Cleaning jewelry can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the proper techniques. Here’s an essential guide on how to clean gold vermeil.
Keyword(s): gold vermeil
Even if your jewelry isn’t worth a fortune, you still want it to shine brilliantly. However, cleaning jewelry can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the appropriate methods.
Gold vermeil (pronounced vur-may) lies in the mid-range price category and therefore deserves thoughtful care. With proper cleaning, you’ll consistently achieve that golden shine.
Set aside your polish and dive into this comprehensive guide on how to meticulously clean your sparkling vermeil.
Silver for Starters
When preparing to clean your gold vermeil pieces, you might be inclined to follow methods meant for pure gold jewelry.
But hold on!
Despite sharing the yellow hue of pure gold, gold vermeil is actually a thick layer of gold plated over sterling silver.
Rest assured, your jewelry is exactly what you intended to purchase, but it’s essential to understand that vermeil is gold “wrapped around” sterling silver. Remember, gold vermeil must have at least 2.5 microns (100 millionths of an inch) in thickness and a minimum fineness of 10 karats.
So, what does this mean for cleaning your vermeil?
Vermeil jewelry is particularly resistant to tarnishing. Although silver tends to tarnish, the thick gold plating shields and protects it from this effect.
Getting Your Gemstone On
If your gold vermeil pieces are enhanced with gemstones, additional care steps are necessary.
While rinsing your hands with hot water post-workout may seem harmless, cleaning your gold vermeil requires caution with water temperature.
The Gemstone Institute of America cautions that excessive heat or sudden temperature changes can damage gemstone jewelry. Everyday activities like grabbing an ice-cold glass of white wine before washing your face with hot water can be detrimental.
The lustrous layers in pearls and white opals can darken and crack due to temperature shifts. Stones may loosen and fall from their settings.
Gradually introduce your jewelry to temperature changes to maintain their beauty.
Hang onto that ring to protect your precious pieces!
Regardless of gemstone inclusion, exercise caution with what comes into contact with your jewelry.
Avoid exposing your jewelry to lotions, perfumes, and oils. Even a tiny dab on pulse points can transfer chemicals throughout the day.
Dyes and chemicals in perfumes and lotions can dull or harm your jewelry. Likewise, shampoos, soaps, and cleansers in showers or baths can cause damage, so remove your jewelry beforehand.
This advice extends to other water activities. While it may seem inconvenient, take off your vermeil before entering pools, spas, hot springs, or hot tubs. Chlorine and other chemicals can be damaging. Ideally, leave your jewelry safely at home or in your car.
Consider a Gadget
With robotic vacuums and automated apps, why not use a device to clean your gold vermeil?
The ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is rapidly gaining popularity, though it represents a considerable investment.
Over time, the cost can be justified by its convenience and thorough cleaning capabilities.
These cleaners can reach the tiny crevices in your gold vermeil pieces, such as the spaces between bangle links or clasps. If you’ve had trouble removing debris from these areas, you’ll appreciate an ultrasonic cleaner’s effectiveness.
Using an ultrasonic machine could be the solution to thoroughly cleaning every part of your jewelry without any hassle.
Gold Vermeil Expert Cleaners
Just as we seek professional help for various tasks, consider using expert cleaning services for your gold vermeil jewelry.
Many retail jewelry stores offer drop-off cleaning services, and some may clean your pieces while you shop. Jewelry repair stores might also take in items for cleaning.
While professional services typically cost more than DIY methods, you’re paying for expertise and top-quality cleaning materials and technologies.
To save some money, ask about new customer deals, volume discounts, coupons, and referral discounts at the store.
Additionally, check reviews and testimonials to ensure the store’s credibility.
Grab That Gold
Is your jewelry still sparkling?
If you’re looking to purchase new gold vermeil pieces or wish to expand your collection, we’re here to help.
Click here to contact us for cleaning queries. We’ve encountered nearly every situation and can recommend the best products and methods, as well as guide you to the latest styles for your fingers, neck, and wrists.
Join our Rewards program through the same link, where you can earn points toward free gold vermeil jewelry and other desirable designs. Sign up today and strive for the gold!
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