Gold Vermeil Necklaces

What is a gold vermeil necklace?

In US usage, vermeil (said ver-MAY) has a specific meaning: a sterling silver base with a gold layer of at least 10K on top, thicker than the coat on plated jewelry. Both parts are precious metals, which sets it apart from cheaper gold tone pieces.

The result looks like gold on the day you buy it and feels more substantial than costume jewelry. What you are really paying for is a well made silver necklace wearing a gold coat.

How vermeil differs from ordinary plating

The difference is the base metal and the thickness of the coating. Standard gold plated jewelry often puts a very thin gold film over a base metal. With vermeil, the core is sterling silver, 92.5 percent pure, and the gold layer is thicker, so it lasts longer before the color wears.

When the gold does eventually thin, what shows through on vermeil is silver, not a dull base metal, and many jewelers can re-coat it. Gold vermeil, plating and gold fill all differ from a solid piece, which is gold alloy throughout and never wears to a different color.

Chains, pendants and layering in vermeil

Vermeil shines on the pieces you change often. Layered chains, a trend pendant or a paperclip link let you wear the warm look of gold across several styles without the outlay of karat gold, and a fine chain meets the least friction, so its color holds well.

Pick lengths that sit apart when layered: 16 inches around the collarbone, 18 inches just below it and 20 inches a little lower. Keeping the gold tone the same across every chain makes the stack look deliberate.

When solid gold is worth it

Choose a solid karat piece for anything you plan to wear every day for years, never take off, or hand down. A chain worn every day, a pendant with a real diamond, or a gift meant to mark a milestone all deserve metal that will not wear to another color. Browse yellow gold necklaces for those.

Choose vermeil when you want to try a style, follow a trend, or build a layered look without a big outlay. If you prefer a white look on the same silver base, see plain silver necklaces, and pair your vermeil with matching vermeil earrings.