Gold jewellery has become very popular in recent years, there is a lot to choose from, but what is worth purchasing? There are so many different types of ‘gold’ jewellery available - continue reading and we will make it crystal clear.
What is vermeil?
Jewellery crafted with a thick layer of gold over the sterling silver base- it makes gold vermeil hypoallergenic.
-You will see the jewellery is stamped with a tiny ‘925’.
-The gold must be at least 10 karats.
-The item must have a minimum of 2.5 microns of gold, durable and long lasting. Anything lower is classed as ‘plated’ which could be as low as 0.1 micron (useless in our opinion, has very little durability). This also means the base metal could be anything and is usually a much cheaper metal than silver-
How do I say vermeil?
It can be pronounced multiple ways, but ‘ver-may’ is how we pronounce it.
Will gold vermeil tarnish?
Gold and silver react with the environment, nothing a gentle clean can’t solve. Gold vermeil is the highest quality and longest lasting excluding solid gold, which comes with a hefty price tag unlike vermeil.
Surface abrasions can be easily polished with our polishing cloth. We send one with every order, no matter the price. All jewellery needs care and attention to keep it looking its best.
Why do we love gold vermeil?
Because of its quality, affordability, and look. Vermeil gives longevity worth investing in when cared for properly, it doesn’t carry the big money price tag that solid gold does and it’s beautiful.
Gold Vermeil is real gold electroplated over sterling silver and can be plated in various Carats (ct). The higher the Carat the richer the yellow, 24ct almost has an orange/red shine. We sell 9ct through to 22ct.
Can I get Gold Vermeil wet?
Of course, but we do not advise it. The deposits in tap water will dull the gold over time as well as shampoos, conditioners and cosmetics. Chemicals in pools and hot tubs can permanently damage your precious jewellery.
Our motto.
‘the last item you put on in the morning, the first thing you take off at night’
Is gold vermeil hypoallergenic?
One of its many great features, it is hypoallergenic! This is due to it being curated from precious metals. Most people will have no reaction or issue with gold vermeil jewellery.
Gold vermeil vs plated
Without doubt, our vermeil is better than plated. The minimum standard of 2.5microns of gold and sterling silver base metal in vermeil ensures a quality and durability not offered in plated pieces.
While plated jewellery is very affordable, you will buy over and over again, negating initial savings and creating more waste our planet doesn’t need!
Gold plate, gold vermeil, solid gold
Over time all gold tarnishes, however this does not mean it is ruined. Tarnishing is a natural process when the alloys in the gold react with oxygen and the effect can easily be polished away. Jewellery can be brought back to its original glory with the polishing cloth we provide with every order, or professionally and safely deep cleaned by your local jeweller.
Gold vermeil will not stain your neck, ear or finger green. This usually comes from plated jewellery that has an abundance of copper in the base metal like brass plated jewellery- we advise avoiding gold ‘tone’ or ‘coloured’ jewellery.
Gold vermeil is a high quality, affordable jewellery. Compared to solid gold, it is the next best choice.
Gold vermeil or sterling silver?
For us, it depends on what you like and what look you want to create.
Sterling Silver is a precious metal and the base of gold vermeil jewellery, like gold vermeil, sterling silver can be polished back to its original shine- we love mixing metals too, that comes down to personal preference.
Gold vermeil vs gold Filled
Like gold vermeil, gold filled has a thick layer of gold. The difference - gold filled usually has a cheaper base metal, not a sterling silver base like gold vermeil so for us gold vermeil is still the clear winner here.
Deciding what type of gold jewellery is best for you comes down to personal choice.
Think about your budget, your style, or if you are sensitive to any metals- you’ll then be able to figure out what is best for you.
Think about your budget, your style, or if you’re sensitive to any metals- you’ll then be able to figure out what is best for you.