Is Mejuri Real Gold? An Honest Review of Quality & Vermeil (2026)
We explain the difference between Mejuri's 14k Solid Gold and Gold Vermeil. Read this before you buy to avoid fading and tarnish.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Is Mejuri Real Gold? The Truth About Verification, Vermeil, and Value
You have seen the ads on Instagram. Minimalist, chic gold jewelry that claims to be "Fairly Priced" without the traditional retail markup. Mejuri has taken the jewelry world by storm.
But the prices seem... suspicious. A gold ring for $78? When gold is trading at $2,000+ an ounce?
It leads to the inevitable question: Is Mejuri real gold? Or is it just expensive costume jewelry that will turn your finger green?
The answer is complex because Mejuri sells two very different types of products.
The Short Answer
- Mejuri 14k Solid Gold Line: YES. This is real, solid gold. It will vary from faint yellow to rich yellow. It will never tarnish, never fade, and can be worn in the shower forever.
- Mejuri Gold Vermeil Line: NO. This is Sterling Silver that has been dipped in a thick layer of gold. It is "demi-fine" jewelry. It will eventually fade to silver if you wear it daily.
Mejuri Buying Cheat Sheet
- •Safe to Buy: Anything labeled '14k Solid Gold'. Great value for studs and thin rings.
- •Buy with Caution: 'Gold Vermeil' necklaces and earrings. Good for occasional wear.
- •Do Not Buy: 'Gold Vermeil' rings. Hand washing and sanitizer will strip the gold plating within 6-12 months.
- •The Green Finger Test: Mejuri generally does NOT turn skin green because the base is Silver, not Brass/Copper.
What is Gold Vermeil? (And Is It a Scam?)
To understand Mejuri, you must understand Gold Vermeil (pronounced vur-may).
It is a specific legal standard in the US and Canada. To be called Vermeil, it must:
- Have a base of Sterling Silver (925).
- Be plated with gold at least 10k.
- Have a plating thickness of at least 2.5 microns.
How does this compare?
- Flash Plated (H&M/Zara): Base is brass/copper. Gold layer is 0.1 microns. Turns green in a week.
- Mejuri Vermeil: Base is silver. Gold layer is 2.5 microns (25x thicker). Lasts 1-3 years.
It is not a scam, but it is not solid gold. You are paying for the look of gold without the price tag.
Mejuri Quality Review: The Wear Test
We tested Mejuri pieces to see how they hold up.
The Tarnish Test: Mejuri vermeil uses Sterling Silver as a base. Silver can tarnish (turn black) over time when exposed to air, but it usually doesn't turn your skin green (which is caused by copper/brass).
- Verdict: Safe for sensitive skin (hypoallergenic).
The Fade Test: We wore a Mejuri Vermeil ring daily for 6 months, including hand washing.
- Result: The bottom of the band (palm side) began to fade to silver. The top remained gold.
- Lesson: Vermeil is not for daily rings. It is fine for earrings and necklaces that don't rub against things.
Mejuri vs. The Competition
Mejuri vs. Gorjana Gorjana is another popular heavy-hitter. However, many Gorjana pieces are "Gold Plated Brass."
- Winner: Mejuri. Sterling Silver is a higher-value base metal than Brass.
Mejuri vs. Quince Quince offers extremely similar designs (some say identical) at even lower prices.
- Winner: Quince for value. They often sell 14k solid gold for the price of Mejuri's Vermeil.
Is Mejuri Worth It?
Yes, IF you buy the right items.
Mejuri's 14k Solid Gold studs, tiny hoops, and thin stacking rings are excellent value. You are getting a solid gold product for a price that is hard to beat at a traditional jeweler.
However, we recommend avoiding the heavy, chunky gold chains unless you are buying the solid gold versions. Paying $400 for a Vermeil chain that has $30 worth of silver in it is not a great investment.
Final Verdict: Use Mejuri to build your "Daily Driver" collection of small, solid gold basics. Skip them for the big statement pieces unless you have the budget for the solid gold upgrade.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.