What makes Gold Vermeil so Long-lasting?

We make 18k gold vermeil jewellery which is a French plating method involving a sterling silver base with a palladium barrier and a high quality, 18k gold vermeil of at least 2 microns, however, in our rings we use 3 microns. This is so that they last much longer, since our hands are usually in contact with everything and constantly moving.

To further ensure longevity of our jewels the Palladium barrier protects the sterling silver and the gold vermeil, preventing any chemical reactions or tarnishing occurring. Palladium is a highly durable and corrosion-resistant metal that is hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for jewellery making. Other styles of gold plating and in particular gold filled uses metals such as copper and brass as their base. Brass is low quality and 300 times cheaper than silver and it can easily get oxidised, it weighs less than silver and can cause skin allergies because it contains 40% zinc. Jewels with these base metals are susceptible to dulling and the gold layer is much more likely to wear off. When looking at jewellery, it's imperative that you consider the quality of the base metal, as the best choice is always sterling silver. Our jewels are durable, with a beautiful golden tone that remains for many years. 

When cleaning your 18k gold vermeil, we recommend gently polishing it with a soft, microfiber cloth. It’s important to note that this type of cloth is different to the ones you use on your silver jewels. These styles can be too harsh for the gold vermeil and cause dulling, discolouration and premature ageing. 

If your jewels need a deeper clean, you can combine liquid soap and warm water to make a solution. Then allow your gold vermeil to soak in this for 5 minutes. After removing your jewels, rinse with water then use a gentle cloth to wipe them down to dry them well. To ensure your gold vermeil is long lasting you should avoid chemicals when wearing them. Things that can be particularly damaging (but not exclusively) are Chlorinated pools and spas, zinc based sunscreens, perfumes and hair dye. Your jewellery should be the last thing you put on.

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All of our silver jewels are made from high quality 0.925 sterling silver and don't contain lead or nickel. Sterling silver naturally oxidises over time hence why it’s important to use a silver polishing cloth to clean your jewellery regularly. We recommend that you keep your sterling silver away from chemicals - perfumes, skincare products, zinc based sunscreens and chlorinated pools and spas to avoid damaging them. Putting your jewellery on should be the last thing you do when getting ready!

Keeping your jewels shiny and looking their best, you should use a silver polishing cloth frequently, like this one here! We suggest that you avoid adding solutions or other products to give your jewels a deeper cleanse as it could lead to oxidisation and subsequently damaging your sterling silver.

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