The premium jewellery standard — thick gold on sterling silver, meeting international vermeil requirements.
Specifications
Overview
Gold Vermeil (pronounced 'ver-may') is a specific jewellery standard that requires a minimum 2.5 micron gold layer applied over a sterling silver base. It is the highest quality designation for gold-plated jewellery and is recognised internationally as a premium finish distinct from standard gold plating.
The term 'Gold Vermeil' has a precise legal and industry definition: the base metal must be sterling silver (92.5% pure silver), and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. This distinguishes it from standard gold plating, which can be applied over any base metal at any thickness.
Because sterling silver is a precious metal base, vermeil pieces have intrinsic value beyond the gold layer itself. The combination of a thick gold deposit over silver produces a piece that looks, feels, and wears like solid gold jewellery at a fraction of the cost.
Gold Vermeil is the preferred standard for fine jewellery designers who want to offer gold-look pieces at accessible price points without compromising on quality. It is also the standard required by many major retailers and marketplaces for pieces marketed as 'gold vermeil'.
At 2.5 µm minimum, vermeil plating is significantly more durable than standard plating. With proper care — avoiding prolonged water exposure, perfumes, and abrasive surfaces — vermeil jewellery can maintain its finish for several years of regular wear.
We apply vermeil plating exclusively over sterling silver. If your pieces are not already sterling silver, we can advise on whether re-plating is appropriate or whether a different thickness option would better suit your needs.
Best For
Not Ideal For
Available Gold & Plating Types
18ct Yellow Gold
75% pure — the standard for vermeil, rich warm colour
9ct Yellow Gold
37.5% pure — available on request for more economical vermeil runs
Rose Gold
Copper-alloy blend — warm pink hue on sterling silver, a popular vermeil option
Frequently Asked Questions
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Other Plating Options
0.5 – 1.0 µm
Our most popular option — a reliable balance of appearance and longevity for fashion jewellery.
Learn More5 – 10 µm
Our thickest deposit — engineered for rings, watch cases, and items worn daily.
Learn More0.05 – 0.1 µm
The thinnest gold layer — ideal for display items and cost-sensitive production runs.
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