Discover the beauty of vermeil—and how to make it last a lifetime.
What Is Vermeil? Why It’s the Gold Standard in Jewelry & How to Care for It
You love the warmth of gold. But maybe solid gold feels out of reach—and gold-plated just doesn’t last.
Enter: vermeil (pronounced ver-may).
Not only is it the perfect middle ground between luxury and longevity, but it also happens to be the secret behind some of the most-loved pieces at MyJewelist.
If you’ve ever wondered what is vermeil, how it compares to other gold finishes, or how to take care of it—we’ve got you covered.
What Is Vermeil?
Vermeil is a thick layer of real gold (at least 2.5 microns) bonded over solid 925 sterling silver.
It’s not gold-plated over base metals like brass or copper—it’s crafted using precious metals only, which means:
- It’s hypoallergenic
- Longer lasting than regular gold-plated
- Luxuriously rich in color
- Safe for everyday wear (with proper care)
Think of it as “accessible luxury”—fine jewelry without the five-figure price tag.
How to Care for Gold Vermeil & Sterling Silver Jewelry
Yes, it’s fine jewelry—but it still deserves a little love. Here’s how to keep your pieces shining:
Daily Care
- Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising
- Avoid perfumes, lotions, and chemicals near your jewelry
- Put on jewelry after getting ready
Storage Tips
- Remove before showering, swimming, or exercising
- Avoid perfumes, lotions, and chemicals near your jewelry
- Put on jewelry after getting ready
Cleaning Vermeil
- Use a soft, dry jewelry cloth—no silver polish or harsh cleaners
- Gently buff to remove oils and maintain shine
- Never soak in water or scrub with brushes
Want to make it even easier? Grab one of our complimentary cleaning cloths—sent with every order.
Why We Love Vermeil at MyJewelist
At MyJewelist, we use 14K or 18K gold vermeil over sterling silver in all our signature pieces—because it gives you the radiance of gold, the quality of silver, and the strength of both.
It’s the perfect canvas for our custom name necklaces, birthstone charms, and minimalist chains.
Because you deserve jewelry that lasts—and means something.