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GOLD VERMEIL IS BETTER THAN GOLD PLATING – HERE'S WHY
arrow_backTo the overview27 May 2025 | Meranni Jewellery ApS
Gold vermeil (pronounced ‘ver-mey’) is not just another form of plating. It’s a refined technique with roots in France, traditionally used to gild silver with a thick layer of gold. It’s considered both a luxurious and sustainable option, avoiding cheap base metals, reducing waste, and because we use 100% recycled 925 sterling silver and 18k gold – we eliminate the need for mining new materials.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between gold vermeil and gold plating – and why gold vermeil is the better choice if you want jewellery that’s long-lasting, beautifully made, and offers the luxurious look and feel of solid gold at an affordable price.
What is Gold Plating?
Gold plating is a technique where a very thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal like brass or copper.
- Gold thickness: Typically just 0.5 microns, making it vulnerable to wear.
- Durability: The thin gold layer wears off quickly, exposing the metal underneath which can tarnish and lose its shine.
- Price: Gold-plated jewellery is usually a cheaper option, but it doesn’t last long.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Gold vermeil is a beautiful and high-quality plating technique that allows us to create jewellery that is perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.
At MERANNI Jewellery, we use this technique to combine luxury with responsibility. The result is jewellery coated with a gold layer that’s 5x thicker than standard gold plating and significantly more durable. You get the feel of fine jewellery – crafted with care and priced so you can treat yourself without compromise. Gold vermeil is real gold layered over real 925 sterling silver, and at MERANNI Jewellery, we use the highest percentage of gold alloy allowed for jewellery – 18 carat.
It’s the ideal choice if you want elegant jewellery that lasts and reflects your values.
Gold vermeil is held to a higher standard than standard gold plating, with three key requirements:
- Thicker gold: The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick – that’s 5 times thicker than standard gold plating.
- Sterling silver base: The base metal must be genuine sterling silver, which is durable and hypoallergenic.
- High gold purity: Gold vermeil often uses 18 carat gold or higher , offering a rich, luxurious finish.
This combination makes gold vermeil far more durable, beautiful, and valuable than regular gold plating.
What is a Micron?
A micron is a unit of measurement used to describe the thickness of gold on jewellery. The more microns, the thicker the layer of gold – making the jewellery much more durable.
Why Choose Gold Vermeil from MERANNI?
At MERANNI Jewellery, we create timeless, elegant pieces made to last. Our gold vermeil jewellery combines luxury and durability with a strong focus on sustainability.
- We use 100% recycled sterling silver som gør vores smykker allergivenlig.
- Every design is finished with a 5x thick layer of 18c gold.
- You get jewellery that lasts longer and is better for the planet.
Choose quality, style, and sustainability with gold vermeil from MERANNI Jewellery. Explore our collection and find your next favourite piece today.
This article is written by:
Meranni Jewellery ApS
MERANNI Jewellery Denmark creates aesthetic jewellery with meaning. Our collection perfectly blends timeless elegance and Scandinavian minimalism with modern details – designed for stylish and conscious women who want to celebrate themselves and life’s special moments.
Each piece is handcrafted in 100% recycled 925 sterling silver and finished with 18k gold vermeil – a French technique where the jewellery has a five times thicker layer of gold compared to standard gold plating. This ensures lasting quality, a luxurious finish, and a more responsible choice in every piece.
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