Gold & Vermeil Jewelry: What is the Difference?

Do you want to know the difference between gold and vermeil jewelry? Or do you want to know how to buy gold jewelry without breaking the bank? Well keep on reading! I’d like to introduce you to a new material, vermeil. It is a sterling silver piece of jewelry with a layer of gold coated on top. The jewelry looks gold and feels gold, but it is not gold throughout!

Thank you Nakturnal for sponsoring this post!

Heart ring by AU-rate

Vermeil jewelry is a hot topic these days because it balances quality and value. Many people tend to confuse vermeil with gold plating, and even though they do share a few aspects there is a big difference in quality, durability, and desirability. Gold plated pieces are cheaper than vermeil jewelry because any metal can be used to create the core for the plating. This is important to keep in mind when shopping for jewelry. You can still achieve a gold look without spending as much money, so keep an eye our for vermeil options!

I really like the look and feel of vermeil. It is made from high-quality materials, but you don’t need to break the bank since the entirety of the piece is not made from gold. Just like caring for precious metals, vermeil has its own rules for cleaning. Dust, pollution, perfumes, and cosmetics can negatively affect the surface of your jewelry pieces. This might affect the gloss of the piece – something you definitely don’t want to happen!

Some quick tips to avoid quick tarnishing are to apply your perfume before styling your pieces. Also, remember to remove your jewelry before taking a shower. Try to avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals and hot water. To clean your jewelry you can use a cotton ball and buff it gently; make sure you don’t use chemical cleaners because they can easily strip the gold finish. Over time, the gold layer is likely to tarnish. Don’t fret when that happens because it gives your jewelry character!

Some of my vermeil pieces are tarnished so you can see what the jewelry looks like as it ages. Make sure to keep an eye out for the materials of a jewelry piece if you are looking to invest. While there are plenty of options, there is a huge difference between gold, vermeil and gold plated. New and exciting vermeil pieces will be a wonderful way to adorn to your jewelry box!