Gold Vermeil is a type of gold jewellery that uses sterling silver at its core and has a thick layer of gold plating to create an affordable high-quality product. Gold Vermeil is a regulated term which means to qualify as Gold Vermeil (1) the gold must be at least 10K Gold (we use 18k Gold) and (2) the plating layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick.

Gold Vermeil jewellery is made by coating a base of sterling silver with a thick layer of gold through the process of electroplating. The layer of 18k Gold used in VESTIRSI Gold Vermeil jewellery is 5 times thicker than standard gold plated jewellery and approximately 20 times thicker than cheaper flash plated jewellery. 

Because the base metal of VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery is sterling silver (a precious metal itself often used in fine jewellery) your VESTIRSI Gold Vermeil jewellery is inherently valuable and with proper care can last year and years.

VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewelley features a sterling silver base, providing a high quality, hypoallergenic base material as apposed to brass or copper often used in cheaper plated products. 

The 2.5micron thick 18k gold layer that is then elctroplated onto this base is substantially thicker than cheaper plated jewellery, 5 times thicker than standard gold plated jewellery and approximately 20 times thicker than cheaper flash plated jewellery. 

This combination of sterling silver and a thick 18k gold layer contributes to a higher quality long lasting product.

18k Gold Vermeil jewellery is a superior quality product than standard plated jewellery. There are multiple factors that contribute to the higher price point of this high quality product when compared with standard plated jewellery.

1. Thicker Gold Layer: VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery features a thicker layer of gold compared to standard gold-plated jewelry. Our pieces are plated with 2.5 microns of 18k Gold, whereas cheaper gold-plated jewellery has a much thinner gold coating, usually around 5 times thinner than VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil pieces. 
2. Sterling Silver Base: VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery  is crafted on a base of sterling silver, which is a higher-quality metal compared to the base metals used in gold-plated jewelry, such as brass and nickel. The use of sterling silver adds to the intrinsic value and durability of your VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery pieces.
3. Electroplating Process: The electroplating process used to create VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery involves precise control and specialized equipment to ensure a uniform and reliable bonding of the gold layer to the silver base. This process adds to the complexity and cost of production, but is essentially to ensure the longevity anbd water resistance of your VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery pieces.
4. Longevity and Value: The combination of a sterling silver base and a substantial gold layer makes VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery  more durable and longer-lasting than traditional gold-plated pieces. This increased longevity and enhanced value contribute to its higher price point.
5. Craftsmanship: VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery are handmade by skilled craftsman to achieve a flawless and even application of the 18k Gold layer. This level of attention to detail adds to the production cost.
6. Gold Content: While VESTIRSI 18k Gold Vermeil jewellery is not made from solid gold, it contains a significant amount of real gold in its composition, which contributes to its higher price compared to with cheaper gold plated products.

Yes. VESTIRSI Gold Vermeil jewellery is made from 925 Sterling Silver with a premium 18K Gold 2.5micron plating which is durable enough for casual water contact. VESTIRSI Gold Vermeil jewellery is also protected using an electroplating technology to further protect your pieces, enhance shine, longevity and make them water resistant. We do however suggest minimising exposure to strong detergents, chlorines, oils, perfumes to extend the lifetime of the gold plating. The odd swim in a pool or sea will not damage your jewellery, but we would recommend against daily exposure to strong detergents, chlorine or salt water as this will fade your jewellery over time.