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What is rose gold vermeil? How valuable is it?
Is rose gold vermeil jewelry the same as rose gold-plated?
What are all the types of rose gold vermeil?
Find out right below!
- What is Rose Gold Vermeil (Meaning and Definition)?
- Is Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Hypoallergenic or Allergenic?
- Is Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Magnetic?
- Does Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Tarnish? Can You Shower With it?
- Does Rose Gold Vermeil Patinate?
- How Long Does Rose Gold Vermeil Last on Jewelry?
- Rose Gold Vermeil vs Rose Gold Plated Jewelry: Are They the Same?
- Rose Gold Vermeil vs Rose Gold- What are the Differences?
- Is There 22K Rose Gold Vermeil?
- What is 18K Gold Rose Vermeil Jewelry?
- What is 14K Rose Gold Vermeil?
- Is There 12K Rose Gold Vermeil?
- Is There 10K Rose Gold Vermeil?
- Is There 9K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
- Is There 8K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
- Is There 6K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
Here’s an awesome quiz about rose gold vermeil. Take it after you’ve read my guide for the best results.
Table of Contents
What is Rose Gold Vermeil (Meaning and Definition)?
Rose gold vermeil is a type of rose gold jewelry where a base of sterling silver is coated with a thick layer of rose gold.
Rose gold layer must be at least 10k purity and have a thickness of at least 2.5 microns to be considered true vermeil.
Coating sterling silver with rose gold of appropriate thickness and purity makes rose gold vermeil jewelry look like solid rose gold, but way more affordable.
Is Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Hypoallergenic or Allergenic?
Rose gold vermeil is hypoallergenic for everyone except those people who’re allergic to copper.
People with copper sensitivities should be careful with rose gold vermeil jewelry because even a little bit of copper in rose gold alloy can cause quit a bit of a skin rash.
Note: higher karatage rose gold vermeils are less allergenic than lower karatage rose gold vermeil variants.
For example, 14k and especially 18k rose gold vermeils are safer than 12k and 10k rose gold vermeils.
Is Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Magnetic?
No, rose gold vermeil isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic.
Pure gold is diamagnetic, and so is copper. Sterling silver under the rose gold plate is also diamagnetic.
Sterling silver isn’t magnetic and copper is diamagnetic which means it’s repelled by an external magnetic field.
Does Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry Tarnish? Can You Shower With it?
Yes, rose gold vermeil jewelry tarnishes over time, especially if you don’t take good care of it. Yellow gold within the alloy doesn’t tarnish, but copper is sensitive to oxygen, moisture and other elements and materials.
Learn more below.
- Fire. Fire doesn’t tarnish and corrode rose gold vermeil. Rose gold vermeil is stable under heat, though extreme temperatures cause the copper to oxidize and the vermeil a darker red hue.
- Water. water doesn’t tarnish rose gold vermeil. Water has zero effect on rose gold vermeil and can’t tarnish or corrode it. However, saltwater due to its corrosive nature affects rose gold jewelry items over time, especially affecting the copper content in the alloy.
- Chlorine. Chlorine tarnishes and corrodes rose gold vermeil. Chlorine reacts with the copper in the alloy and causes discoloration and structural weakening. I recommend you avoid going into chlorinated pools when wearing rose gold vermeil jewelry.
- Bleach. Bleach tarnishes rose gold vermeil. It causes discoloration and deterioration of the metal over time. Avoid exposing your rose gold vermeil to bleach.
- Vinegar. Vinegar tarnishes rose gold vermeil due to its acidity reacting with the copper content. Avoid regular contact with vinegar to maintain the appearance of rose gold vermeil jewelry.
- Toothpaste. Toothpaste doesn’t tarnish and corrode rose gold vermeil. However, the abrasive particles in toothpaste make tiny, microscopic scratches on the surface of the alloy and over time lead to patination.
- Makeup. Makeup has no immediate effect on rose gold vermeil. It doesn’t tarnish, corrode, oxidize or rust rose gold vermeil jewelry pieces. However, some makeup products contain harsh chemicals that over time affect the copper content in rose gold.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t tarnish and corrode rose gold vermeil. However, rose gold is negatively affected by hydrogen peroxide with long term and repeated exposure.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice tarnishes rose gold vermeil over time as the citric acid in lemon juice reacts with the copper in the rose gold alloy, causing discoloration.
- Alcohol. Alcohol doesn’t tarnish or corrode rose gold vermeil. You can use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to clean your rose gold vermeil jewelry.
- Nitric acid. Nitric acid tarnishes rose gold by reacting with the copper content in the alloy. Yellow gold within the alloy is resistant to nitric acid, but copper is vulnerable to nitric acid which causes discoloration and deterioration.
Can You Shower With Rose Gold Vermeil? Will Water Speed up the Tarnishing Process?
You shouldn’t shower with rose gold vermeil, as the water, soap, and shampoo will wear away the gold layer leading to rapid tarnishing of sterling silver base.
While rose gold vermeil jewelry has a thicker gold layer than standard plating, meaning it can withstand more water exposure before giving in, it’s still best to remove your it before showering, exercising, or getting wet to preserve its shine and longevity.
Does Rose Gold Vermeil Patinate?
Yes, rose gold vermeil patinates.
Rose gold patina is a natural, subtle darkening or deepening of the rose gold’s color that occurs over time due to oxidation. Rose gold patinates because of copper oxidation within the rose gold alloy.
Sterling silver also patinates as the beginning stage of the tarnishing process, but this is only relevant if the vermeil’s rose gold plating is damaged or cracked.
Keep in mind that it’s easy for sterling silver patina to turn to sterling silver tarnish so it’s best you replate your rose gold vermeil jewelry as soon as possible.
How Long Does Rose Gold Vermeil Last on Jewelry?
Rose gold vermeil with proper care can last you for many years.
Factors that influence the longevity of rose gold vermeil jewelry are:
- Thickness of the gold layer. The thicker the rose gold layer, the longer it’ll last.
- Care and maintenance. Avoid exposing your rose gold vermeil jewelry to harsh chemicals and water and store it properly when not in use to extend its lifespan.
- Quality of the rose gold plating: to avoid cheap imitations that wear off quickly ensure you’re purchasing true 2.5 micron rose gold vermeil.
- Occasional vs daily wear. Your rose gold vermeil jewelry will last longer if you wear it occasionally, and not every day. This is true for any type of jewelry, not just rose gold vermeil.
Rose Gold Vermeil vs Rose Gold Plated Jewelry: Are They the Same?
No, rose gold vermeil and rose gold plated jewelry aren’t the same.
Rose gold vermeil is jewelry that’s composed of a sterling silver base coated with a thick, standardized (minimum 2.5 microns thick) layer of rose gold (with a minimum purity of 10k gold).
Rose gold plated jewelry can have metal bases other than sterling silver and the rose gold coating’s thickness and purity aren’t standardized.
The rose gold plating can be both thicker and thinner than 2.5 microns.
Rose Gold Vermeil vs Rose Gold- What are the Differences?
Rose gold and rose gold vermeil are very similar, with some notable differences.
The primary difference between rose gold and rose gold vermeils is that solid rose gold is entirely made from the rose gold alloy, whereas rose gold vermeil is composed of sterling silver with a thick layer of rose gold plating.
Solid rose gold is more valuable and durable, as it’s not susceptible to exposing a base metal through wear and tear. Whereas rose gold vermeil offers a more budget-friendly and fashionable alternative with its high-quality plating over silver.
| Comparison | Rose Gold | Rose Gold Vermeil |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Yellow gold + copper + a small amount of silver. | Yellow gold + aluminum in rose gold platin. Sterling silver base. |
| Color and tarnish resistance | Rose gold tarnishes because of oxidizing copper. | Rose gold vermeil tarnishes because of oxidizing copper. Sterling silver is susceptible to tarnishing too. |
| Durability and scratch resistance | Rose gold is more durable and scratch resistant than rose gold vermeil. | Rose gold vermeil is less durable and scratch- resistant than solid rose gold. |
| Cost | Rose gold is more expensive than rose gold vermeil because of the higher yellow gold content. And gold is far more expensive than sterling silver, the dominant metal in rose gold vermeil. | Rose gold vermeil is less expensive than solid rose gold. |
| Skin tone compatibility | The best skin tone for rose gold is a warm skin tone or neutral undertone. | The best skin tone for rose gold vermeil is a warm skin tone or neutral undertone. |
| Hypoallergenic properties | Rose gold is hypoallergenic to people without copper sensitivities, and allergenic to people sensitive to copper. | Rose gold vermeil is hypoallergenic to people without copper sensitivities, and allergenic to people sensitive to copper. |
Is There 22K Rose Gold Vermeil?
Yes, there’s 22k rose gold vermeil.
22k rose gold vermeil has a distinct yellowish tint that separates it from lower-karat rose gold. This is because 22k rose gold vermeil has a very high percentage of yellow gold and a minimal percentage of copper in its alloy.
This yellowish tint makes 22k rose gold vermeil less popular than the more reddish variants of this alloy (18k and 14k rose gold vermeils).
What is 18K Gold Rose Vermeil Jewelry?
18k gold rose vermeil jewelry is a type of jewelry that’s made by plating a sterling silver base with a thick layer of 18k rose gold.
This means the jewelry has a solid sterling silver foundation which is then covered with a layer of rose gold made from 75% pure gold and 25% copper.
18k rose gold vermeil offers a luxurious look and feels similar to solid rose gold, but at a more affordable price point.
What is 14K Rose Gold Vermeil?
14k gold rose vermeil jewelry is a type of jewelry that’s made by plating a sterling silver base with a thick layer of 14k rose gold.
This means the jewelry has a solid sterling silver foundation which is then covered with a layer of gold that’s 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloyed with copper to achieve the desired rose gold color.
14k rose gold vermeil offers a luxurious look and feel, similar to solid rose gold and to 18k rose gold vermeil, but at a more affordable price point.
14k rose gold vermeil is the most popular type of rose gold vermeil because of it’s affordability, durability and classic looks.
Is There 12K Rose Gold Vermeil?
Yes, there’s 12k rose gold vermeil. It’s less popular that 14k and 18k rose gold vermeil, but you can still find it in better-equipped jewelry stores.
12k rose gold vermeil is made from a solid sterling silver base covered with rose gold plating (50/50% gold and copper) over it.
Is There 10K Rose Gold Vermeil?
Yes, there’s 10k rose gold vermeil.
It’s less popular that 14k and 18k rose gold vermeil, but you can still find it in better-equipped jewelry stores.
10k rose gold vermeil is made from a solid sterling silver base covered with rose gold plating (41.7/58.3% gold and copper) over it.
Is There 9K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
No, there’s no 9k rose gold vermeil. It doesn’t exist.
This is because rose gold vermeil has to be made from at least 10k gold in order to be labeled “vermeil”.
There’s rose-gold plated jewelry where the rose gold plating is made from 9k gold. But it’s not rose gold vermeil.
Is There 8K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
No, there’s no 8k rose gold vermeil. It doesn’t exist.
This is because rose gold vermeil has to be made from at least 10k gold in order to be labeled “vermeil”.
There’s rose-gold plated jewelry where the rose gold plating is made from 8k gold. But it’s not rose gold vermeil.
Is There 6K Rose Gold Vermeil? Does it Exist?
No, there’s no 6k rose gold vermeil. It doesn’t exist.
This is because rose gold vermeil has to be made from at least 10k gold in order to be labeled “vermeil”.
There’s rose-gold plated jewelry where the rose gold plating is made from 6k gold. But it’s not rose gold vermeil.
What is Rose Gold Vermeil? (Meaning and Definition)? Conclusion
Rose gold vermeil is jewelry made with a sterling silver base coated with a thick layer of rose gold (minimum 10k purity, 2.5 microns thick).
Unlike regular rose gold plating, vermeil has standardized thickness requirements and uses only sterling silver as the base.
Available in 10k through 22k varieties, with 14k being most popular for its balance of affordability and appearance.
Rose gold vermeil is hypoallergenic, non-magnetic, and offers a luxurious look similar to solid rose gold at a fraction of the cost. With proper care, vermeil jewelry can last many years, making it an attractive alternative to solid gold.
Check out our jewelry store for gold products you can purchase. We don’t sell rose gold vermeil, but we do ship worldwide!
References:
- Rose Gold Vermeil: High-Quality Gold Plating- https://jaxxon.com/journal/rose-gold-vermeil
- Rose gold vermeil- https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelrymaking/comments/10nv45c/rose_gold_vermeil/
- Are gold/rose gold/white gold vermeil all are sterling silver underneath? And gold plated usually has a cheap base metal like brass? https://www.reddit.com/r/jewelers/comments/xedi11/are_goldrose_goldwhite_gold_vermeil_all_are/
- What Is Gold Vermeil? Your Complete Guide- https://www.linjer.co/en-us/blogs/linjer-journal/what-is-gold-vermeil-your-complete-guide
- 22k Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Magic Snake Chain 1.6mm Solid 925 Italy Brazilian Necklace- https://www.amazon.com/Plated-Sterling-Silver-Brazilian-Necklace/dp/B072JBYZJJ?th=1
- 18K Rose-Gold Vermeil Thin Rolo Chain- https://belleetoilejewelry.com/products/18k-rose-gold-vermeil-thin-rolo-chain
- 10K Rose Gold Vermeil Rose Quartz Bracelet- https://classywomencollection.com/products/10k-rose-gold-vermeil-rose-quartz-bracelet
- 10 Feet 12K Rose Gold Filled Heart Chain – 3.8mm – Made in USA B20- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1532417147/10-feet-12k-rose-gold-filled-heart-chain
- 14k Rose Gold Vermeil Golden Legacy Miami Cuban Link Chain- https://balacia.com/products/rose-gold-vermeil-plated-cuban-link-chain
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
