HOW LONG DOES GOLD VERMEIL LAST?


Gold vermeil jewelry is a popular choice for many people due to its affordability and beautiful appearance. But, how long does gold vermeil last? Can you expect it to last a lifetime or will it eventually fade with time? Let’s dive into the details of what makes gold vermeil so special and why it can be such a great investment.

 


WHAT'S VERMEIL?


It's pretty straightforward! Gold vermeil is a regulated term in the United States, so manufacturers must adhere to very specific regulations to label their pieces vermeil.


  1. Sterling silver must be the base metal. Sterling silver is a metal alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other alloy metals.
  2. The gold-plated layer must be at least 10k gold but can be anything from 14k to 24k gold.
  3. The plating thickness must be at least 2.5 microns thick. (micron = 1/1000th of a millimeter). In general, this is considered to be a "thick layer" of gold. 



HOW LONG DOES GOLD VERMEIL LAST?


The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the thickness of the gold plating, how often you wear your jewelry, and what kind of activities you do while wearing it. Generally speaking, high-quality pieces that have been properly cared for can last anywhere from five to ten years before they begin to show signs of wear and tear.



HOW TO EXTEND THE LONGEVITY OF GOLD VERMEIL:


1. CLEAN REGULARLY
The most important tip for keeping your gold vermeil looking like new is to clean it regularly. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the surface of gold vermeil over time and cause it to lose its original luster. To make sure this doesn’t happen, be sure to give your jewelry a good cleaning every few weeks. The easiest way to do this is with a damp cloth and some mild soap. Simply wipe away any dirt or grime with the cloth and rinse off with warm water. If you have particularly dirty jewelry, you may need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a cloth.


 2. AVOID MOISTURE

Gold vermeil is not waterproof, which means that even brief contact with water can cause damage or discoloration over time. If you want your jewelry to last as long as possible, then avoid wearing it while swimming or showering. Additionally, try not to wear it when exercising or doing activities where you’re likely to sweat—the salt in sweat can also cause tarnishing on gold vermeil surfaces. 


3.STORE CAREFULLY

When storing gold vermeil jewelry, make sure that each piece is stored separately from other pieces so they don’t rub against each other and cause scratches. You should also make sure that all of your pieces are stored in an airtight container such as a zip-lock bag or a jewelry box—this will prevent dust from collecting on them over time.


 

WRAPPING UP


Gold vermeil is an excellent way to add some luxury to your wardrobe without breaking the bank! But like all precious metals, it needs proper care in order for it to maintain its shine and quality over time. With proper maintenance and storage techniques, however, you can expect your gold vermeil pieces to stay looking their best for up two years or more!