The gold in vermeil is usually a higher karat, often 10 karats or more. Vermeil usually looks like gold to the naked eye, making it a great alternative for those who can't afford pure gold jewelry You can also shine it up to give it a beautiful gloss, or leave it to tarnish for a vintage look. The difference between gold vermeil and solid gold jewelry is that vermeil pieces include a sterling silver base electroplated with gold Whereas, solid gold is just that — jewelry made completely of gold with no alternate core. To qualify as vermeil, the base metal must be sterling silver—so even beneath the gold, you’re dealing with a precious material.
Simply put, gold vermeil jewelry is thickly plated silver—hence its nicknames as “silver gilt” or “gilded silver” But unlike other gold plated jewelry, vermeil jewelry adheres to strict standards and regulations set in the 19th century. Vermeil, the art of gold plating over sterling silver, represents a storied chapter in the history of decorative arts If you’ve ever wondered what is gold vermeil jewelry, it’s a luxurious yet affordable option that combines a sterling silver base with a thick layer of gold This term is defined by strict criteria in many countries, especially the uk, and is different to standard gold plating. Gold vermeil, or just vermeil, refers to items made of silver that are plated with a thin layer of gold
Learn all about vermeil and its benefits in our guide
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