Vermeil Jewelry Guide

What is Vermeil? (pronounced ver-may)

Vermeil is a high quality gold-plated jewelry created by electroplating gold onto a sterling silver base. Also known as silver-gilt, the practice of plating gold over sterling silver has been in use since ancient times. Due to the greater strength of sterling silver and its lower weight, many objects that you’d think of as gold are actually vermeil. Sports trophies (including Olympic gold medals) and crowns are often made of sterling silver and then plated over. This ensures they are durable and not too heavy. Vermeil jewelry is typically stamped with the 925 hallmark used for sterling silver.

How to care for Vermeil.

Vermeil needs deliberate care. It is not great as an everyday wear. With time the gold layer can wear down, exposing the sterling silver underneath. Vermeil can react to chemical exposure, causing it to discolor. Avoid exposing your jewelry to water, sweat, household cleaners, lotions, and perfumes. Polish only when absolutely necessary with a lint free cloth. Using jewelry cleaners or polishing cloths with a chemical cleaner included can damage the gold surface and expose the sterling silver. 

Pros/Cons of Vermeil.

Vermeil jewelry gives you the appearance of solid gold at a much lower price. Vermeil jewelry is available in a wide variety of styles at a similar price point to sterling silver jewelry, so if you prefer the look of yellow gold, it is a simple substitute. The biggest downside to vermeil is it's not a great choice for everyday jewelry. For example, if you wear a vermeil ring every day, it will constantly rub against your finger and come into contact with everything you touch. Depending on what that looks like as a typical day for you, that finish may be damaged fairly quickly. Now it is not unwearable if the gold layer is damaged; it is basically just turning into a piece of sterling silver jewelry.

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