What is Vermeil Gold? By AR Today Charm Jewelry
What Is Vermeil Gold?
Vermeil Gold (pronounced "vehr-may") is a French term. It is a plating technique of gold that dates back to the 19th century. The plating technique starts with a layer of Sterling Silver for the base and then a layer of gold or gold alloy is applied to create a strong durable bond. The layering process is done using electrolysis to make a durable product.
In the United States our Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates what is considered Vermeil Gold. In order to be considered Vermeil the jewelry must have the sterling silver base and the gold layer must be at least 10 karats and the layer must also be 2.5 microns thick.
People sometimes confuse Gold Plating with Vermeil Gold. It is similar but the Vermeil Gold is thicker and more durable than Gold Plating which means your piece of jewelry will last longer and more resistant to tarnishing. The under layer of sterling silver helps this because sterling silver is less likely to react to moisture or air exposure over time. Many Gold Plated jewelry pieces have brass as the under layer which is the reason gold plated pieces fade in color faster than a Vermeil Gold piece.
Next to solid Gold, Vermeil is considered to be a semi-fine gold, a better product than a plated gold and less expensive than a solid gold.
Your Vermeil Gold jewelry should be able to withstand normal wear and should be kept clean and stored in a cool dry place when not wearing.
This is a quick tip from AR Today Charm Jewelry and as always, Enjoy Your Jewelry! A & R
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