Gold jewelry comes in many different forms, each with its unique composition and characteristics. Among the options, you’ll find gold plated, gold vermeil, gold filled, and solid gold. At Boho Beau, we specialize in creating stunning collections made from gold vermeil and gold filled materials. While solid gold is a classic choice, it can come with a hefty price tag, which is why we focus on offering affordable luxury through gold filled and gold vermeil jewelry.
Gold filled has certain limitations, as it’s mostly available in sheet or wire form (read more about this in our Types of Gold Jewelry blog post). This is one of the reasons we adore using gold vermeil in our collections. It offers a beautiful, durable, and budget-friendly option that’s perfect for everyday wear!
Our favorite vermeil jewelry include our best-selling Zodiac Coin Necklace, Fiona Herringbone Necklace, Tiny Puzzle Necklace and Vida Heart Engraved Necklace which showcases the elegance of gold vermeil. Now, let's dive into everything you need to know about gold vermeil—what it is, how it's made, and why it’s the perfect choice for affordable luxury.
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What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) refers to jewelry made by coating a base of sterling silver with a layer of gold. To qualify as vermeil, the gold coating must meet specific criteria: it must be at least 10 karats in purity and at least 2.5 microns thick. This process results in a high-quality finish that mimics the appearance of solid gold while being more affordable. Gold vermeil is perfect for those who desire the beauty of gold without the hefty price tag of solid gold.
Understanding Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is a type of jewelry created by applying a thick layer of gold onto a sterling silver base. The word vermeil originates from the French term vermilion, which refers to a reddish-gold color. Vermeil jewelry is defined by its sterling silver core and a gold layer that meets specific quality standards.
To be considered gold vermeil, the jewelry must meet the following requirements:
Base Metal: The base metal must be sterling silver, containing at least 92.5% pure (sterling) silver and 7.5% other metails.
Gold Thickness: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick, which is much thicker than regular gold-plated jewelry.
Gold Purity: The gold used is typically 10K, 14K, or 18K, with 18K being the most common.
How is Gold Vermeil Made?
The process of creating gold vermeil jewelry begins with a piece of sterling silver. The silver is first cleaned and polished to create a smooth surface. Then, through electroplating, a thick layer of gold is applied. Electroplating involves submerging the silver piece into a solution containing gold ions, and an electric current is used to bond the gold to the surface of the silver.
The result is a stunning gold-like finish that retains the durability of sterling silver. The thicker gold layer in vermeil ensures that it lasts longer than gold-plated jewelry, offering a more durable, long-lasting piece.
Benefits of Gold Vermeil
Affordable Luxury: Gold vermeil offers the luxurious look of gold without the high price tag. It’s an excellent choice for those who want gold jewelry but don’t want to spend on solid gold pieces.
Durability: Thanks to its thick gold layer, gold vermeil is more durable than gold-plated jewelry. The gold coating is less likely to wear off or tarnish quickly, ensuring a longer-lasting piece.
Hypoallergenic: Since the base metal is sterling silver, gold vermeil jewelry is usually hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
Variety: Gold vermeil is available in a wide range of jewelry types, from rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings. Whether you prefer classic designs or more modern, trendy pieces, you’ll find plenty of options in gold vermeil.
Low Maintenance: Unlike solid gold, which requires occasional polishing to maintain its shine, gold vermeil pieces require minimal care and are resistant to tarnishing and discoloration.
Gold Vermeil Standards: USA, Canada, and the Caribbean
Gold vermeil is subject to specific standards in various regions to ensure quality and authenticity. Here’s a breakdown of the key regulations:
USA Gold Vermeil Standards
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines gold vermeil with the following criteria:
Base Metal: The base metal must be sterling silver (92.5% pure silver or higher).
Gold Content: The gold coating must be at least 10 karats (10K) or higher. It can be 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K.
Gold Thickness: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick, which is significantly thicker than the gold layer in standard gold-plated jewelry.
These guidelines ensure that gold vermeil jewelry is high-quality, durable, and worthy of its luxurious appearance.
Canada Gold Vermeil Standards
In Canada, gold vermeil is similar but there are slight differences in the gold thickness requirement:
Base Metal: The base metal must be sterling silver.
Gold Content: The gold coating must be at least 10K gold or higher.
Gold Thickness: The gold coating must be at least 1.0 micron thick. This is lower than the 2.5-micron requirement in the U.S.
Since monitoring isn’t always strict, it’s possible to find jewelry labeled as gold vermeil that doesn't meet the FTC's higher gold thickness standard, so it’s important to check the specifics when purchasing.
Caribbean Gold Vermeil Standards
In the Caribbean, there isn't a unified regulatory body across all countries. However, many Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica, generally follow similar guidelines to those in the U.S.:
Base Metal: Sterling silver is usually the base metal for gold vermeil.
Gold Content: The gold must be at least 10K or higher.
Gold Thickness: The gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
As in Canada, there may be slight regional differences depending on local regulations.
Does Gold Vermeil Tarnish?
Gold vermeil can tarnish if exposed to air over time, as the base metal is sterling silver, which can oxidize. However, the thick gold layer helps reduce tarnishing, and if tarnish does form, it can be easily cleaned with a polishing cloth.
To avoid tarnishing, it’s best to store gold vermeil jewelry in an airtight bag when not in use.
How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?
Gold vermeil jewelry can last for several years with proper care. However, over time, the gold layer will eventually wear down, revealing the sterling silver base beneath. The longevity depends on the thickness of the gold layer and how well the jewelry is maintained.
How to Care for Gold Vermeil Jewelry
To extend the lifespan of your gold vermeil jewelry, follow these care tips:
Avoid harsh chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays.
Remove during certain activities: Take off your jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising.
Clean gently: Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to clean your pieces. Check out our detailed cleaning instructions!
Store properly: Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place, ideally in a pouch or box to prevent scratching.
Gold Vermeil vs. Gold Filled: Which is Better?
Both gold vermeil and gold filled jewelry offer distinct advantages. Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, making it durable and long-lasting. However, gold vermeil offers more versatility in design due to its sterling silver base, which can be cast into intricate shapes and detailed pieces.
While gold-filled jewelry is generally more resistant to wear, gold vermeil remains a great, affordable choice for everyday luxury.
Gold Vermeil vs. Gold Plated: Which is Better?
Gold vermeil is significantly better than gold-plated jewelry. The gold layer in gold vermeil is much thicker, providing greater durability and a longer-lasting finish. Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, often has a much thinner gold layer, which can wear off quickly.
Conclusion
Gold vermeil is a fantastic choice for affordable luxury, offering the beauty of gold without the high cost of solid gold. Whether you prefer gold vermeil over gold plated or gold filled jewelry, it’s clear that its quality, durability, and elegance make it a top choice for everyday wear.
Explore our collection of gold vermeil pieces and let us know if you have any questions!
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