Gold Vermeil Explained: The Luxurious Alternative to Solid Gold
First up, what is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a specific type of high-quality gold-plating process over sterling silver. The term "vermeil" is derived from the French word for "gilded silver." To be classified as gold vermeil, jewellery must meet certain criteria:
- Base Metal: The core of gold vermeil jewellery is always sterling silver.
- Gold Layer: The gold layer that is electroplated onto the sterling silver must be at least 2.5 microns thick, 5 times thicker than average gold plating, this thickness helps ensure the durability of the gold coating. At Lucy Quartermaine all of our gold vermeil pieces are coated at 3 microns.
- Gold Purity: The gold used in vermeil must be of a certain purity, usually at least 10 carats, although it is often higher, such as 14ct, 18ct, or even 24ct. All Lucy Quartermaine Gold Vermeil pieces are 18ct Gold Vermeil.
Why choose gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil is a popular choice for jewellery because it offers a more durable and higher-quality option compared to other gold-plated jewellery, which often uses a base metal like brass or copper and a thinner layer of gold.
In summary, gold vermeil is a durable and elegant option for those looking for high-quality, gold-coloured jewellery without the high cost of solid gold pieces.
Interested? You can shop all Lucy Quartermaine gold vermeil pieces here