LemonTrades
TL;DR
- Gold vermeil (say “ver-may”) is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of real gold.
- US rules say it needs gold of at least 10K, at least 2.5 microns thick. That’s much thicker than ordinary gold plating.
- It looks like solid gold for less, but it has little gold value, and the layer can wear away over the years.
- LemonTrades follows the gold price for you and tells you what moved it, and why, within seconds.
Vermeil sits in the middle: nicer than plated jewelry, far cheaper than solid gold. Here’s what you’re buying.
What is gold vermeil?
Vermeil is sterling silver (92.5% silver) covered with a layer of gold. Under the US Federal Trade Commission’s guides, it should only be called vermeil if the gold is at least 10K and at least 2.5 microns thick. If the base is anything other than sterling silver, it isn’t vermeil.
Vermeil vs gold-plated, gold-filled and solid gold
| Base metal | Gold layer | How long it lasts | Resale value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-plated | Brass or other base metal | Very thin | Months to a couple of years | Very little |
| Vermeil | Sterling silver | At least 2.5 microns | Years with care | Mostly the silver |
| Gold-filled | Brass or other base metal | At least 1/20 of the weight | Many years | Low |
| Solid gold | None | Gold all through | A lifetime | The gold value |
More on gold-filled: what is gold filled?. Telling them apart: how to tell if gold is real.
How to spot vermeil
Vermeil is usually stamped 925, for its sterling base, and it should be sold as “vermeil,” so check the description. It won’t stick to a magnet, but neither will a lot of fakes.
How to make it last
- Take it off for showers, swimming and the gym.
- Keep it away from perfume and lotion.
- Wipe it with a soft cloth, and don’t use polishing cloths or harsh cleaners; they can rub off the gold.
- Store it separately, in a pouch.
- If it wears through, a jeweler can re-plate it.
Is it worth it?
For jewelry you love but won’t wear every day, it can be good value. As an investment, no: the gold layer is tiny, so what you’d get when selling is mostly the silver.
Sources
Education, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
