Unlocking Treasures — by Melissa Flint
Our Gold Vermeil
Promise & Essentials
Every gold piece we create is made to vermeil standard — 18k gold, the right thickness, on a solid sterling silver base. Here is what that means, and why it matters.
Essential Quality
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Finest Sterling Silver Base: Thick 18k gold layer over a high-quality solid sterling silver base (925 silver).
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Thick Gold (≥2.5 Microns): Layer is at least 2.5 microns thick — five times the minimum for standard gold plating.
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Genuine 18k Gold: 75% pure gold, meeting and exceeding the highest vermeil standards.
Quality Charter
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Visual Quality Standards: Every piece inspected for consistency, colour and surface quality before it leaves the studio.
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Minimum Layer Standard: Normal layer must be at least 2.5 microns gold vermeil — no exceptions.
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Intake & Inspection: All incoming materials are checked against our quality standards before use.
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Plating Strength: High plating adhesion ensures longevity — our vermeil is built to last years, not months.
Benefits in Focus
Composition
Gold-dipped over sterling silver — a precious metal base that holds its value.
Quality Measure
Thickness assured at 2.5 microns minimum — independently verifiable, not just a claim.
Skin Safety
Safe for sensitive skin — sterling silver is skin-friendly and nickel-free.
Vermeil in Focus: Layers of Quality
Composition
Gold-dipped over sterling silver.
Quality Measure
Assured at 2.5 microns.
Skin Safety
Safe for sensitive skin. Skin-friendly & nickel-free.
Sterling Silver
925 — Solid precious metal base
Thick Gold (≥2.5 µm) — five times thicker than standard plating
Sterling Silver (925)— solid precious metal foundation, skin-friendly & hallmarked
Skin Safety & Care — Skin-friendly and nickel-free.
Identification — Often stamped with both gold content and ‘925’ or ‘STERLING’.
Durability — Resistant to tarnish with proper care. Can be professionally replated.
Gold Vermeil vs Standard Plating
| Compared To | Gold Vermeil | Standard Plating |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Solid sterling silver | Base metals like brass or copper |
| Gold Thickness | Thick (≥2.5 microns) | Very thin (can be <0.5 microns) |
| Durability | Very durable, resistant to tarnish and wear | Quickly wears off, exposes base, prone to tarnish |
| Skin Safety | Nickel-free, precious base | Base metals may cause reactions |
| Replateable | Yes — cost-effective on silver | Rarely worth replating |
Caring for Your Gold Vermeil
Keep it dry
Remove before swimming, showering or applying perfume and lotions.
Store it carefully
Keep in a dry, airtight pouch away from other pieces to avoid friction.
Clean gently
Soft dry cloth after wearing. Warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid for deeper cleaning — dry immediately.
Replate when needed
The sterling silver base makes professional replating worthwhile. Ask us about this service.
Common Questions
- Is gold vermeil real gold?
- Yes — the gold is real (18 karat, 75% pure). It is electroplated onto sterling silver rather than solid all the way through, but the gold layer is genuine and meets the legal definition of gold vermeil.
- How long does gold vermeil last?
- With reasonable care, quality vermeil can last many years — often a decade or more. Thickness (ours is ≥2.5 µm), care habits, and keeping it away from water and chemicals are the key factors.
- Will it turn my skin green?
- Unlikely. Sterling silver is far less reactive than the brass or copper used beneath cheap gold-plated pieces. Some very sensitive skin types may react to silver itself, but this is uncommon.
- Can gold vermeil be replated?
- Yes — this is one of its key advantages. Because the sterling silver base has intrinsic value, it is cost-effective to replate when the gold layer eventually shows wear. Ask us about this service.
Handmade in the UK
Browse Our Gold Collection
Every gold piece made to vermeil standard or above — hallmarked, honestly priced.