WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?

WHAT DOES GOLD VERMEIL MEAN?

Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a thick plating of gold over solid sterling silver. It is a high-quality alternative to costume jewelry, often made with lower-quality metals and coatings.

The word "vermeil" comes from the French verb "to gild," which means "to coat with gold." Gold vermeil is a process in which layers of gold coat a sterling silver base

Gold vermeil is a beautiful, lustrous finish that can make any piece of jewelry look luxurious. It is a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin, as it is a hypoallergenic metal. Gold vermeil jewelry is also much more affordable than solid gold jewelry.

Gold jewelry must adhere to three requirements to classify as gold vermeil:

1. Have sterling silver as its base material. Sterling silver is an alloy that typically comprises 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other materials.

2. Gold plated in at least 10k (10 karats). That means the gold content is at least 41.7%

3. Gold vermeil is gold plating with at least 2.5 micron thickness. A micron is 1/1000th of one millimeter.

IS GOLD VERMEIL GOOD?

Gold vermeil is a high-quality alternative to solid gold, made by coating a base metal with a thin layer of gold. The resulting piece of jewelry has the same look as solid gold but is more affordable. Gold vermeil jewelry is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

IS GOLD VERMEIL FAKE?

No, gold vermeil is not fake gold, but it is not solid gold; gold vermeil is an alloy of gold and sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and 24k gold is a precious metal that is 99.9% pure; by combining these two metals, gold vermeil forms.

In contrast, solid gold is not an alloyed mixture; solid gold is 24 karats of pure gold.

IS GOLD VERMEIL DURABLE?

Yes, gold vermeil is a very durable finish and will not wear away easily. You can expect it to last for many years with proper care. Gold vermeil can be an excellent choice for those looking for something more affordable than solid gold but still want a piece that will last.

WHAT IS 14K GOLD VERMEIL?

14k gold vermeil is a type of jewelry made with a base of sterling silver and then coated in 14k gold. The thickness of the 14k gold coating must be at least 2.5 microns thick to be considered gold vermeil. 14k gold vermeil features a thicker coating than typically used in gold-plated jewelry, so gold vermeil jewelry is more expensive and has a higher quality.

14k gold means that 14 out of 24 parts are pure gold; in other words, 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold.

WHAT IS 18K VERMEIL GOLD?

18K vermeil gold is 18 karats, or 75% pure gold, the other 25% consists of silver, but sometimes other metals are contained. Vermeil gold is created by electroplating a base metal with gold, giving the jewelry a thick layer of gold that will not rub off easily.

DOES GOLD VERMEIL FADE?

Gold vermeil will not fade if you take care of it properly. Avoid exposure to water, chemicals, and harsh cleaners. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Polish with a soft cloth after each wear. If your piece does begin to fade, you can take it to a jeweler to have it replated.

DOES GOLD VERMEIL WEAR OFF?

Gold vermeil is a popular choice for jewelry because of its luxurious appearance and durability. However, the gold layer may wear off over time, leaving just silver behind. The length of time the vermeil will last depends on proper care and storage methods.

WHAT IS ROSE GOLD VERMEIL?

Rose gold vermeil is a type of jewelry with a layer of rose gold over a sterling silver base. Rose gold vermeil is made by electroplating a layer of 10k rose gold or above on top of sterling silver via an electroplating process. The thickness of the gold layer is at least 2.5 microns thick.

The only difference between gold vermeil and rose gold vermeil is that rose gold introduces another element in the mix, copper. The addition of copper creates a warm rosy color.

HOW LONG DOES VERMEIL LAST?

Gold vermeil generally lasts between 2 and 5 years. To extend the life of your gold vermeil jewelry:

Take it off before swimming, showering, or washing your hands.

Store your gold vermeil jewelry away from chemicals such as hairspray, lotions, and perfume, as these can affect the plated color over time.

Use a good quality polishing cloth to wipe down each piece after wear.

IS GOLD VERMEIL GOOD FOR SENSITIVE EARS?

Gold vermeil is an excellent option for those with sensitive ears. It is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Plus, the gold adds an extra layer of protection against tarnish.

HOW MUCH IS GOLD VERMEIL WORTH?

Generally, gold vermeil is around the same price as gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry but less than solid gold. The cost of gold vermeil depends on the weight of the gold and the current market value of gold.

DOES GOLD VERMEIL TARNISH?

With good care and maintenance, vermeil jewelry can endure a long time, but it is still prone to tarnishing. Sweat, scent, and mechanical wear and tear will react to the gold coating on top.

The thickness of the gold layer and the purity of the silver beneath determine how long vermeil lasts. Choose a gold purity between 14k and 18k for the best results.

Anything above that will make the gold coating softer, causing it to tarnish quickly. Because the gold coating has a higher percentage of other metals, anything less than 14k will not have the gold luster commonly associated with solid gold.

Yes, gold vermeil will tarnish with time. On the other hand, quality pieces have a great chance of standing the test of time if properly cared for.

DOES GOLD VERMEIL RUST?

Gold vermeil is a beautiful, luxurious material that many people love to wear, but some people worry that gold vermeil might rust.

Fortunately, gold vermeil is actually very resistant to rusting. While gold vermeil can rust, it is very unlikely.

If you take care of your gold vermeil jewelry and avoid exposing it to water or chemicals, it should last for many years without rusting.

DOES GOLD VERMEIL TARNISH IN WATER?

This question comes up frequently because many people wear their vermeil jewelry in the shower or even while swimming. While wearing your vermeil jewelry during these activities will not harm it immediately, you should still avoid prolonged exposure to water. This could lead to the gold layer fading over time.

A. DON'T WEAR VERMEIL IN HOT TUBS & POOLS.

It's important to note that you should avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, as with all jewelry made of gold. The majority of locations where you get your jewelry wet contain harsh chemicals. Pools and hot tubs are often chlorinated, and those swimmers lucky enough to possess a jacuzzi with mineral spring water often contain harsh chemicals.

Or, at least, make sure your gold vermeil chain or earrings stay above the waterline.

B. DON'T SHOWER IN VERMEIL.

First, the hot water from a shower can cause the metal to expand and contract, weakening the setting and pushing the stones to fall out. The heat from the water can also cause the gold vermeil to fade.

Next, shampoo is one of the leading causes of vermeil damage. The chemicals found in shampoo can interact with the gold layer, causing it to fade and wear away over time. While you may not see any damage after just one shower, prolonged exposure to shampoo, soap, etc., will eventually take its toll on your jewelry.

Likewise, soap contains surfactants, which are molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) properties. When soap comes into contact with water, the hydrophilic end attaches to the water molecules while the hydrophobic end repels them. This action helps break up dirt and oils, making them easier to wash away.

While surfactants are great for cleaning our bodies and homes, they're not so great for gold vermeil jewelry. When soap comes into contact with gold vermeil, it can cause the gold layer to break down and wear away. In addition, the hydrophobic end of the soap molecule will repel the water, causing the gold to dry out and become brittle. Surfactants from the soap can lead to cracking, scratching, and other damage.

C. DON'T EXERCISE IN VERMEIL

Gold vermeil is a popular choice for jewelry, but it's not the best option for those who want to wear their pieces while working out. The gold can tarnish and discolor when exposed to salty sweat and body oils. For example, the sweat will react negatively with the chemicals in your perfume or body lotion, which can cause the vermeil to tarnish.

Or, at least, make an effort to avoid contact between jewelry pieces and the sweatiest parts of your body. For example, a gold vermeil chain will not fair well when exposed to a sweaty chest. Therefore, it may be better to opt for dainty studs instead, considering the ears are a relatively dry area.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR WATER DAMAGE TO APPEAR ON VERMEIL?

The rate of damage depends on a few factors, such as the thickness of the gold layer, the type of metal underneath, and how often the jewelry is worn. It takes quite a while for damage to appear on gold vermeil jewelry. However, if you wear your jewelry frequently or expose it to harsh chemicals or saltwater, the damage will occur more quickly.

If you have a piece of gold vermeil that does get wet, never fear! Just dry it off as soon as possible with a soft cloth and let it air dry. Don't use an abrasive cleaner on the jewelry as this could leave scratches. Once your vermeil piece has dried thoroughly, you may store it.

WILL GOLD VERMEIL TURN GREEN?

Contrary to popular belief, green marks are only a tell-tale of how your skin reacts to the jewelry. However, they are not usually a reflection of the piece's quality. Because the silver in vermeil oxidizes, this may cause a green tint.

If the mark irritates your skin, it could mean you're allergic to that particular metal. A thick gold coating can prevent adverse reactions to the metal, and there are other ways to protect your skin.

Many people use clear nail polish to line the interior of their jewelry to prevent oxidation and avoid blemishes or allergic reactions.

While the silver in vermeil can oxidize and leave a mark on your skin, it's nothing compared to the oxidation of brass, nickel, or copper.

HOW TO KEEP GOLD VERMEIL FROM TARNISHING?

To prevent gold vermeil from tarnishing, avoid using harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine, etc.) that will strip the gold plating.
The surface of your objects can be affected by dust, pollutants, fragrances, and cosmetics.This could alter the gloss, which is something you don't want to happen. You should always apply perfume before wearing your pieces. Because if you don't, the chemicals could interact with the gold and silver, leading to dulling and discoloration.
Avoid chlorine, as it can damage both gold and silver. If you're going to swim in chlorinated water, take your jewelry off to avoid any contact.
You should also avoid exposing vermeil to extreme temperature changes since the high temperatures may melt the gold layer on top of the base metal, which can cause pitting and tarnishing.
When you take off your vermeil jewelry, make sure to store it in dry, airtight containers away from humidity and sunlight. Both of these things can speed up the tarnishing process as well. Sunlight can cause the gold to fade, while humidity can cause the sterling silver underneath to tarnish.
The best thing to do is place each piece in a small polybag or wrap it in tissue paper before putting it into your jewelry box. Polybags prevent oxygen from reaching the jewelry, which will cause it to tarnish. Utilizing poly bags will help to keep the vermeil bright and shiny for as long as possible!
Never sleep in your vermeil jewelry, as the constant movement can cause the gold to wear away. You should also take it off before doing any physical activity, as sweat can accelerate the tarnishing process.

HOW TO CLEAN GOLD VERMEIL JEWELRY?

Cleaning your jewelry is a regular ritual that keeps it dazzling. If you use polishing cloths regularly, we recommend doing a deep clean every 3-6 months.

Materials:

Bowl

All-natural dish soap

Warm water

Microfibre soft towel

A brush with soft bristles

Instructions:

Combine 1-2 drops of dish soap with lukewarm water in a bowl.
Soak your vermeil jewelry for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas on your jewelry (like in between the gemstone prongs and chains).
Pour fresh water into the bowl and rinse your jewelry.
Dry your vermeil jewelry with a microfiber towel. Microfiber is absorbent and soft, making it ideal for drying delicate items.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD VERMEIL VS. SOLID GOLD?

The main difference between gold vermeil and solid gold is that gold vermeil is a type of gold plating while solid gold is the actual metal. Gold vermeil is created by taking a 2.5 microns thick layer of gold and electroplating it to a sterling silver base. On the other hand, solid gold is simply pure 100% gold.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD PLATING AND GOLD VERMEIL?

Vermeil is not the same as gold plating. In contrast to vermeil, gold plating does not contain any industry standard for the karat weight of precious metals used (vermeil is 10k or higher) or the plating thickness (vermeil is at least 2.5 microns thick). Instead, gold plating is typically a thin layer of metal applied to a base metal, such as sterling silver or brass (vermeil only coats sterling silver).

IS VERMEIL BETTER THAN PLATED?

The simple answer is yes, vermeil is better than plated. Here's why:

1) Vermeil is a heavier coating of gold over sterling silver, whereas plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal. This means that vermeil will last much longer than plated jewelry before the gold wears off.

2) Vermeil is a more expensive process to create, so it tends to be made with better quality materials than plated jewelry.

3) Because vermeil is a more substantial coating, it's also less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people with metal sensitivities.

4) Vermeil has a more luxurious look and feel than plated jewelry, perfect for special occasions.

IS GOLD VERMEIL THE SAME AS GOLD-FILLED?

No, there are several differences between gold-filled and gold vermeil jewelry. One difference is gold-filled jewelry can use any base metal, including metals such as brass or copper. In contrast, gold vermeil can only coat a sterling silver base according to government regulations. In addition, the karat weight and plating thickness vary in gold-filled jewelry.

WHICH IS BETTER GOLD-FILLED OR VERMEIL?

The most significant distinction between gold vermeil and gold filled is the manufacturing process. Gold vermeil is electroplated, whereas gold filled is joined through a pressure and heat method.

Think of it this way: gold vermeil is a sterling silver base with the gold "painted" on, or in some cases, "flash dipped," depending on the thickness of the gold overlay. On the other hand, gold-filled is generally brass or sterling silver with the gold "melted" on, subjected to substantial heat and pressure for a lengthy amount of time.

Gold-filled jewelry lasts longer because of the manufacturing process. In contrast, gold vermeil has strict, better quality control regulations, such as the gold plating must be 10k or higher, at least 2.5 microns thick, and other government-regulated requirements. Some consider gold vermeil a better option as it is a hypoallergenic metal.

DOES THE THICKNESS OF GOLD MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The thickness of the material is important in both metals since it influences how long the jewelry will last. However, since the gold is not water-resistant in a vermeil setting, the risk of wear increases with everyday use and contact with water, skin, and sweat. However, gold-filled jewelry does not display as much physical change when subjected to daily wear.

To be certified as gold vermeil, the electroplated gold layer in a vermeil piece must equal or exceed 2.5 microns of thickness. Whereas, to be certified as gold-filled, the pressure-bonded gold content in a gold-filled piece must equal or exceed 1/20 of the mass of the jewelry item.

To summarize, if one jewelry piece consists of gold-filled and an identical jewelry piece consists of gold vermeil, and both pieces feature an equal thickness of gold, the more durable manufacturing process will cause gold filled to endure longer than vermeil.

WHAT IS WHITE GOLD VERMEIL?

White gold vermeil is a process of plating sterling silver with white gold, giving the jewelry a more expensive look without the high price tag. The method uses an electrical current to bond the two metals together.

The white gold layer is 10k or higher and 2.5 microns thick over a sterling silver base.

CAN GOLD VERMEIL RINGS BE RESIZED?

One downside to gold vermeil is that it can be difficult to resize. If you need to resize your ring, it's important to take it to a jeweler experienced in working with this type of jewelry.

While a metalsmith can resize gold vermeil rings, it's important to remember that the metalsmith working on the piece will unavoidably damage the gold coating. Therefore, you'll need to have the ring replated once resized.

CAN YOU WEAR GOLD VERMEIL EVERY DAY?

Yes, you can wear gold vermeil every day, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure the pieces last many years.

First of all, avoid contact with hard surfaces. The gold plating is thin, and it can easily rub off hard surfaces and get scratched.

Secondly, take the jewelry off before you shower or go to bed. The chemicals in soap and water can damage the gold plating.

Lastly, always wipe the jewelry down with a soft cloth after wearing it. The wiping down of jewelry will remove any body oils or cosmetics you might have transferred to the jewelry during wear.

IS GOLD VERMEIL WORTH IT?

Gold vermeil is an excellent alternative to gold-plated jewelry, especially if you're sensitive to metals. It's also a great option if you're looking for a more affordable way to "upgrade" your look.