Materials
Our gold
Sterling silver underneath, a real layer of gold on top, and the paperwork to back it up.
Gold vermeil, in plain words
“Gold vermeil” is not a marketing word in the US; the FTC defines it. Under the Jewelry Guides (16 CFR 23.4), a piece can be called vermeil only if it is sterling silver underneath and coated with gold that is at least 10 karat and at least 2.5 microns thick everywhere. Anything thinner, or on a base other than sterling silver, has to be called gold plated or gold electroplate.
What ours is made of
- Base: 925 sterling silver (92.5% silver).
- Gold layer: at least 2.5 microns of gold vermeil, all over.
- Nickel: nickel-free.
- Pearls: 6–7 mm cultured freshwater pearls on the Pearl Drop. Each one varies a little in shape and lustre.
The reports
We publish the supplier's plating thickness report and nickel test for each production batch here, as soon as we have them for the founding run. If you'd like a copy before then, email us.
How to look after it
Vermeil is gold, but it is a layer, and water, soap, chlorine, salt water, sweat, lotion and perfume all wear a layer faster. Put your jewelry on last, take it off to swim, shower or work out, wipe it with a soft cloth and store each piece in its pouch. With that care, it is made to resist tarnish for everyday wear. The long version: Can you shower in gold vermeil?
Who it is not for
If you know you react to silver or to gold itself, vermeil is not the answer; talk to a dermatologist about patch testing. Our guide to earrings for sensitive ears covers the metals to look for.