How To Care For Vermeil
This is an important part when answering the question: what is vermeil?
Now that you have some clarity on the question “what is vermeil?” it helps to understand how to care for your vermeil pieces.
Dust, pollution, perfumes, and cosmetics can affect the surface of your pieces. This might affect the gloss, something that you certainly don’t want to happen.
First, you should always apply perfume before wearing your pieces. Also, remember to remove them before taking a shower.
Try as much as possible to avoid exposing your jewelry to cleaners, hot water, and harsh chemicals. Ideally, you want to remove them before handling such solutions.
Substances, such as chlorine, can permanently damage the surface of your piece. Bear this in mind when using chlorine bleach or before diving in the pool.
When not using your vermeil pieces, remember to store them in an airtight container to prevent oxidation.
To clean your jewelry, use a clean cotton or microfiber cloth to buff it gently. Don’t be tempted to use chemical cleaners as they can easily strip the gold finish.
Over time, the gold layer is likely to tarnish. This is a common and natural property that adds a unique sense of character to the piece. Don’t fret when that happens.
Is Vermeil The Same As Gold Plated
Gold vermeil undergoes a similar process to gold plated jewelry. However, they are not exactly the same. So what is gold plated? While gold vermeil has a legal definition under US law gold plated jewelry can be any type of jewelry that is plated in gold. Gold vermeil typically lasts longer and is less likely to fade or tarnish. Gold plated jewelry has no industry standard for thickness and therefore different companies can provide a wide range of quality.;
Everything You Need To Know About The Term Gold Filled
This terminology is a bit misleading because rather than filling anything with gold, it is simply a term for adding a gold layer on top of another metal. In this process, youll get a thicker layer of gold than you would with plating. The gold layer is pressure-bonded to the core metal. In comparison to the gold plated jewelry, gold-filled is 5% or more gold weighted. If you want to think of it, karats, thats 10k or higher.;
While it doesnt beat out solid gold in value, it is a much thicker layer of gold, often resulting in a high price point. The gold filling process uses intense pressure and usually requires a silver, copper, or brass base.;
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Does Gold Vermeil Turn Green
Vermeil does not turn green as it is coated with gold.
Even so, the matter of fact is this layer may wear off with time.
Friction, skin oil and chemical agents like perfumes will quicken this process.
When a part of this gold coating wears off completely, the inner silver core will get in contact with the skin and air directly.
This will open doors to sterling silver getting tarnished and changing its color and appearance of the jewelry.
Which Type Of Jewelry Is Right For You
What matters most to you when purchasing jewelry? The answer to this question might vary; for example, when youre looking for everyday pieces for yourself, you might choose to go for a lower price point than when youre looking for a gift to give your mother for her birthday. Besides cost and quality, some people also want to factor in allergies or how long the piece will last with minimal upkeep.;
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How To Make My Gold Vermeil Jewelry Last Longer
When showering, swimming, washing your hands, or working out, remember to remove your jewelry. That is because water and other chemicals can reduce the lifespan of the gold layer that coats your piece of jewelry. Take special care of your rings, as it suffers more from wear and tear.
When getting ready, always wear your jewelry last. Some products such as makeup, perfume, and lotions can reduce the brilliance of your jewel. Store the jewelry in a clean jewelry box, away from other pointy pieces, and this will ensure that your jewelry lasts a long time.
Differences Between Gold Vermeil Gold
When we say gold ring, we mean that the ring is made of gold and nothing else.
It may be rose gold or white gold but in the end, it is totally a gold alloy.
It may be 14K or 18-Karat gold, but it is gold.
And even if it is coated, for example, as in a white gold ring with rhodium coating, it should be presented as it is.
Vermeil jewelry is mostly clearly defined.
It is a silver base coated with gold.
This base is most of the time 925 silver, and in a minority of cases, pure silver.
As silver has a lower price than gold, we may say a similar designed vermeil jewelry piece will cost less than its yellow counterpart.
Gold-plated jewelry is close to vermeil, except for its base being different than silver.
A cheaper alloy of metals is used for this core part.
Thus, gold-plated jewelry will have a lower price tag than a vermeil piece.
When we arrive to gold filled jewelry, there are significant differences with gold-plated items.
First, the outer layer is much thicker.
Gold-plated pieces are usually made by using electroplating alloys in a gold bath.
On the other side, gold filled pieces are produced by covering an alloy with a thicker layer of gold.
This difference in thickness, increases coatings time to wear off.
It also increases the price of the outer layer, and the whole piece: more gold, more money.
In all circumstances, a thicker coating and higher purity of gold mean smaller risk for allergies.
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Everything You Need To Know About The Term Vermeil
This is one causal jewelry buyers might not have heard of before. Vermeil is similar to gold plating, but the base metal is higher-quality, usually silver. The layer of gold can be super thin or a bit thicker; this will greatly vary the price point of vermeil jewelry. Since vermeil is a combination of silver and gold, it is considered of higher quality and value than gold plated items.;
Vermeil is a fantastic mid-range price point and makes an excellent gift. If you choose a thin layer of gold, it may tarnish in time and need replating. Thicker layers will require less maintenance but will be priced higher. Vermeil is very versatile, and youve probably bought it countless times before without realizing it.;
How To Identify If Your Jewelry Is Gold Vermeil
Now that you know the differences between the types of gold-plated jewelry out there, how do you identify something while shopping or something you already own as vermeil?
The easiest way to identify the quality of your jewelry is to look for the engraving on it indicating the base metal. For vermeil jewelry, there will be a “925” engraved on it 925 indicates the purity of the base metal which is sterling silver. So even though there’s that thick layer of gold as well, the law requires that the highest percentage of metal used is indicated, which for vermeil is the sterling silver base metal.
If you find 9k, 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k, that means you have a solid gold piece.
If you find NO engraving that likely means that base metal is brass or an alloy of mixed base metals.
Now technically… a metal quality engraving is not required for the U.S. as it is in most other countries. BUT, if a jewelry brand is paying for high-quality precious metals, I don’t know why they wouldn’t want to show that. So in my opinion, it’s pretty safe to assume that no engraving means a low-quality base.
When in doubt just reach out to the brand and ask. Any reputable jeweler should be more than happy to share with you the materials that they use in general and in their gold-plated collection.;;
Here at;Shop Lausanne, were sticking to precious metals only, using solid sterling silver and Gold Vermeil.;
Questions? Let me know at;;or say hello on Instagram;;
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What Does Gold Plated Mean
Gold plated refers to jewellery that consists of a thin layer ofgold that is applied over the top of another affordable metal, suchas copper. The process of gold plating is done through putting theeconomical metal in a chemical solution that contains gold and thenapplying an electric current to the piece. The electric currentattracts the gold to the base metal, where it reacts leaving a thingold covering.
Many jewellers will use gold plating as a way to createaffordable goldjewellery. As the base metal is less expensive than solidgold, it allows for cheaper production whilst achieving that boldmetal look that so many adore.
Pros Of Gold Filled Jewellery
Gold filled jewellery is far more affordable than solid gold jewellery, which is the biggest pro. Its a;good;compromise for those who have metal allergies and need to wear gold but cant afford for all of their pieces to be made from solid gold.
It also wears much better than regular gold plated jewellery as the outer layer of gold is a lot thicker. With care, chances are youll be able to enjoy your gold filled jewellery for years to come without it losing its gold finish.
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How Do I Care For Vermeil
Cleaning gold vermeil jewelry is simple. As with any piece of jewelry, you need to keep it free from dust, makeup, aerosols, and any pollution. So, as normal, apply any perfume and makeup prior to putting on this jewelry.;
When not being worn, keep your jewelry in the box or bag that it came in. Ensure it is not stored near a heat source and doesn’t have weight on top of it. This type of jewelry needs to be stored in an airtight bag or box.
Also, if you plan on jumping in a pool or hot tub, remove your jewelry first. Not doing so can cause discoloration.;
To clean your gold vermeil jewelry, gently rinse in a bath of warm water and gentle dish soap . Rinse and pat dry.;
What Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry And Should I Buy It
Lately, gold vermeil has been making a buzz in the jewelry world. It is increasing in popularity but interestingly enough, not many people know what this is. Although vermeil might seem like a new craze, this type of metal has existed for centuries.
If you are into jewelry that looks like gold , vermeil may be of interest to you. It is an affordable alternative to real gold, although there are other similar options as well .
You might be wondering:
Is gold vermeil for me? To help you decide, we are going to outline everything you need to know about gold vermeil before you decide to make your purchase.
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Benefits Of Using The Gold
You will be having the gold like appearance and feel even though the jewel is not fully gold. you know gold is a precious metal that all of us want to associate with. So you will be happy you bought something very close to gold.
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Its a good quality
Of course, this one is very close to solid gold and this is why it shares the same features. Such options dont wear out quickly rather they will last longer. They will not tarnish, they wont wear out quickly, neither will they wont peel nor flake with time.
Notice that they will serve you for decades with proper care especially if you choose the harder ones like 14K gold. However, if you chose 22K then thats a softer kind of jewel and that may influence the durability.
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It will give you the perfect appearance
So then you are sure it will make you enjoy perfection. Its harder to tell the difference between the gold-filled and the solid gold type. You will have the perfect look at a slightly lower cost.
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Its safe
You wont experience allergies with this type unless you are a very sensitive type. It has all the safety elements with none of them causing skin reactions.
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Its versatile
You can use them anywhere and with any style or shape. Whether you want the anklet, earring, bracelet or even necklace is all okay.
The Cons Of Vermeil Jewelry
Any metal plating can and eventually will wear off. While vermeil lasts longer than most other plated jewelry, over time the silver underneath will start to show through. We have also encountered vermeil pieces with visible cracks in the plating and layers of gold peeling off. These issues can occur if a piece was not perfectly polished and cleaned before plating or if it gets dinged or bent.
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How Do You Maintain Gold Vermeil
With proper care and maintenance, gold vermeil jewelry can keep sparkling through the years. Here are our top tips for cleaning and storing your gold vermeil jewelry.
- When you arent wearing your gold vermeil jewelry, store it in a fabric-lined box, or a soft cloth away from dust and dirt. An airtight box is ideal as it can minimize the oxidization of the silver base.
- Avoid placing your gold vermeil near heat as this can cause discoloration and deformation. Also, dont place any weight on top of gold vermeil jewelry as this can cause damage.
- To prevent tarnishing, wipe gold vermeil jewelry after use. The accumulation of body oils, cosmetics and grime can cause the jewelry to lose its sparkle and to fade.
- Avoid wiping gold vermeil items with coarse fabrics or chemicals as this can strip the gold off. Only use a 100% cotton or microfiber cloth to very softly wipe the item and warm soapy water.
- Never use chemicals to clean gold vermeil jewelry. This refers to makeup, washing liquid and even chlorine from swimming pools. These can discolor the jewelry and strip the gold off.
Final verdict
What Is A Gold Vermeil Jewel
This is a type of heavy gold plating thats normally done over sterling silver. The jewel made using the gold vermeil method therefore will not tarnish and its hypoallergenic.
Of course, if you have metal allergies then you will find this to be safer to use.
Now the difference with the gold plating though is that this one has a thicker plating and therefore it lasts longer. You cant even rub it off because the layer is thick.
When you are making the charm jewels, you can use the gold vermeil as it wont peel off. However, you can also use gold-filled ones.
If you are thinking of wearing the jewel on an almost daily basis, then you better use gold vermeil and not gold plated jewelry.
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Everything You Need To Know About The Term Gold Plated
In the case of gold plating, the jewelry is made from brass, copper, or another low-end metal. A layer of nickel is usually attached as a connector between that metal and the gold layer they are about to add. A layer of gold is then fused on top using electroplating. Electroplating combines the metals in an electrolytic bath of salts.;
As you can imagine, on a delicate piece of jewelry, these layers are very small and lightweight. The gold plating is such a light layer that it doesnt even add to the weight of the item. It is usually around 0.05% of the total weight.;
Gold plating has a lower price point making this jewelry very accessible; however, it is slightly less durable than other methods of adding gold to jewelry. Youll want to keep your gold plated items away from heat and moisture if possible to prolong the life of the piece.;;
Will Vermeil Tarnish
Usually, no. With typical use and wear, gold vermeil is the highest quality, and longest lasting option aside from solid gold. While gold vermeil can tarnish because the base layer is Sterling silver and gold tarnishes over time so it can easily be polished away. Typically, gold vermeil will not tarnish much because it has such a thick layer of gold over it. It is the best option for those who dont want to spend big money on solid gold.;
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Which One To Choose
This isnt an easy question to answer since its an individual choice and it depends on your taste, your purchasing power, and how you wear your jewelry.
All of these options have their pros and their cons and its best to take into account the quality, durability, and price and make your judgment based on that.
What Is Gold Vermeil
Goldvermeil, whilst similar to gold plating, has some keydifferences that make it distinctive. Vermeil is a techniqueoriginating in the 19th century, where gold was applied to sterlingsilver. Gold vermeil is also made through the gold platingtechnique but requires a thicker layer of gold. In this case, thegold layer must be above 2.5 microns.
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Mainely Urns Memorial Jewelry
Mainely Urns offers a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to accommodate your personal tastes while representing the life of a loved one who has passed. Pieces are made of a wide variety of cherished materials including sterling silver, 14K gold, gold vermeil , pewter, brass and titanium. We also offer an extensive selection pet cremation jewelry.
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