Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plating

Gold vermeil and gold-plated jewelry are often compared, because they are very similar. However, gold vermeil is of much higher quality than regular gold plating, ensuring that the gold color of your pieces will not fade any time soon.

But what is gold vermeil?

In a few words it is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. But just like gold, or sterling silver, vermeil is also a legally regulated term. For a piece of jewelry to be called vermeil it needs to tick three boxes:

• The base metal needs to be sterling silver 925.
• The gold that is used for the plating needs to be at least 10K.
• The plating needs to be at least 2.5 microns thick.

Gold vermeil allows jewelers to create quality pieces that cost less than solid gold ones but look as luxurious as fine jewelry and last for many years. Actually, as vermeil jewelry pieces are composed of two precious metals (gold and silver), they are usually thought of as being closer to fine jewelry and can be called “demi-fine.”

Re-plating jewelry

Not only gold-plated jewelry but also the vermeil ones will fade after some time. But that doesn’t mean you have to part with them. Seek the help of a reputable goldsmith and ask them to re-plate them for you.

Shop vermeil jewelry here.