Here’s what we will discuss in this post:
- What is vermeil gold?
- Is vermeil gold real gold?
- Does vermeil gold wear off?
- Does vermeil gold tarnish?
- How long does vermeil gold jewelry last?
- Is vermeil gold hypoallergenic?
- Can you shower with vermeil gold?
- Can vermeil gold get wet?
- How do you clean vermeil gold?
- Can a vermeil gold ring be resized?
- Is vermeil gold worth investing in?
- What is rose vermeil gold?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOLD VERMEIL
Are you looking for a way to add more shine and sparkle to your accessories? Gold vermeil might be the answer. Gold vermeil is a luxurious yet affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry that promises long-lasting beauty. So, what exactly is it? Let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know about it.
WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?
Gold vermeil is created by coating a base metal, such as sterling silver, with a layer of genuine, solid gold. To qualify as vermeil, the gold must be at least 10K and have a thickness of 1.0 micron or more.
IS GOLD VERMEIL REAL GOLD?
Yes, gold vermeil is real gold! It’s simply a fancy term for “gold-plated silver.” Vermeil jewelry has a base layer of silver that is thickly coated with at least 10K gold. This means you get all the gorgeous shine of solid gold without the high price tag.
DOES GOLD VERMEIL WEAR OFF?
Gold vermeil is a strong and durable alloy, but like any jewelry, it can wear down over time. The good news is that it’s much more resistant to daily wear and tear than silver. If you handle your gold-plated pieces with care, they will maintain their shine for many years. So, while the gold layer might not be indestructible, it's definitely worth the investment!
DOES VERMEIL TARNISH?
The honest answer is yes—the gold layer can tarnish over time. Gold vermeil tarnishes due to the reaction of oxygen with the base metal (silver). Factors like humidity, sweat, pollution, and more can also accelerate the tarnishing process.
But here's the good news: with proper care, you can prevent vermeil from tarnishing. The best way to keep your gold layer from tarnishing is to avoid exposure to products like lotions, perfumes, oils, and harsh chemicals. You should also store your vermeil pieces in an airtight box or bag to avoid air exposure. For added protection, you can polish your gold layer with a soft cloth every few weeks.
HOW LONG DOES GOLD VERMEIL JEWELRY LAST?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the lifespan of the gold layer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the gold plating, how often you wear the jewelry, and the type of activities you do while wearing it. Generally, high-quality pieces that are properly cared for can last between 5-10 years before they begin to show signs of wear.
IS GOLD VERMEIL HYPOALLERGENIC?
The good news is that gold vermeil is hypoallergenic! The base metal of sterling silver in the gold layer contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other alloy metals, such as copper, which makes it more durable. Copper can be an allergen for some people, but due to the thick layer of gold, it completely covers the copper, creating a barrier between your skin and the underlying metal. Even people with sensitive skin can wear gold vermeil without worrying about irritation or allergies.
CAN VERMEIL GET WET?
We recommend not exposing your gold vermeil jewelry to water. Vermeil is essentially gold-plated, meaning with repeated exposure to water and other elements, the protective gold layer can begin to wear off. Chemicals like chlorine (commonly found in pool water) and salt water can degrade the gold layer, leaving your jewelry with a discolored finish.
CAN YOU SHOWER WITH GOLD VERMEIL?
We don't advise showering with your gold vermeil jewelry. The chemicals in body wash, shampoo, and soap can strip the gold layer over time. It’s best to remove your vermeil jewelry before showering for several reasons.
HARMFUL FACTORS:
- SOAP: Soap can cause gold vermeil jewelry to tarnish by creating a chemical reaction that forms a black film on the gold surface. This film, known as tarnish, can make gold-plated jewelry look dull and dirty.
- SHAMPOO: Shampoo can also damage gold vermeil jewelry by causing it to tarnish, as it contains chemicals that can react with the gold and darken it.
- CONDITIONER: Hair conditioner can harm gold vermeil jewelry by dulling its shine. Conditioners contain oils that can coat the surface of the gold and prevent light from reflecting off it.
- BODY WASH: Body wash can damage gold vermeil jewelry by causing discoloration. Body wash contains harsh chemicals that can react with the gold and alter its color.
- WATER TEMPERATURE: Excessively hot or cold water can damage the gold layer by causing it to warp or crack. Gold is a soft metal that can easily be damaged by extreme temperature changes.
- WATER PRESSURE: High water pressure can harm gold vermeil jewelry by causing it to bend or break. Gold is a soft metal and cannot withstand much pressure without becoming damaged.
- ROUGH SURFACES: Rough surfaces in the bathroom, such as tile or grout, can damage the gold layer by scratching or scuffing its delicate surface.
- SCRUBBING DEVICES: Scrubbing tools can damage the vermeil layer by scratching or wearing down the gold surface.
Here are some tips for cleaning gold vermeil jewelry and keeping it looking its best.
- Start with a mild soap solution – Gold vermeil is delicate, so you'll want to use an all-natural dish soap when cleaning it. Simply mix the soap with warm water.
- Use a soft cloth – Take a soft, lint-free cloth and dip it in the soapy water. Gently rub the cloth over your gold jewelry to remove any dirt that may have accumulated on its surface.
- Rinse with warm water – Once you're done scrubbing, rinse it with warm water. This will help ensure all the soap is removed from the surface of your jewelry and leaves no residue behind.
- Pat dry – After rinsing, dry your gold jewelry by gently patting it with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the delicate material.
CAN A GOLD VERMEIL RING BE RESIZED?
Absolutely! A gold vermeil ring can be resized just like any other ring. Keep in mind that gold vermeil jewelry is made with a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, so it may require extra care compared to other types of rings. If you want to resize your gold vermeil ring, make sure to take it to an experienced jeweler who can do the job properly and avoid any potential damage!
Additionally, be aware that the plating may be damaged or even peel off during the resizing process, so your vermeil ring will need a quick and relatively inexpensive replating afterward.
IS GOLD VERMEIL WORTH IT?
If you're wondering whether gold vermeil jewelry is worth investing in, we have two words for you: absolutely! Not only does it look luxurious and beautiful, but it's also more affordable compared to solid gold. Plus, the durability of gold vermeil makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear. So, if you're looking to add a bit of sparkle to your jewelry collection without breaking the bank, gold vermeil is definitely worth it!
WHAT IS ROSE GOLD VERMEIL?
Rose vermeil is made by applying a thick layer of rose gold (a blend of yellow gold and copper) over a base of sterling silver. Two key criteria must be met for it to be considered rose vermeil: the base metal must contain 92.5% sterling silver, and the purity of the rose gold must be at least 10K.
SUMMARY
Gold vermeil jewelry is an excellent investment that not only looks luxurious but is also extremely durable and affordable. While there are some precautions to take when cleaning your gold-plated pieces, they generally require minimal care to stay in their best shape! And if you're looking for something different, rose gold vermeil is an attractive alternative. So go ahead and treat yourself to some vermeil jewelry—you won't regret it!