Fun Fact Friday : “Gold” Jewelry AND Friday Letters!

That’s right! I’m doing both today…

As for my fun fact of the day. “Gold” jewelry. I ran into this site a few weeks back and found it pretty interesting since I always wondered what the difference between gold vermeil, gold filled and gold plated was. Well, the question has been answered!

Gold-plated: A base metal such as steel or brass is dipped into a bath of electroplating solution, with a lump of solid gold. When an electric current is applied, a thin layer of gold is deposited on the metal. Since the plating is quite thin, the plate (and hence the colour) on findings can wear off.

Vermeil: (Pronounced: Vermay) is sterling silver that has been gold-plated. This is a good combination for those with allergy to normal, plated jewelry items. The difference between vermeil, and gold-filled, is in the thickness of the gold and the base metal used. In vermeil, the base is sterling silver.

Gold-filled: also called rolled-gold. These jewelry 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. Effectively a thick coat of gold: the gold content is 5% or 1/20 of the total weight. Use gold-filled items for your top-of-the-line jewelry. Usually made with 14k gold, it is hard wearing. With reasonable care it will not peel or flake, and should last as long as solid 14k gold jewelry. It is safe for most people with sensitive skin

… and my Friday Letters:

Dear OPI, You’re Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It is perfect. I can not stop staring at my nails. It’s getting ridiculous.

Dear Coconut water, How does everyone like you? You taste horrible and remind me of dirt. I’m sure you’re good for me but yuk.

Dear Cardigans, It’s time! I hope you’re ready to be worn non-stop for the next few months! I’ve missed you so!

Dear Blog, I feel like I rarely have time for you anymore. I promise I’ll be back to regular posts and soon.

Dear Sleep, What are you?

Dear Coach and Kate Spade purses, It’d be lovely if you could just both magically appear at my door step… without cost. Thanks.