Thinking about buying gold jewelry? You’ve likely encountered the term “gold vermeil.” So, what exactly is gold vermeil jewelry? Let us explain. While gold vermeil doesn’t equate to the quality of solid gold, it is a superior and more durable alternative when comparing it to gold-plated jewelry.
Moreover, gold vermeil is a more cost-effective choice, especially if your main focus is on the diamond or gemstone rather than the gold band. Keep reading for an in-depth look at gold vermeil, its benefits, durability, and tips on how to maintain its shine over time.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Pronounced “vehr-may,” this term comes from French and describes high-quality, gold-plated jewelry like bracelets, rings, or men’s chains, which have a thicker plating for increased durability. To be legally classified as vermeil in the U.S., jewelry must meet specific standards:
- It must have a sterling silver base.
- The gold layer must be at least 10K, containing a minimum of 41.7% gold content.
- The gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick (1/100th of a millimeter).
Is Gold Vermeil Real Gold?
Even though gold vermeil jewelry isn’t made of solid gold, its thick, genuine gold plating positions it just below solid gold in terms of quality and affordability. The main difference between gold vermeil and solid gold jewelry is that vermeil pieces consist of a sterling silver base electroplated with gold, whereas solid gold items are entirely made of gold without any alternative core.
Does Gold Vermeil Tarnish?
Gold vermeil can tarnish, but it’s less prone to tarnishing compared to jewelry plated with copper, brass, or nickel, thanks to its sterling silver core. Environmental factors, such as air, moisture, and humidity, can cause tarnishing or the formation of copper dioxide, which appears as surface discoloration over time. However, you can prevent tarnishing with regular home maintenance or quick visits to a reliable jeweler.
How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?
Being a type of plating, gold vermeil can wear down over time, especially with heavy use. Nevertheless, with proper care and maintenance, its thick and robust plating can endure for many years or even decades.
How to Clean Vermeil Jewelry
Given that gold vermeil is a warm-toned metal, it requires mindful cleaning. Although it’s not as prone to tarnishing as other types of jewelry, it’s advisable to clean vermeil pieces every few months, depending on usage. Luckily, cleaning gold vermeil is straightforward:
- Mix a few drops of non-chemical dish soap with warm water in a small bowl.
- Soak a soft cloth in the mixture and gently polish your jewelry.
- Wipe away any excess soap with another soft cloth dipped in warm water.
- Carefully pat the jewelry dry.
Additionally, it’s wise to have your jeweler professionally clean and inspect your gold vermeil pieces periodically.
Gold Vermeil vs. Gold Plated
The distinction between gold vermeil and gold-plated jewelry lies in the thickness of the plating and the base material. Gold plating on gold-plated jewelry is at least 0.5 microns thick, significantly thinner than the 2.5 microns required for gold vermeil, making gold-plated pieces more susceptible to wear. Plus, while vermeil uses a sterling silver base, gold-plated pieces often feature cheaper core materials like copper or brass.
Is Gold Vermeil Worth It?
Aside from solid gold, gold vermeil is among the highest quality gold jewelry available, making it an excellent choice for quality-conscious consumers. Its thick gold plating renders it more durable than gold-plated jewelry and gives it a lower price point than solid gold pieces.
Discover the T-Shirtmeng gold vermeil jewelry collection today and experience the brilliance of vermeil.
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