Care Guide and Materials
Premium Vermeil
Our finish is 3 microns of 18k gold vermeil, thicker than the industry standard of 2.5 microns, and 6 times thicker than standard gold plating, chosen for its longevity and richer tone.
Why we chose premium vermeil
When deciding on materials, we compared several options commonly used in jewellery:
Regular vermeil (2.5 microns, often 14k)
A respected standard, but thinner layers can wear more quickly with daily use. We wanted greater durability and depth of colour.
Stainless steel
Affordable and strong, but its grey undertone lacks the warmth and refinement of real gold. It can also contain nickel, a common allergen.
Brass with gold plating
Frequently used in fashion jewellery, but plating is often thin and the base metal can cause irritation or discoloration when exposed.
Solid gold
The ultimate heirloom choice. Beautiful, but heavy and cost-prohibitive for sculptural designs intended to be worn every day.
Premium vermeil strikes the right balance:
Richer tone and feel of genuine 18k gold.
Hypoallergenic thanks to a sterling silver core (nickel-free).
Longer-lasting plating that withstands more than a season of wear.
Lightness and comfort that make even larger sculptural pieces easy to wear.
We chose it because our aim is jewellery that feels luxurious, doesn’t weigh down the ear or irritate the skin, and carries designs you’ll want to keep in rotation for years, not just a single trend cycle.
Rhodium Vermeil
We also finish our sterling silver pieces with a layer of rhodium plating. Rhodium is a rare, naturally white precious metal from the platinum family, prized for its brightness and durability.
Silver on its own tarnishes faster, and unlike white gold, rhodium vermeil doesn’t need periodic re-plating to maintain its colour. Adding rhodium ensures a brilliant, reflective finish that resists dulling and makes our silver jewellery easier to care for over time.
Care guide for vermeil pieces
Premium vermeil is designed to last, but like all precious metals it benefits from a little care. Follow these simple tips to keep your pieces looking their best.
Daily wear
Put jewellery on last, after perfumes, lotions, and makeup. These can leave residues that dull the surface.
Avoid contact with household cleaners, pools, or hot tubs. Chlorine and harsh chemicals can damage gold.
Remove before gym sessions, saunas, or heavy exercise, where sweat and heat accelerate tarnish.
Storage
Store pieces in a soft pouch or box, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
To avoid scratches, store each piece separately rather than stacked together.
Cleaning
For day-to-day shine, simply wipe with a soft lint-free cloth.
If tarnish appears, use a specialist silver polishing cloth gently. Avoid dips, liquid cleaners, or abrasive products.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners, which can strip plating.
FAQs
Why do my vermeil pieces tarnish? Is it bad quality?
No, tarnish doesn’t mean poor quality. All vermeil is made with sterling silver beneath the gold. Gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but it’s naturally porous, so air and moisture can reach the silver underneath over time. That silver reacts with humidity and tiny amounts of sulfur in the air, creating faint darkening. It’s completely natural and can be gently polished away. Using a specialist silver polishing cloth will not damage the gold plating — it safely restores the surface without stripping.
Is vermeil real gold?
Yes, the surface you see and feel is genuine 18k gold, bonded to sterling silver. It’s not brass or stainless steel with a flash of gold; it’s a precious metal finish designed for longevity. And because it’s vermeil, you can enjoy sculptural designs that would feel heavy in solid gold; pieces remain lightweight and wearable without compromising tone or quality.
Will vermeil turn my skin green?
No. The base of vermeil is sterling silver, which is nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Green marks usually come from brass or copper alloys, we don’t use those.
Will the gold wear off?
With daily wear, all plating will eventually show signs of age, but our 3-micron layer is far thicker than standard plating. With mindful care, vermeil can last for years before needing refinishing.
Can I shower or swim in it?
It won’t immediately harm the piece, but regular exposure to water, soap, and chlorine will shorten its life. For best results, remove before bathing or swimming.