Vermeil has become so popular in recent decades that practically anyone with even a passing interest in fashion and jewelry is aware of it. "Gold Vermeil" is one of the most popular vermeil on the market today. It has aroused much debate because some people mistake it for plated gold. However, they are extremely different and do not even come close in pricing.
The high cost of gold vermeil has contributed greatly to its popularity. This piece has some similarities to solid gold, which is why some people consider it a near substitute for gold. It is no secret that purchasing real gold is extremely expensive.
This article will teach you all there is to know about vermeil. It will also help you understand what gold vermeil is, how to care for it, and why you might want to buy it.
What Does Vermeil Mean?
Vermeil is an European word that is pronounced [Ver-may]. It is critical to recognize that the term "vermeil" is legally protected. To be called vermeil, a piece of jewelry needs to satisfy certain standards. Its base must be sterling silver; it must at least be 10K gold plated, and the gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made it illegal for jewelry retailers to promote an item as gold vermeil if it does not meet the gold vermeil specifications in the United States.
However, the conditions in other countries may differ. In Canada, for example, the norm for market gold vermeil is 1.0 microns. In other words, the price of gold vermeil varies depending on the country from where it is purchased. If you are concerned about the quality of your gold vermeil, you should particularly inquire about the thickness of the plating before making a purchase.
If you're not sure whether you can trust a seller, look into their background and reputation. A little basic investigation can help you avoid getting duped. Sikacci has some of the best vermeil jewelry available. Vermeil is primarily made of 925 Sterling Silver, and our gold vermeil fulfills the FTC requirement for gold vermeil, as measured by our PVD electroplating method.
Will your Gold Vermeil Tarnish?
Unlike normal vermeil, which is only silver and can withstand rigorous use, gold vermeil tends to tarnish with time. The thickness of gold vermeil plating, on the other hand, is a crucial factor in determining whether it will tarnish. The plating thickness determines how long gold vermeil will retain its original beauty.
It's also worth noting that gold vermeil can tarnish over time due to the oxidation impacts of its sterling silver basis. Fortunately, if you care and maintain your gold vermeil jewelry on a regular basis, those traces of age can usually be eliminated.
Is Gold Vermeil identical to Gold-Plated Jewelry?
According to the FTC guidelines for gold vermeil, jewelry that is gold-plated may not meet the qualifications to be called gold vermeil. The plating on gold-plated jewelry only has to be 0.5 microns thick. Its foundation does not have to be sterling silver.
When making a purchase, keep this in mind. It's important to realize that jewelry can be an asset. While gold-plated jewelry may be less expensive now, gold vermeil will most likely be more profitable in the future if you ever decide to sell it.
In addition, your medical history may be a factor in deciding between gold-plated and gold vermeil jewelry. You should also entertain the probability that the base of gold-plated jewelry could be made of a material like copper, brass, or nickel. If you suffer allergic responses when your skin comes into contact with these materials, you should avoid wearing gold-plated jewelry. In the long term, gold vermeil is the better option for you.
Is Gold Vermeil a Good Investment?
Although jewelry fits both fashion and investment criteria, selecting the jewelry to add to your cart is entirely dependent on your budget. Some pieces of jewelry are more expensive than others. However, the primary cost driver is the material used to produce the jewelry.
That being said, if you want to buy jewelry that has the same physical properties as pure gold while still ranking high on the investment scale, gold vermeil is your best bet. Most experts consider it to be one of the greatest alternatives to solid gold jewelry. You can also trust it to last a long time if you take care of it properly.
Another option to consider is gold-plated jewelry, which may be less expensive. This is due to the fact that gold vermeil is created by electroplating the gold with the sterling silver at its base. On the other hand, gold-plated jewelry is made from heat-bonding metals like copper or nickel, and the gold coating atop the base is rather thin.
Furthermore, the thickness of the gold covering over the base reduces the possibility of someone wearing the jewelry being directly exposed to the base material, making gold vermeil jewelry slightly safer to wear if you're sensitive to specific materials.
Remember that one of your primary goals when purchasing any piece of jewelry is to ensure you're dealing with a reputable seller. Once again, gold vermeil is subject to legitimate rules and regulations. When you buy from a reputable seller, you may be confident that you're getting genuine vermeil rather than gold-plated jewelry masquerading as vermeil.
Basic Characteristics of Vermeil
Tarnish is an indication of poor quality.
Because vermeil's base metal is sterling silver, and sterling silver includes copper, your piece may tarnish with time. It is because of the copper concentration. This is not a sign of low quality but rather a natural cycle with the metal. A characteristic of high-quality vermeil jewelry is: that it can be polished and does not become discolored over time. To simply clean your jewelry, we recommend using our anti-tarnish wipes.
If you own any solid gold jewelry, you may have noticed that even solid gold pieces discolor over time for the same reason. Because pure 24K gold is too soft for jewelry, solid gold of 14K to 18K jewelry is also combined with sterling silver and copper. We recommend that solid gold and vermeil jewelry be thoroughly cared for and cleaned.
Vermeil jewelry is not waterproof.
It is suggested that solid gold or vermeil jewelry, like other jewelry, not come into touch with chemical substances. Most places where your jewelry would get wet contain chemicals. Pools, for example, may include chlorine, shampoos, and conditioners containing chemicals, and workplaces may have industrial chemicals. That is why it is recommended that you do not get your jewelry wet.
The truth is that good-quality vermeil can become moist with water. Simply dry it off and abide by the care instructions that came with your components. In fact, we urge that you clean it thoroughly with soapy water on a regular basis.
14K gold vermeil is superior to 10K gold vermeil in terms of quality.
Wear, longevity, durability, and maintenance do not differ between 10K, 14K, and 18K gold vermeil. The only difference is the color; therefore, the choice between the two is based on personal preference rather than quality. However, it all comes down to personal preference. Sikacci will explain the differences and assist you in making your decision.
How to clean and care for vermeil jewelry
PERIODICAL CLEANING
Wear your pieces frequently and lightly clean them down with a soft cloth between uses.
Wipe your vermeil jewelry with a light cloth on a regular basis. It is suitable for all pearls, metals, and jewels.
If the jewelry has been affected by any oxidation spots, carefully wipe them away with the grey cloth regularly. It is specially designed with a mild cleaning solution for silver and gold medals. This cloth should not be used on pearls or gemstones.
DEEP CLEANING YOUR VERMEIL JEWELRY
Cleaning your vermeil jewelry is a practice that keeps it gleaming. If you use our cleaning clothes frequently, we recommend doing a thorough cleaning every 3-6 months or seeking the services of a professional to avoid damages during cleaning.
What you need to clean your vermeil jewelry deep:
- Bowl
- Lukewarm water
- Regular dish soap
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Microfibre soft towel
Instructions:
- Combine 1-2 drops of dish soap and lukewarm water in a bowl. Whisk until frothy.
- Soak your jewelry in water for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently clean the hard-to-reach parts of your items with a soft bristle brush (like in between the gemstone settings and chains). Because the bristles of an old clean toothbrush are usually gentle, we like to reuse them.
- Clean your jewelry in a separate bowl of water (no soap).
- Using a microfiber cloth, pat-dry your jewelry. We prefer microfibre since it is soft and absorbent, but any soft cloth would suffice.
- To shine and polish your objects, use our cleaning cloth pair (make sure they are dry). See the standard cleaning recommendations above.
Final thoughts
If you are a lover of jewelry and have always craved to own a piece that is similar to solid gold but doesn't have the financial capacity to acquire one, you should settle for gold vermeil. Some enthusiasts believe it is the closest substitute to solid gold and is a better option than gold-plated jewelry because of the material used to make it. If you are looking for a credible gold vermeil seller out there, Sikacci is your best bet.