What is Gold Vermeil?

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold Vermeil is a type of high-quality gold plating over sterling silver, offering a luxurious look without the high cost of solid gold.
To be legally considered vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and be at least 10 karats (all our pieces are 18k).

Why is gold vermeil generally seen as an advantage over standard gold-plated jewellery?

  • Thicker Gold Layer: Vermeil has a thicker layer of gold than typical gold-plated pieces, making it more resistant to wear and less likely to fade over time.
  • Higher Quality: Gold vermeil uses sterling silver as its base metal, which is a more precious and durable metal than the brass or other base metals often used in goldplated jewellery. This makes vermeil jewellery both higher quality and more valuable.
  • Hypoallergenic: With sterling silver as the base, gold vermeil is less likely to cause skin irritation, unlike some gold-plated jewellery with cheaper base metals that may cause allergic reactions.
  • Longer-Lasting: Thanks to its thicker gold layer and high-quality base, gold vermeil tends to keep its gold finish longer than standard gold plating, so it maintains its appearance and value over time with proper care.

How long does it last?

With careful upkeep, the durable, thick layer of gold in vermeil jewellery can endure for a long time. When maintained properly, gold vermeil pieces can last for years or even decades, due to the substantial thickness and high-quality gold plating used.

 

Cleaning Gold Vermeil Jewlery

Since gold vermeil is a warm-toned metal, you’ll want to exercise extra care while cleaning. Though gold vermeil isn’t as prone to tarnishing as other types of jewellery, it’s still a good idea to clean these pieces every few months, depending on how often you wear the jewellery. Fortunately, gold vermeil is super easy to clean:

  • Combine a few drops of non-chemical dish soap and warm water in a small bowl.
  • Dip a soft cloth in the cleaning mixture, and gently polish your jewellery.
  • Rub any excess soap away with a soft cloth dipped in warm water.
  • Gently pat the jewellery dry.

It’s also a great idea to have a jeweler periodicallycleanand inspect your gold vermeil pieces.