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.
So, is vermeil the same as gold plated jewellery? Not really. Whilst the process of electroplating solid gold over a base layer is the same, there are subtle differences between the two types of gold jewellery that make us love gold vermeil just a little bit more.
Gold vermeil is crafted from pure or sterling silver with a thickness of at least 2.5 microns. Gold plating, on the other hand, takes place on cheaper metals like metal, copper, and brass and has a minimum thickness of 0.5 microns. That said, gold vermeil is far more durable and is less likely to tarnish or fade over time.
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.
