Gold vermeil has become a bit of a buzzword lately.
Everyone’s talking about it as the jewellery trend of the moment, but if you’ve ever thought “isn’t that just gold plating with a fancier name?” then you’re not alone.
On the surface, vermeil and gold plated jewellery can look very similar, but there are actually quite a few differences that make a big impact on how long your jewellery lasts, how it feels on your skin, and how it fits into your everyday life.
Many of our customers ask us how gold vermeil compares to gold plated jewellery and whether it’s worth the extra investment. So, we’ve put together this guide to break it down in a simple, friendly way.
We’ll explain what gold vermeil is, why it’s different, why we love using it for so many of our pieces, and share some handy tips to keep your jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
So, what is gold vermeil?
Let’s start simple. Gold vermeil (say it like ver-may) is a layer of gold over sterling silver. It’s sometimes called “silver gilt” but really, it just means you’re getting the best of both worlds: the glow of gold with the strength of silver.
For a piece to be true vermeil, it has to tick two boxes:
-
The base must be sterling silver (not brass, not nickel, not anything cheap or irritating).
-
The layer of gold must be thick (at least 2.5 Microns)
At Aquila, our vermeil jewellery is made with 14ct gold layered over 925 sterling silver at 2.5 Microns thick.
To give you an idea of what that means, standard gold plating can be as thin as 0.5 Microns. No surprise then that gold plated pieces often fade in weeks. Our vermeil is four times thicker, so you can wear your jewellery day after day and still see it sparkle.
If you’d like to geek out on metals a bit more, we’ve written a full guide here: Understanding Your Metals: A Jewellery Deep Dive.
Vermeil vs plated: what’s the real difference?
It’s not just thickness that separates the two.
The gold layer
This type of plating is thin and delicate. Vermeil is thicker and stronger. That means it keeps its colour and resists tarnish much longer.
The base
Plated jewellery can be made with all sorts, brass, nickel, even stainless steel. These aren’t great for your skin and can tarnish quickly. Vermeil always uses sterling silver, so it’s hypoallergenic and naturally strong.
How they’re made
Gold plating often uses a quick process called flash plating, which isn’t built to last. Vermeil is applied with micron plating, which is slower and more careful. The result is jewellery you’ll wear for years, not weeks.
Is gold vermeil hypoallergenic?
Yes, absolutely.
Because the base is sterling silver and this sterling silver alloy is made with copper, our vermeil doesn’t contain nickel, lead, chromium or brass ( common culprits for skin irritation). That makes it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
We make all of our jewellery hypoallergenic because we want you to wear your pieces every day without worry, whether that’s heading to yoga, off to work, or packing for your next big adventure.
Why Aquila chooses gold vermeil
We love vermeil because it matches our values. It’s strong enough for everyday wear, it feels luxurious, and it doesn’t cost the earth (literally or figuratively).
Handmade to last
Every Aquila piece is crafted by hand. Pairing that level of care with a durable metal means your jewellery will be with you for years, not months.
Skin-friendly
Jewellery should feel good, not cause irritation. Our quality vermeil is hypoallergenic, so you never have to worry.
Affordable glow
Solid gold is stunning but with gold prices at record highs, it’s not realistic for everyone. Vermeil gives you the golden look without the golden price tag.
Better for the planet
Sustainability is really important to us at Aquila.
Every piece is handmade by skilled artisans, so when you wear Aquila jewellery, you’re supporting people being treated well, with good work conditions, age-old techniques and generational skills spanning the world.
We also use recycled metals, from sterling silver to gold, to reduce environmental impact and make sure every piece carries a story that’s kind as well as beautiful.
You can read more about our journey and commitment to sustainable jewellery here.
It’s our way of making sure each treasure you love is not only designed to last, but also crafted with care for both the planet and the people who make it.
Some of our favourite gold vermeil designs
We use vermeil across our collection because it lets us create jewellery that’s both meaningful and durable.
Here are a few favourites that might inspire your jewellery collection:
Hammered Gold Pendant Necklace
It’s easy to see why this necklace is one of our best-sellers.
Handmade with a gently hammered texture, it catches the light in the most gorgeous way, giving off a warm, sun-kissed glow. The vermeil finish adds extra depth and richness, while the sterling silver base keeps it hypoallergenic and durable.
The best part? No two hammered finishes are exactly the same, so every necklace feels completely unique. Pair it with a simple white shirt or a boho festival dress, it really works with everything and carries that little story of care and craftsmanship wherever you go.
Gold Croissant Hoop Earrings
These hoops are fun, versatile, and seriously easy to wear. The curved, croissant-inspired shape is bold enough to make a statement but soft enough to wear every day. The vermeil coating keeps them shining gold for longer and, thanks to the sterling silver underneath, they’re lightweight and comfortable too. They’re the perfect example of how vermeil can elevate a design, giving you a luxe look without the solid gold price tag.
Tarutao Polished Open Gold Ring
This ring is for anyone who loves clean, modern shapes with a touch of nature. Its polished, open design is inspired by organic forms, and it’s endlessly wearable; stack it with other rings or wear it solo for a subtle statement.
It’s the kind of ring you reach for day after day, without ever feeling ordinary and always being reminded of the ebbs and flows of nature and travel.
Thin Hammered Gold Bracelet
Delicate but strong, this bracelet is simplicity at its best.
Handmade and hand-hammered, it catches the light beautifully in a natural, organic way. The vermeil finish means it keeps its glow far longer than a typical gold plated bracelet, and the sterling silver base gives it everyday durability.
Wear it solo for a subtle shine or stack it with others to create your own layered look, it’s effortlessly versatile.
Every Aquila piece is handmade by skilled artisans, inspired by our love of travel and the romance of wanderlust. By using gold vermeil, we make sure each design isn’t just beautiful on day one, but stays with you for years, collecting memories as you wear it.
Looking after your gold vermeil
Caring for vermeil is simple. Just remember a few basics:
-
Take it off before swimming, showering or exercising
-
Keep it away from lotions, creams and perfumes
-
Pop it on last when you’re getting ready
-
Store it in a soft pouch (our organic cotton pouches are perfect)
-
Give it a gentle polish with a soft cloth every so often
These simple habits will keep your jewellery glowing for years. And if you’re jetting off soon, check out our guide Holiday Jewellery That Packs Style for tips on travelling with your favourite pieces.
All About Gold Vermeil: Your Questions Answered
We know gold vermeil can seem confusing at first, so we’ve rounded up some of the questions we hear most often and answered them in one handy place.
Think of this as your go-to guide for understanding why vermeil is such a favourite.
Does gold vermeil tarnish?
All jewellery can tarnish over time, but gold vermeil is much more resistant than standard gold plated pieces. With proper care, your vermeil jewellery will keep its shine and colour for years, making it perfect for everyday wear.
Can you wear gold vermeil every day?
Absolutely. Our vermeil is four times thicker than standard plating, so it’s made to be worn day in, day out. Just follow some simple care steps, like taking it off before swimming or applying creams, and it will stay looking fresh.
Is gold vermeil waterproof?
Not exactly. Strong chemicals especiallychlorine can wear down the gold layer over time. To protect your pieces, it’s best to remove them before showering, swimming, or soaking.
How long will gold vermeil last?
With the right care, your vermeil can last for years. Our 2.5 Micron thickness makes a big difference compared to cheaper plated jewellery that can fade in a matter of weeks. It’s a jewellery investment that keeps giving.
Can vermeil be repaired if it fades?
Yes, it can! A jeweller can re-coat your vermeil if it ever loses its shine. That said, if you follow the care tips, you won’t need to worry about this for a long time.
Does gold vermeil look the same as solid gold?
To the eye, yes. Vermeil has that same golden glow, but it’s much more affordable than solid gold. It’s a clever way to enjoy luxury jewellery without paying the full gold price.
What’s the best way to pack vermeil for travel?
Keep each piece in a soft pouch to prevent rubbing, ideally one piece per pouch. We include organic cotton pouches with every order to make travelling with your jewellery easy and safe.
Ready to try vermeil?
We think gold vermeil is the perfect choice if you’re after jewellery that’s beautiful, durable and meaningful. It gives you the glow of gold without the hefty price tag, it’s kind to your skin, and it fits with our mission to create pieces that last.
At Aquila, our jewellery is always inspired by travel, by the freedom of wanderlust, and by the idea of carrying a little piece of the world with you. Whether you’re exploring a faraway beach or just heading out for coffee, vermeil makes the perfect everyday companion.
All in all…
As you can see, there are some big differences between gold plated jewellery and gold vermeil. Many people choose vermeil because of its durability, long-lasting quality and skin-friendly finish. At Aquila, our pieces are handmade with care, using thick 14ct gold over sterling silver, so you get jewellery that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. From statement necklaces to delicate bracelets and rings, vermeil gives you that golden glow every day without compromising on quality, ethics or style.
