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What is vermeil and its difference from gold plated or gold filled jewelry?
 

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​​​​​Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is one of the most beautiful ways to wear gold every day without the price of solid gold. Below is a simple guide to what it is, how it compares to gold plated and gold filled pieces, and why we use it for some RyKier designs.

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What is vermeil?

Vermeil is a high-quality type of gold-coated jewelry made with two precious metals:

  • a base of solid sterling silver (925)

  • covered with a thick layer of real gold

To be legally called vermeil in the U.S.:

  • the base metal must be sterling silver

  • the gold must be at least 10k

  • the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick

This makes vermeil much more durable than standard gold plating and more comfortable for most sensitive skin, because the metal underneath is sterling silver, not brass.

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​Vermeil vs. gold plated vs. gold filled – a quick comparison

 

Vermeil

  • Base metal: sterling silver

  • Gold layer: real gold, at least 2.5 microns thick

  • Durability: high, suitable for regular wear with proper care

  • Feel: precious-metal look and weight, at a more accessible price than solid gold

Gold plated

  • Base metal: usually brass or copper

  • Gold layer: very thin (around 0.5–1 micron)

  • Durability: lower – the color can wear off relatively quickly with daily wear

  • Best for: occasional jewelry or fashion pieces

Gold filled

  • Base metal: usually brass

  • Gold layer: a much thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to the base (at least 5% of the total weight)

  • Durability: very high – often longer-lasting than both simple plating and many vermeil pieces

  • Best for: those who want strong everyday wear without paying for solid gold

Where does vermeil sit?
It offers a “quiet luxury” middle ground: real gold over real silver, more durable than standard plating and more affordable than solid gold.

         

Why choose vermeil from RyKier?

For pieces marked as vermeil in the shop, we use:

  • a base of solid sterling silver, cast and finished in small batches

  • a thick layer of high-quality gold, applied by professional platers

  • designs created to be everyday-wearable, not just “for the occasion”

Vermeil is a good choice if you:

  • love the warmth of gold but don’t want to invest in solid gold yet

  • prefer jewelry made with precious metals rather than base metals only

  • like the idea of small-batch, artist-designed pieces at an accessible price point

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How to care for vermeil jewelry

Vermeil will last longer if treated gently. A few simple rules:

  • Put your jewelry on after skincare, perfume and hair products.

  • Avoid wearing vermeil in the shower, pool, sauna or while exercising.

  • Store pieces in a dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or box, away from other jewelry.

  • Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils.

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For more details, see our Jewelry Care page.

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