How to clean Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil (pronounced “ver-may”) is a type of jewelry made by coating a sterling silver base with a thick layer of gold.
If you have gold vermeil jewelry that needs cleaning, watch this video to bring back its shine, with a few simple household items.

 Gold Vermeil is high quality silver electroplated in gold. It is the most durable and wear resistant among gold plated jewelry.

Why Clean Gold Vermeil Jewelry with Care?

Gold vermeil jewelry has a layer of gold that is typically 10k or higher, at least 2.5 microns thick, bonded to sterling silver. This coating is thicker than standard gold-plated jewelry, making it more durable, but it can still wear off over time if not cared for properly. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials to preserve the gold layer and keep your jewelry looking its best.

What Items You Need

• Mild dish soap (unscented and free from harsh chemicals)
• Lukewarm water (avoid hot water, which can damage the coating)
• Soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel (for drying and polishing)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush (for gentle cleaning in grooves or intricate areas)
• Small bowl (for mixing the cleaning solution)
• Jewelry polishing cloth (optional, specially designed for gentle polishing of gold vermeil)

To clean your Gold Vermeil accessories, all you need is a simple homemade gold cleaning solution.

Just add 1 2 drops of all natural dishwashing liquid to a small amount of warm water.

Stir until you create a soapy solution.

   

Next, dip a soft lint free cloth into the cleaning solution.

Gently rub your gold vermeil to get rid of dirt, grime, and minor tarnish.

Gold vermeil can get scratched when rubbed vigorously, so take special care not to damage the outer gold layer.

It’s best to use a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemical substances like detergents. Also, avoid using a hard bristled brush or coarse fabric to clean your vermeil jewelry to prevent unsightly hairline scratches.

Once you’ve removed all dirty spots, you can now wash your gold jewelry with lukewarm water. Make sure you wash it thoroughly, ensuring there’s no cleaning liquid residue.
If there’s stubborn tarnish, you can use a high quality jewelry polishing cloth to remove dark spots. A jewelry cloth has special chemicals to remove tarnish effectively. It is easily available in many online retail stores or in your local jewelry store.

Finally, blot dry with a clean, soft cloth.
And there you have it.  

Precautions to Take

• Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals: Never use baking soda, vinegar, or commercial jewelry cleaners, as they can wear down the gold layer.
• Do not soak gold vermeil jewelry: Prolonged soaking can weaken the gold coating and tarnish the sterling silver underneath.
• Handle gemstones or other materials with care: If your gold vermeil jewelry has gemstones, take extra care not to damage them during cleaning.
• Limit contact with water, lotions, and perfumes: Exposure to moisture, cosmetics, and perfumes can wear down the gold vermeil coating over time.
• Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners: These methods are too harsh for the delicate gold layer and may damage the jewelry.

Conclusion

Cleaning your gold vermeil jewelry at home is quick and easy. Proper care and maintenance should help keep your gold vermeil jewelry clean and shiny.