Understanding Gold Vermeil, the Best of Both Worlds
My jewellery designs usually begin with silver, but I love incorporating gold accents to enhance certain features and add a touch of warmth. For this purpose, gold vermeil is an ideal solution.
But what exactly is gold vermeil?
Essentially, it's a type of plating over silver. Gold vermeil is a that combines the strength of sterling silver with the luxury of pure gold. Originating in France, vermeil refers to a process of bonding a thick coating of gold—at least 2.5 microns—over a solid sterling silver base. You'll find it as a finish on, for example, rings, necklaces, bracelets, brooch pins.
Above: my handmade 'circles' studs plated in yellow and rose gold vermeil.
Strength and Beauty
24ct gold is rich and lustrous but it is naturally soft and can be prone to wear. Gold vermeil overcomes this limitation by layering it onto the more durable sterling silver to get the best of both worlds. We use the highest purity of 24ct gold vermeil for the full benefit of the golden colour.
Rose Gold
For those who prefer a warmer hue, rose gold vermeil offers a modern alternative that some of my clients prefer. It is created by alloying pure gold with copper, giving it a distinctive blush tone which works well for both classic and contemporary jewellery designs.