What is Platinum Vermeil? is it Real? Does it Tarnish and is it Hypoallergenic and Safe to Wear?

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Platinum vermeil is sterling silver (92.5% pure) electroplated with a thick platinum layer of at least 2.5 microns, often with rhodium coating for extra brilliance.

It’s an affordable alternative to solid platinum, offering a luxurious appearance at lower cost. Platinum vermeil is hypoallergenic and non-magnetic, combining diamagnetic silver with paramagnetic platinum.

While platinum itself never tarnishes, the underlying sterling silver can tarnish if the coating becomes damaged. Platinum vermeil also isn’t waterproof, meaning constant moisture dulls the finish over time.

With proper care, it lasts several years to over a decade, making it suitable for everyday wear, especially in low-friction items like necklaces and earrings.

What is Platinum Vermeil? is it Real? Does it Tarnish and is it Hypoallergenic and Safe to Wear?

Table of Contents

What is Platinum Vermeil (Definition and Meaning)?

Platinum vermeil is a high-quality, durable jewelry type featuring a solid 92.5% sterling silver base electroplated with a thick layer of platinum, often along with rhodium for added brilliance and protection.

Platinum vermeil is an affordable alternative to solid platinum as it provides the luxurious look and feel of solid platinum without the hefty price tag.

Platinum vermeil is a relatively less know variation of gold vermeil, with white gold and rose gold vermeils being popular options as well.

See what platinum vermeil looks like below.

Is Platinum Vermeil the Same as Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver?

No, platinum vermeil isn’t the same as platinum-plated sterling silver.

Platinum-plated vermeil is any sterling silver plated with platinum where the coating is less than 2.5 microns thick.

Platinum vermeil is sterling silver coated with platinum of 2.5 microns thickness or higher.

There’s even platinum filled jewelry where a thick layer of platinum is electroplated (mechanically bonded) to a base metal core. In this case platinum represents >5% of total weight of that jewelry item.

Platinum-plated sterling silver example 1

Platinum-plated sterling silver example 2

Platinum-plated sterling silver example 3

Is Platinum Vermeil Hypoallergenic?

Yes, platinum vermeil is hypoallergenic. It’s not allergenic.

Platinum vermeil is hypoallergenic because both platinum and silver are hypoallergenic. Sterling silver alos contains a moderate amount of copper and copper is a metal allergen to a small percentage of people.

However, copper is an allergenic issue only if the platinum plating is badly damaged and worn out. In that case replating is the best and cheapest option.

Platinum is a hypoallergenic precious metal.

Is Platinum Vermeil Jewelry Magnetic?

No, platinum vermeil jewelry isn’t magnetic. Platinum vermeil consist of two non magnetic metals. First is sterling silver (actually a silver alloy) and second is the platinum base coating.

Silver is a diamagnetic metal and platinum is a paramagnetic precious metal. Combined they make platinum vermeil, a non-magnetic jewelry type.

Pro tip: you have fake platinum vermeil on your hands if it starts to visibly magnetize when exposed to a magnet.

Take your jewelry for some professional testing if that’s the case.

Does Platinum Vermeil Tarnish?

Yes, platinum vermeil tarnishes, but only when platinum coating is damaged and sterling silver is exposed.

Pure platinum never tarnishes, but sterling silver easily tarnishes when exposed to harsh chemicals, sunlight, air and moisture.

Be careful if you own damaged platinum vermeil jewelry as it will tarnish rapidly. You don’t have to worry if your jewelry is undamaged as platinum vermeil with undamaged plate doesn’t tarnish, go bland or discolor.

Can Platinum Vermeil Get Wet? Is it Waterproof and Can You Shower With it?

Yes, platinum vermeil can get wet. Occasional waters splashed on platinum vermeil jewelry won’t do any damage to it.

However, platinum vermeil isn’t waterproof. Constant moisture dulls the finish over time, even though the platinum itself is highly resistant to corrosion.

And water will do a lot of damage to platinum vermeil where the coating is damaged and sterling silver is exposed.

Because water tarnishes sterling silver and often causes it to turn green.

How Long Does Platinum Vermeil Last? Can You Wear it Every Day?

Platinum vermeil typically lasts from a few years up to over a decade with proper care.

Platinum vermeil is more durable than rose gold and yellow gold vermeils (but less than rhodium plated white gold vermeil). However, it’s not impervious to wear, especially for high-friction items like rings. It is generally safe for everyday wear, especially in low friction items like necklaces and earrings.