Originally developed in France back in the 18th century, gold vermeil is not something new. It consists of a pure or sterling silver base layer with solid gold coated on top, using a process known as electrolysis.
Why do we love it so much? Thanks to its thick layer of gold, gold vermeil is impressive, durable, and timeless. Trust us on this one – it can please even the savviest gold fanatics out there without breaking the bank.
The short answer is yes. At Reve Jewel, we use 18k gold that is a minimum of 2.5 microns thick over sterling silver to create beautiful gold designs at a fraction of the price. While gold vermeil won’t ever be 100% solid gold, it’s created using only precious metals – which makes it the finest choice when it comes to gold plated jewellery.
Gold vermeil and gold-plated jewellery share the same process of electroplating gold over a base metal, but there are important distinctions that set them apart—particularly in terms of quality and durability.
Gold vermeil is made using a pure or sterling silver base with a gold layer that is at least 2.5 microns thick. By contrast, gold plating can be applied not only to a sterling silver base but also to more affordable metals like brass, copper, or other alloys, with a minimum gold thickness of 0.5 microns. This difference makes gold vermeil significantly more durable and less prone to tarnishing or fading over time.
That said, our gold-plated jewellery is crafted with a thicker layer of gold than the standard 0.5 microns, ensuring greater durability. With proper care, you can rely on our pieces to resist tarnishing and maintain their beauty for years to come.
When it comes to keeping your favourite jewellery in top-notch condition, proper care can either make it or break it. That’s why we created a guide with our top jewellery care tips to ensure your pieces stand the test of time. Here’s what you need to remember:
• Keep gold vermeil away from liquids – be it makeup, creams, or chemicals.
• Clean your jewellery regularly in a soapy mix with water.
• Store gold vermeil in a velvet pouch, away from direct sunlight.
• Leave your jewellery out of your self-care routine.
• Be gentle. Gold vermeil doesn’t appreciate abrasive cleaners or harsh cleaning tools.
Its thick layer of gold makes gold vermeil a long-lasting jewellery option, aside from solid gold. The lifespan of your gold vermeil jewellery piece essentially depends on the purity of silver beneath and the thickness of the gold coating. Quality pieces from trusted jewellers that use a gold purity of 18k will undeniably have a great chance resisting signs of wear and tear.
Tarnishing is a natural process and almost all jewellery tarnishes over time. Find out why it happens and ways you can prevent it.
We want your most loved pieces to last in time, that's why every piece is covered by our two year warranty & lifetime repairs.
