Caring for gold vermeil

Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. Ours is 2.5 microns of recycled 14k gold, which is why it looks and feels like solid gold. It is still a layer, though, and a few habits make it last much longer.

Last on, first off

Perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hairspray all contain alcohols and oils that dull gold. Put your jewelry on after them, and take it off before you wash your face.

Keep it dry

Chlorine and salt water are the hardest on vermeil. Take pieces off before swimming, the sauna and the gym.

Wipe it after wearing

A quick wipe with a soft cloth removes skin oils before they build up. Use the soft outer layer of our Polishing Cloth on vermeil; the treated inner layer is for silver.

Wash it gently

Once a month, swirl pieces in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, rinse and pat dry. Never use silver dip, toothpaste or ultrasonic cleaners on vermeil.

Store pieces apart

Gold is soft and chains scratch each other. Keep each piece in its pouch or in its own compartment of a jewelry case.

And when the edges start to soften after a few years of daily wear, send the piece back: we clean, polish and re-plate vermeil for $35.