Vermeil Jewellery Care

Gold vermeil became very popular in the 19th century for both jewellery and table wear. The term vermeil is of course French and came into use in the English language as an alternative for the term silver-gilt. Vermeil is simply a layer of gold over sterling silver. To be considered vermeil the gold must be at least 10 carat and 1.5 microns thick.

Here at Sheenashona Jewellery our gold vermeil products are 22 or 18ct rose or yellow gold over sterling silver and are 3 microns thick. Any other metal plated onto sterling silver cannot be called vermeil. Gold plated onto any other base metal cannot be called vermeil either. Vermeil can be produced by either fire gilding or electrolysis however today most vermeil products are produced by way of electrolysis.

Gold vermeil requires a little care and attention therefore you should gently clean your gold vermeil jewellery with a soft polishing cloth and store it individually so that it does not rub or scratch against each other. Ideally you should store your gold vermeil jewellery in the Sheenashona Jewellery pouch and box provided.

Always keep your gold vermeil jewellery away from hot or damp conditions such as central heating, window sills or bathrooms as it may cause your jewellery to tarnish. You should also always remove your vermeil jewellery before entering the shower, pool, hot tub or the sea as it may react to chemicals or water or before exercising, cleaning, gardening or retiring to bed in the evening . Always apply your cosmetics, perfumes or aftershaves before you put on your vermeil jewellery as perfumes, lotions and creams may cause it to tarnish.

Did you know that the White House has a collection of vermeil tableware kept on display on the ground floor in the Vermeil Room, the official residence of the President of the United States. The room holds a collection bequest to the White House in 1956 by Margaret Thompson Biddle who collected a significant range of renaissance 19th century French and English pieces. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on recommendation of her friend Rachel Lambert Mellon began using the collection for the display of flowers and fruit in the rooms on the state floor.