160 USD
$160 USD
In 2 Sizes

Diamond Mini Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$342 USD
$342 USD
$342 USD
Best Seller

Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelet / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$182 USD
$237 USD
$182 USD

Waterlily Diamond Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$407 USD
$407 USD
$407 USD

Diamond Trinity Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$248 USD
$248 USD
$248 USD

Diamond Trinity Studs / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$309 USD
$309 USD
$309 USD

White Sapphire Double Line Ring / Vermeil

Vermeil
$190 USD
$190 USD
$190 USD
Best Seller

Bar Studs / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$99 USD
$50 USD
$99 USD
Best Seller

Bezel-Set Diamond Open Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$160 USD
$160 USD
$160 USD

Lyre Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$199 USD
$199 USD
$199 USD

Narrow Criss Cross Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$105 USD
$105 USD
$105 USD

Sphere Studs / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$34 USD
$34 USD
$34 USD

Studded Pearl Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$165 USD
$165 USD
$165 USD

Diamond Bar Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$374 USD
$749 USD
$374 USD
Best Seller

Bezel-Set Mini Diamond Studs / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$143 USD
$143 USD
$143 USD
Best Seller

Diamond Drop Threader Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$209 USD
$209 USD
$209 USD
In 2 Sizes

Diamond Midi Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$639 USD
$842 USD
$639 USD

Wave Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$70 USD
$70 USD
$70 USD

Ginkgo Necklace / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$309 USD
$309 USD
$309 USD
In 3 Sizes

Mini Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$144 USD
$144 USD
$144 USD
In 4 Sizes

Thin Midi Hoop Earrings / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$73 USD
$37 USD
$73 USD

Staple Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$70 USD
$70 USD
$70 USD

Classic Diamond Ring / 9K and 18K Solid Gold

Solid gold
$452 USD
$452 USD
$452 USD

Beaded Bangle / Vermeil

Vermeil
$127 USD
$127 USD
$127 USD