Does Vermeil Jewelry Tarnish?
One way to enhance an ordinary outfit is by wearing jewelry. When acquiring a new piece, it is common to want to wear it frequently.
Wearing jewelry frequently can increase its vulnerability to tarnishing and damage, leading some individuals to invest in solid gold or natural diamonds to prolong their longevity.
Gold vermeil is a cost-effective option that provides the appearance and texture of genuine gold without the hefty price tag. It is important to be aware of the possibility of gold vermeil tarnishing and to take steps to prolong its lifespan.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Solid gold jewelry is highly desired by jewelry enthusiasts and celebrities due to its quality and prestige. However, it should be noted that solid gold can be quite expensive.
Gold vermeil is a popular choice as it combines the durability of sterling silver with the classic appearance of solid gold.
Large objects made in goldsmithing are often not made with pure gold. Instead, they are typically crafted with sterling silver and then plated with a layer of gold to achieve the desired appearance.
Vermeil is a highly durable and high-quality material, similar to gold plating. The main distinction is that gold plating tends to involve less durable and less expensive metals such as brass and stainless steel.
If you are seeking durable jewelry that is also affordable, considering gold vermeil is a sensible decision.
Does Gold Vermeil Tarnish?
Gold vermeil is highly durable and is considered one of the most resistant types of jewelry, comparable to solid gold and diamond. Vermeil pieces are not typically affected by regular wear and tear in the same manner as plated pieces.
It is possible for the outer golden layer to wear away and reveal the sterling silver piece underneath if you wear your pieces often or do not take proper care of them.
If vermeil does become damaged, it can be replaced at a lower cost than the original piece. However, even if you choose not to replace it, your piece will still maintain its durability due to the high-quality sterling silver base.
A guide on protecting your vermeil jewelry.
Although vermeil is known for its resistance to tarnish, it is still advisable to take precautions to protect it. Here are some simple methods to safeguard your vermeil and other jewelry from everyday damage.
Keep it dry
Water can cause oxidation, a chemical reaction that occurs when metal reacts with water and oxygen. While gold does not typically react with oxygen and water to create rust, the sterling silver underneath can.
It is not recommended to wear your jewelry in the pool or ocean, as the chemicals in these places can cause metals to deteriorate. If your vermeil chain gets wet in the rain, it is advisable to dry it with a fiber cloth once indoors.
It is important to consider that humidity in your home can contribute to rust on your pieces. It is recommended to maintain a relative humidity of 30% to 50% in your home. If the humidity is higher than this, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier.
Separate it from the rest of the pieces.
Gold is a durable metal, but it is also relatively soft, which makes it susceptible to scratching and damage. Surprisingly, much of this damage can occur when gold jewelry comes into contact with other pieces of jewelry.
The Mohs Hardness scale provides valuable information on materials that may cause damage to your vermeil. Pure gold ranks at 2.5 on the scale, indicating that steel, diamond, and topaz can all cause damage if they come into contact with it.
One way to protect your gold is by using a jewelry box. It helps keep your pieces separated and protects them from elements such as dust or humidity.
Gold pieces can be wrapped in a fiber cloth before storing to protect them from damage.
Take a break
Your body's natural oils can cause your jewelry to lose its shine over time.
It is recommended to not wear jewelry every day in order to avoid excessive exposure to oils and grease from the skin, which can impact the appearance of the jewelry over time.
Clean regularly
To maintain the longevity of your vermeil jewelry, it is important to regularly clean it using a jewelry cleaning cloth to preserve its shine.
Soaking your pieces is important instead of scrubbing. Scrubbing can damage the materials that make your piece look great. Experts suggest soaking your piece for at least three hours and then using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove solid debris. Soaking in water is usually sufficient, but if desired, mild dish soap can be used for most pieces.
It is important to thoroughly dry your piece after cleaning to prevent rust from oxidation.
In Conclusion
Gold vermeil is a durable material for jewelry, made by using a base metal of sterling silver and covering it with a layer of gold.
Vermeil is generally resistant to tarnishing, but it can be maintained to look new by keeping it dry, storing it separately, and avoiding frequent wear to prevent the wearing away of the outer golden layer caused by body oils.
We at Icetruck offer a 1-Year guarantee to ensure the quality of our products. If your piece breaks from normal wear and tear, we will assist you in resolving the issue.
Discover our extensive collection of vermeil jewelry and experience the confidence of wearing high-quality pieces.
