Gold vermeil has recently become popular in the jewelry world. It is becoming more popular, but amusingly, few people are aware of what it really is. Although vermeil may appear to be a new fad, it has been around for centuries. That’s right! It’s been around since the Victorian times.
Gold vermeil was quite the popular choice in Victorian-era feature that was widely used in jewelry, dinnerware, and other merchandise.
Vermeil jewelry is currently one of the popular styles, striking the ideal balance among both value and quality. Numerous individuals seem to confuse vermeil with gold plating, but there is a significant distinction in terms of longevity, quality, and perceived benefits.
It is beneficial to distinguish between these two possibilities when shopping for jewelry.
Generally, a few factors contribute to determining whether a piece of jewelry is vermeil, including formation, width, and base material. Continue to read this post to learn more about what is ‘Gold Vermeil’ jewelry.
What Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry?
It is critical to understand that perhaps the term “vermeil” is a piece of jewelry that must fulfill definite criteria to be considered vermeil. Like it’s literally protected under the law. Vermeil is a type of gold-finished substance which is primarily made up of a thick layering of gold over solid sterling silver.
For instance, for the article to be considered vermeil in the United States, the gold component must be 10 karats or higher. Still, most high-quality items are fourteen, eighteen, or 24 karats, determined by the width and thickness of the jewelry.
The diameter of the gold portion is really what distinguishes vermeil jewelry from gold-plated pieces. The gold fraction needs to be at least a minimum of 2.5 microns thick. The metal is considered gold-plated if these three conditions are not met. Other colors of gold vermeil include Hamilton gold, rose gold, and others. The color you select is determined by your preferences.
If you would like to assemble a collection of exceptional quality jewelry without paying the high premium of pure gold, gold vermeil is an excellent choice.
Vermeil typically appears to the naked human eye to be gold, which makes it an excellent option in contrast to individuals who cannot afford pure gold jewelry. You could also polish it to give it a lovely shine or consider leaving it to besmirch for a vintage style.
Gold Vermeil In Other Applications
While gold vermeil is commonly used in jewelry, it is a dynamic and flexible metal with many other applications.
The White House’s Vermeil Space is a prime illustration. This well-known room features a wine fridge and dinnerware produced with vermeil. Vermeil is used in a variety of applications, including fittings and soft furnishings.
In addition, many sporting events medals, trophies, and Olympic gold medals are produced of gold vermeil.
Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry And Gold-Plated Jewelry The Same Thing?
Gold vermeil is significantly more long-lasting than gold plating due to its increased thickness; affordability and quality are combined in this case.
Numerous differences between gold vermeil and gold plating set these two types of gold apart. While gold plating can be done on just about any metal, from brass to copper, gold vermeil must be done on sterling silver. Reprocessed or recycled silver is an excellent base for a sustainable alternative.
The second essential differentiator is the width of the layer of material; whereas gold plating has a thickness of approximately 0.03 to 0.5 microns, vermeil must have a uniform thickness of 2.5 microns. When comparing gold vermeil to gold plating, gold vermeil is at least five times thicker than plated gold. Both gold-plated and gold vermeil jewelry has distinct benefits.
Gold vermeil is an ideal option for individuals looking for relatively higher quality but still reasonably priced articles that will serve them for a good couple of years. Gold vermeil is an excellent choice if you’re looking for pendants, anklets, or earrings. Those who change their style frequently may want to try out new things with gold-plated jewelry due to its slightly lower price tag, however, it’s not a very sustainable option.
Shopping Tips For Gold Vermeil Jewelry
When making a purchase, keep these few factors in mind. It’s important to remember that jewelry can serve as an opportunity to invest. While gold-plated jewelry may be less expensive now, gold vermeil will most likely be much more helpful in the future if you ever decide to sell it. It’s also easier to recycle than cheaper metals like copper and brass.
You must also consider the possibility that the base of gold-plated jewelry is made of a material other than gold. When these substances come into physical contact with someone’s skin, they can cause allergic reactions. If you are one of these people, avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry.
When gold vermeil is compared to gold plated, it is clear that gold vermeil is a superior quality substance for use in jewelry.
How Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry Made?
Electrolysis is used in the production of gold vermeil. Solid silver or sterling silver is primarily coated with a gold base material layer. Electrolysis coats the base material in a thick, continuous layer. Vermeil was previously created through the process of fire-gilding. However, this was afterward prohibited because of the hazards underlying this process, particularly the area of concern of mercury causing vision loss.
The life expectancy of gold vermeil is determined by the efficiency of the electrolysis process. In general, the coating must be thick enough to endure abrasion and wear. If performed correctly, electrolysis produces a consistent thickness and reliability that can last for a long time, lasting countless years.
Key Takeaway!
Gold vermeil is definitely the better option for you in the long run. When purchasing jewelry, you should always keep your budget in mind. You want to buy a high-quality item, but you also do not wish to spend any more money than you can manage to.
That said, if you want to buy gold jewelry but can’t support spending the money on 10 karats -18 karat gold, then gold vermeil jewelry is unquestionably an option worthy of consideration and pursuit.
Gold vermeil is one of the best alternatives to solid gold jewelry, and you can count on it to last for a long time if you take care of it properly. At Dear Diary, our jewelry has transitioned into demi-fine jewelry since August 2022 with a minimum gold plating of 1 micron thickness over genuine sterling silver base to extend longevity at an affordable price.
Gifting Made Easy For You
We hope this guide has helped you to understand better what gold vermeil jewelry is. If you are looking for an anniversary, birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or Christmas gifts, pick a gold vermeil jewelry and it will never go wrong. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Be sure to check out some gold vermeil jewelry at deardiaryco.com!
About Dear Diary
DEAR DIARY is a local jewelry and gift brand offering a one-stop gifting solution for your loved ones by bringing you handmade & curated personalized gifts with a story, including bridal gifts and corporate gifting solutions to businesses. Check out our website deardiaryco.com for more information and leave us your email for updates on new products launch and promotions! Redeem this discount code “SparkleRead'' on your first order when you checkout to enjoy 10% off your next purchase and wait for your items to be delivered straight to your doorstep. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook too for more timely updates!