Timeless Elegance within your means
Discover the great qualities of Gold Vermeil Jewelry!
What is Gold Vermeil?
If you're shopping for gold jewelry, you may have seen jewelry labelled "gold vermeil", "vermeil", "14k vermeil", "18k vermeil", etc. We’re here to guide you through all the features of gold vermeil and help you understand why you should choose to invest in gold vermeil jewelry!
What makes Gold Vermeil a great choice?
Gold vermeil jewelry is made by layering gold over a base of sterling silver. To be considered genuine gold vermeil, the gold must be at least 10k in purity and the coating should be at least 2.5 microns thick. At Ema Jewels, we use 14k gold, which ensures a high-quality finish that is both durable and long-lasting.
Is vermeil the same as gold plated jewelry?
Short answer, no. Gold Vermeil differs significantly from gold-plated jewelry. The primary distinctions are in the thickness of the gold plating and the base metal used.
Gold-plated jewelry features a gold layer that is at least 0.5 microns thick, which is five times thinner than gold vermeil. It often uses inexpensive core metals like copper or brass, leading to quicker wear and degradation.
In contrast, gold vermeil is a legally regulated term that specifies jewelry made with a sterling silver base and a gold plating of at least 2.5 microns thick.
This means that if you're looking for something affordable, yet valuable, elegant, and long-lasting, gold vermeil is surely the superior choice.
Is Vermeil real gold?
Yes, gold vermeil is considered real gold! For the jewelry piece to be legally regarded as gold vermeil, it must have a layer of at least 10k gold that is 2.5 microns thick, which is five times thicker than regular gold plating.
However, there's one main difference between gold vermeil and solid gold, which is the base metal used. Vermeil has a sterling silver base, whereas solid gold jewelry is made entirely of precious metal. While gold vermeil jewelry is not made of 100% "real gold," it still ensures a quality that closely rivals that of solid gold jewelry, maintaining elegance at a much more affordable price.
What are the variations of Gold vermeil?
14k gold vermeil is jewelry plated with a thick layer of 14k gold over a sterling silver base. 14k gold consists of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. Jewelry makers prefer 14k gold for plating rather than 24k pure gold because pure gold is very malleable and has strong yellow and orange tones, giving it a brassy appearance.
At Ema Jewels, our gold vermeil jewelry uses a 14k tone because it's perfect for everyday pieces.
Is Gold Vermeil Safe to Wear in Water?
No metal is truly 100% waterproof, including solid gold. While gold vermeil is durable, exposing it to water for long periods is not advisable. To extend the lifespan of your jewelry, it's recommended to keep gold vermeil as dry as possible. Although water may not cause immediate damage, prolonged exposure can lead to tarnishing or reduced shine due to ongoing chemical reactions.To protect your vermeil pieces, remove them before swimming, showering, going to the beach, or exercising, as sweat can also affect them.
