The Orvielle Standard
What Is 18K Gold Vermeil?
18K gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with a layer of 18K gold. The 18K describes the gold coating, not the whole piece: the metal underneath is sterling silver.
A closer look at the metal beneath the shine — and why what's underneath matters as much as what you see.
The Core Difference
Vermeil vs Gold Plating: Base Metal and Gold Layer
Vermeil and plating aren't different finishes on the same jewelry — they're different pieces underneath. What separates them is the base metal beneath the gold, and how much gold sits on top of it.
2.5µm
Gold Vermeil: US minimum
vs
Varies
Gold Plating: no vermeil minimum
Gold plating thickness varies by construction, so check each product's specifications rather than assuming a fixed amount of gold.
Side by Side
Gold Vermeil vs Gold Plated vs Gold Filled
| Feature | Gold Vermeil | Gold Plated | Gold Filled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Metal | 925 Sterling Silver | Varies, often brass or copper | Varies, often brass |
| Gold Layer | Gold coating, at least 2.5 microns fine-gold equivalent (US guidance) | Varies with construction; check the specifications | Mechanically bonded gold layer; inspect markings and specifications |
| Gold Purity | 10K minimum (Orvielle uses 18K) | Varies; check the markings | Varies; check the markings |
| Durability | Varies with construction, wear and care | Varies with construction, wear and care | Varies with construction, wear and care |
| Nickel Content | Check the alloy and any intermediate layers | Check the alloy and any intermediate layers | Check the alloy and any intermediate layers |
| Legally Regulated Term | FTC guidance (16 CFR 23.4) | Gold terms covered in FTC guidance (16 CFR 23.3) | FTC guidance (16 CFR 23.3) |
The Legal Standard
What US FTC Guidance Says About Vermeil
In the United States, the FTC Jewelry Guides set out when jewelry may be described as vermeil.
FTC Jewelry Guides, 16 CFR Part 23
The guidance describes vermeil as sterling silver coated or plated on its significant surfaces with gold of at least 10K, at a thickness equivalent to at least 2.5 microns of fine gold. It does not mean every piece labelled vermeil is nickel-free.
925
Sterling Silver Base Required
10K
Minimum Gold Purity
2.5µm
Minimum Fine-Gold Equivalent
Sources
- 16 CFR 23.4 — Misuse of the word “vermeil” Describes when the word vermeil may be used.
- 16 CFR 23.3 — Misuse of gold terms Covers terms such as gold filled and gold plated.
Why It Matters
Wearing and Caring for Gold Vermeil
Made for Everyday Wear
A sterling silver base under a gold coating gives vermeil more substance than thin plating over base metal. How long the finish lasts varies with construction, wear and care.
Know Your Metals
Sterling silver is an alloy, and coated jewelry can include intermediate layers. If you have metal sensitivities, check the alloy and any intermediate layers listed for the piece.
Caring for the Finish
Perfume, lotion, chlorine and moisture can wear any gold coating faster. Put jewelry on last, wipe it with a soft cloth and store it dry.
Worth Restoring
Because the base is sterling silver, a jeweler can often re-plate a worn vermeil piece instead of replacing it.
Our Promise
The Orvielle Standard
18K Gold Vermeil, Done Properly
Every Orvielle vermeil piece starts with 925 sterling silver and is finished in 18K gold, above the 10K minimum in US guidance.
925
Sterling Silver
18K
Gold Purity
2.5+µm
Gold Thickness
Questions
Gold Vermeil FAQs
Is 18K gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. Gold vermeil has a genuine gold coating over a sterling silver base. It is different from solid gold, which is gold alloy throughout the whole piece.
What does 18K mean in gold vermeil?
18K means 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75% gold. In gold vermeil, it describes the gold coating only. The metal underneath is sterling silver.
Will my vermeil jewelry tarnish?
All sterling silver can tarnish slightly over time with air exposure — it's a natural property of the metal, not a flaw. The gold layer on top significantly slows this, and simple care (keeping pieces dry, storing away from air/moisture) keeps them looking their best.
How is this different from "gold filled"?
Gold-filled jewelry has a mechanically bonded gold layer over a base metal instead of a sterling silver base. Constructions vary, so inspect the markings and product specifications.
Can I shower and swim in gold vermeil?
Light water exposure is fine, but we recommend removing vermeil pieces before swimming (especially in chlorine or salt water) and prolonged showering to maximize lifespan — chemicals and prolonged moisture accelerate wear on any plated metal.
Why not just use solid 18K gold?
Solid 18K gold is gold alloy throughout, so it is heavier and more expensive. Vermeil gives the look of 18K gold over a sterling silver base at a lower price.
Built to Be Worn. Every Day.
Explore the full collection, crafted to the Orvielle Standard in 925 sterling silver and 18K gold vermeil.
Shop AllBrowse by category and check each product's material details to find your preferred finish.