Why We Use Vermeil — And What That Actually Means

When possible, solid gold is still the benchmark. But for some of our designs, vermeil is a deliberate choice. It allows us to create pieces with real scale, structure, and presence at a more accessible price, without compromising on the materials underneath. Sterling silver at the core. Real gold on top.

What vermeil actually is

Vermeil (pronounced "ver-MAY") is sterling silver with a substantial layer of real gold. By US standards, vermeil must use sterling silver as its base and at least 2.5 microns of 10K gold or higher.

At Parkford, we use a thick layer of 18K gold, at least 2.5 microns, over sterling silver. That gold layer is substantially thicker than standard gold plating, while the piece remains precious metal throughout. No brass, copper, or base metal underneath.

The color of our 18K vermeil plating is carefully selected to coordinate with our solid gold pieces, so they can be worn together seamlessly.

The four options compared

Gold Plated

Thinnest layer

A thin layer of gold, often over brass or another base metal. The gold layer generally wears more quickly than vermeil.

Gold Filled

Durable, but limited

A mechanically bonded layer of gold over a base metal, usually brass. Durable, but less suited to some sculptural or highly detailed forms.

18K Vermeil

Our choice for scale

18K gold over sterling silver, at least 2.5 microns thick. A substantially thicker gold layer than standard plating, with precious metal at the core.

Solid 14K Gold

The benchmark

Solid gold throughout. Durable, valuable, and made to last, but significantly more expensive as designs become larger and heavier.

What about gold-filled?

Gold-filled jewelry contains more gold than standard plated jewelry and can be very durable. But because the gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically brass, the manufacturing process is better suited to certain types of wire, sheet, and formed components.

For designs with more sculptural forms, dimensional surfaces, or structural complexity, vermeil gives us greater freedom while still allowing the piece to be made from precious metals throughout.

When vermeil is the right answer

Some designs are meant to have scale, larger earrings, substantial necklaces, and pieces with real visual presence. As the amount of metal increases, creating the same design in solid 14K gold can make the price significantly higher.

Vermeil gives us another way to create those designs without stripping away what matters. You're still wearing real 18K gold over real sterling silver, with a gold layer substantially thicker than standard plating.

At Parkford, certain designs are offered in vermeil because the design calls for scale, structure, or weight that would make solid gold significantly more expensive. It's a considered material choice, not an afterthought.

Common questions

Does vermeil tarnish? Over time, the gold layer can wear depending on how often the piece is worn and how it's cared for. Because the metal underneath is sterling silver, it can eventually tarnish if exposed. Keeping vermeil dry, storing it properly, and removing it before swimming, showering, or exercising will help preserve the gold finish longer.

Can vermeil be replated? Yes. Because the base is sterling silver, vermeil pieces can be professionally replated when needed, extending the life of a piece you already love.

How do I know if something is real vermeil? Look at both the base metal and the thickness of the gold layer. True vermeil uses sterling silver as its base and, in the US, must have at least 2.5 microns of 10K gold or higher. Parkford vermeil uses 18K gold at a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns.

Is vermeil considered fine jewelry? Vermeil is made from precious metals, sterling silver and real gold, which places it distinctly above conventional gold-plated base-metal jewelry. At Parkford, we use it alongside solid gold as a deliberate material choice for specific designs.



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