Does Gold Vermeil Wear Off
Yes, gold vermeil does wear off. But the time in which it can wear off depends on exposure, vermeil quality and usage. In this article we’ll find out does gold vermeil wear off or tarnish, on what factors do the damage depend and how can you save it.
What is Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is a specific type of gold plating that involves a thick layer of gold applied to a base metal of sterling silver. For jewelry to be legally classified as vermeil in many countries, the gold must be at least 10 karats in purity and a minimum of 2.5 microns thick.
This specific combination of materials and thickness is what differentiates gold vermeil from other types of gold-plated jewelry.
Comparison with Other Gold-Plated Jewelry
Compared to other gold-plated jewelries, the main difference in all is the thickness of gold layer.
Gold-Plated
Gold plated has a very thin layer of gold (often less than 0.5 microns) over a base metal such as brass or copper. This makes it less durable and more prone to wear and tarnish.
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled contains mechanically bonded gold attached to a base metal, making it more durable than regular gold plating and gold vermeil but often more expensive. The gold layer is around 5% of the total weight.
Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil has a minimum of 2.5 microns layer of gold. When compared with gold thickness, it is in between gold plated and gold filled. Better than gold plated but less than gold filled.
Does Gold Vermeil Wears off or Tarnishes?
Yes, gold vermeil does wear off. It can take around 8 months to 9 months to wear off if you wear jewelry in excess. It can also tarnish if top layer is eroded off. This exposes base metal like sterling silver to atmospheric chemicals which can tarnish it. Water can make it happen faster.
Factors Affecting Wearing Off
Here are the factors that can affect how quickly your gold vermeil wears off.
1. Thickness of the Gold Layer
The thickness of the gold layer is one of the most critical factors determining how long gold vermeil will last.
A thicker layer of gold means more material to wear through before the underlying silver becomes exposed. Standard gold vermeil has a thickness of 2.5 microns, but some high-quality pieces may feature a thicker layer, offering extended durability.
2. Purity of the Gold
The purity of the gold used in vermeil is measured in karats, with 24k being pure gold. While higher-karat gold offers a richer color, it is also softer and more prone to scratching and wear.
Lower-karat gold, such as 10k or 14k, contains a higher percentage of other metals, making it harder and more resistant to wear. However, it may not have the same rich yellow hue as higher-karat gold.
3. Frequency of Wear
How often you wear your gold vermeil jewelry plays a significant role here. Jewelry worn daily is more likely to experience wear, especially in areas that come into frequent contact with skin, clothing, or other objects.
Rings and bracelets, for example, tend to wear faster than necklaces or earrings because they are more exposed to friction and contact.
4. Exposure to Chemicals
Chemicals present in everyday products, such as perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents, can accelerate the wear of the gold layer. These chemicals can react with the metals in both the gold and the sterling silver base, leading to tarnishing, fading, and eventual wearing away of the gold layer. Chlorine and saltwater are particularly harsh and should be avoided when wearing gold vermeil jewelry.
How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?
In general, a gold vermeil can last about 8 to 9 months. But this time can depend on a number of factors. Some pieces might only last a few months if exposed to harsh conditions or worn daily without proper care.
As gold vermeil begins to wear, you may notice several signs such as fading, tarnishing and exposure of base metal.
The gold layer may gradually lose its shine and rich color, appearing duller over time or leading to dark spots. Sterling silver can also appear from where gold vermeil is eroded.
Care for Gold Vermeil Jewelry
Proper cleaning is essential to maintaining the appearance and longevity of gold vermeil. Here are some tips:
1. Use a Soft Cloth
Gently wipe your gold vermeil jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove any oils, dirt, or residue.
2. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning products can scratch the gold layer or cause it to wear off more quickly. Instead, use a mild soap and warm water to clean your jewelry. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
3. Specialized Cleaning Solutions
If your gold-vermeil jewelry has tarnished, you can use a specialized silver cleaning solution, but use it sparingly. Apply it with a soft cloth, being careful to avoid prolonged contact with the gold layer.
4. Avoiding Contact with Chemicals
To extend the life of your gold vermeil jewelry, it’s crucial to minimize its exposure to chemicals:
- Remove Jewelry Before Applying Lotions or Perfumes. These products can erode the gold layer and cause tarnishing.
- Avoid Wearing Jewelry in Water. Chlorinated pools, saltwater, and even tap water can damage gold vermeil. Always remove your jewelry before swimming or bathing.
- Use Gloves When Cleaning If you’re handling cleaning products, wear gloves or remove your jewelry to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals.
Common FAQ’s about Gold Vermeil
Here are some common FAQ’s about gold vermeil.
Does Gold vermeil tarnish in water?
Yes, gold vermeil does tarnish in water. Water can make it tarnish faster.
Can you re-plate gold vermeil?
Yes, gold vermeil can be re-plated. Re-plating can cost from $40 to $50.
Conclusion
Gold vermeil can be an affordable alternative to solid gold where buyers can get same looks as gold at a much lower price. But before buying, one has to be sure that gold vermeil is not as same as solid gold. It can get damaged rather quickly and might require cost for re-plating. Apart, if you don’t take care of it, it can wear off and tarnish quickly. Keeping all of this in mind, a buyer can make a better decision.