Gold vermeil offers a refined and accessible way to indulge in the beauty of gold without the steep price of solid gold pieces. Its blend of luxury and affordability has made it a rising favorite among mid to high-end jewelry brands like Mejuri, Monica Vinader and Missoma.
But, given its recent rise, not much has been said about how to properly care for it.
Should you clean the same way as for other solid gold jewelry? Or treat it more delicately like plated and costume jewelry?
Jump to:
- What is gold vermeil?
- Can I clean gold vermeil jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner?
- What happens to gold vermeil when cleaned in a sonic cleaner?
- Gold Vermeil jewelry care for lasting longevity?
It starts with understanding the anatomy of gold vermeil jewelry. Let’s get into it.
What is gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is a type of demi-fine jewelry that features a layer of gold over a sterling silver base.
To qualify as vermeil in the U.S., the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick, at least 10K in purity and must be plated over sterling silver.
Like other plated jewelry, gold vermeil is created using an electroplating process, with the key difference being the thicker layer of gold. While this results in a much more luxurious finish and added durability, the gold layer is still delicate and requires proper care to maintain its shine and longevity.
These characteristics become important when considering whether gold vermeil jewelry is suitable for cleaning in ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, a tool all jewelers have in their arsenal.
Related: How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
Can I clean gold vermeil jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner?
The short answer? No.
Gold vermeil jewelry should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Why? The gold layer isn’t permanently bonded to the silver base, and ultrasonic vibrations can weaken that electroplated bond. This makes the gold more likely to wear away—revealing the silver beneath sooner than it otherwise would.
What happens to gold vermeil when cleaned in a sonic cleaner?
If gold vermeil is cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, it can cause the electroplated bond between the silver and gold to weaken.
This doesn’t mean that as soon as you put gold vermeil jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner, the gold layer will wear off. It means that it increases the likelihood the metal bond becomes more fragile, so the gold could wear off more easily over time.
So, how should you care for gold vermeil given its unique properties?
Gold Vermeil jewelry care for lasting longevity
First, let’s start with the Don’ts. While you don’t have to be as careful with gold vermeil as with plated, you definitely should be more mindful compared with gold filled and solid gold.
The Do Nots
- Don’t wear it when you’re exposed to chemicals - this includes shampooing, doing your skincare, washing dishes and spritzing perfume. The gold layer in gold vermeil is relatively thin, so it has less of an “armor” against tarnishing contaminants. It becomes even more dire when these chemicals cake on and stay on for a while without being cleaned.
- Don’t wear it in water - this includes showering, in the pool, at the beach and in onsens. Many brands sell gold vermeil as waterproof. While it is waterproof as a new unworn product, with wear, the thin non-permanently bonded layer of gold wears off. The wearing off process will be exacerbated with exposure to water and chemicals.
- Don’t wear it in rough, sweaty conditions - this includes gymming, rock climbing, playing tennis and doing pilates. Friction from equipment and surfaces can scratch any gold jewelry, but vermeil’s thinner gold layer offers less protection before the silver shows through. Sweat and body oils also attract tarnish-inducing contaminants, which can wear down the gold and lead to discoloration or exposure of the silver beneath.
The Dos
- Clean vermeil gently - Use gentle and soft methods, like with dish soap, water and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive polishing cloths, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Clean vermeil often, especially when contaminated - Its thin gold layer and delicate bond make it more vulnerable to wear from friction and buildup. While its ability to feature intricate designs is a bonus, those same details create more nooks and crannies where dirt and tarnish-inducing particles can hide.
- Get it replated – One of the beauties of gold vermeil is its ability to be rejuvenated through replating. Over time, as the gold layer naturally wears down, a fresh coat can restore its original luster. This makes gold vermeil a longer-lasting option among plated jewelry, allowing you to refresh its appearance rather than replace it.
- Store it properly – Keep gold vermeil jewelry in a dry, moisture-wicking container or anti-tarnish sleeves to minimize exposure to air, moisture, and tarnish-causing elements. Storing pieces separately also prevents scratching.
- Wear it last – Apply skincare, perfume, and hair products before putting on your jewelry to minimize chemical exposure.
- Wipe it down after wear – A quick wipe with some formulated jewelry wipes or a soft, dry cloth after wearing helps remove oils, sweat, and any lingering contaminants before they build up.
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners are not recommended for Gold Vermeil
While an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a fantastic tool, it’s not the best choice for gold vermeil. Stick with gentle cleaning methods to preserve its beauty.
But if effortless maintenance with an agreeable price tag is a priority, gold filled jewelry offers the best of both worlds—lasting gold shine with the durability to withstand all sorts of cleaning (and less of it!).
Choosing the right jewelry means finding what fits your style, lifestyle and budget best. Whether it’s vermeil, gold filled or solid gold, a little care goes a long way in keeping your pieces radiant for years to come.
