What is Vermeil?
Gold jewellery comes in all different karats and colors. From 10k to 24k, and white gold to rose gold and yellow, there’s a hue and karat for everybody.
In addition to these karats and colors, there are also different types of gold jewellery. That is, not all gold jewellery is made out of solid gold.
In this article, we’ll be discussing one of the more popular alternatives to solid gold: Vermeil.
Vermeil is a great option that sits in the middle between the beauty and longevity of solid gold pieces and the value of gold-plated pieces.
In this guide, we’ll talk about exactly what constitutes vermeil, how it compares to solid gold and gold-plated jewellery, and how you can care for your vermeil piece so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Composition
Vermeil jewellery is defined as a jewellery piece having a sterling silver base that’s plated with a layer of gold.
In Canada and the United States, in order for a piece to be designated as vermeil, the piece needs to be plated with gold that’s at least 2.5 microns thick.
This gold plating can be done in a variety of karats and different colors. 14k and 18k are typical, and the color options available are the same as with solid gold pieces: white, yellow, and rose.
How Does Vermeil Compare to Solid Gold?
When it comes to looks, vermeil and solid gold pieces look virtually identical. The differences come down to what they’re made of, their longevity, and their value.
Solid gold jewellery is made completely of gold alloy from top to bottom.
Vermeil, on the other hand, has a sterling silver base covered with a layer of real gold. Unlike with a solid gold piece, the gold layer of vermeil can slowly wear down with regular use—especially on pieces like rings or bracelets that rub against surfaces often.
With this in mind, the plating on vermeil pieces can be redone to restore any gold that has been lost through the years.
Because solid gold contains more gold overall, it’s naturally more valuable. Value aside, though, vermeil is an excellent option for anyone who wants the look of gold without paying the higher price.
How Does Vermeil Differ from Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Vermeil and gold-plated pieces differ in their core metals and thickness of plating; while the two may appear similar, the difference in quality is significant.
Gold-plated jewellery typically features a very thin layer of gold applied to a base metal l. The thickness of the plating here is typically less than 0.5 microns.
With it being so thin, the plated layer of gold can wear relatively quickly, revealing the metal underneath after a short period of time.
In contrast, thanks to Vermeil’s thicker gold plating, pieces generally keep their gold appearance longer than gold-plated pieces, which are typically made for short-term wear or fashion use.
For both vermeil and gold-plated pieces, the plating can be redone.
Longevity and Care
While more durable than standard plating, vermeil still requires gentle care to preserve its golden finish. Over time, the outer layer of gold will naturally wear down, especially on frequently worn pieces.
To keep your vermeil jewellery looking its best, it’s recommended to avoid having it touch any harsh liquids or moisture in general. Furthermore, taking it off before any exercise or strenuous activity is advised.
With proper care and mindful wear, vermeil jewellery does hold its look and shine.
If there's ever the case of the plating wearing off, you can simply have it replated by your local jeweller.
Conclusion
Vermeil offers a great middle ground between solid gold and gold-plated pieces. With a sterling silver base and a thick layer of gold, it looks indistinguishable from gold and comes at a more reasonable price point. On top of this, it lasts much longer than gold-plated pieces, and with proper care, can be enjoyed for years to come.
At Vena Nova, we carry a wide selection of vermeil pieces to match every taste and style. We invite you to visit our showroom in Calgary’s Market Mall to explore our collection in person, or browse online to find the perfect piece that fits your look and budget.