What you'll need
- 01A soft dry microfibre cloth
- 01Gentle movements without hard rubbing
- 01A clean surface to avoid knocks and scratches
Caring for Your Vermeil Jewelry
How to Care for Vermeil Jewelry — Complete Guide
Vermeil combines a precious 925 sterling silver base with 18k gold plating at 5 microns. That noble construction gives you the glow of gold with the integrity of silver, but it lasts best when it is treated with gentle, regular care.
What is vermeil jewelry?
Vermeil is jewelry made from 925 sterling silver coated in 18k gold. At Lan Vera, every piece is plated to 5 microns, a premium standard well above standard gold plating. That thickness improves longevity, provided you limit moisture, cosmetics, and repeated friction.
How to clean your vermeil jewelry
Cleaning steps
- 01Gently wipe the surface after each wear to remove traces, perspiration, and dust.
- 02Pay extra attention to areas that touch the skin, without using abrasives or stiff brushes.
- 03Store the piece in a dry pouch as soon as cleaning is done.
How to store your vermeil jewelry
Keep each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box.
Avoid stacking jewelry together so chains, rings, or ear cuffs do not rub against one another.
Store pieces in a dry place away from direct light and humidity.
What to avoid
Chemical products
Perfume, creams, lotions, household cleaners, and chlorine can dull the gold more quickly.
- •Perfume and sprays
- •Creams and oils
- •Harsh household products
Water and moisture
Showering, swimming, sea water, and humid rooms accelerate wear and oxidation in the silver base.
- •Fresh water and salt water
- •Chlorinated pools
- •Bathrooms and humid environments
Excessive friction
Exercise, perspiration, and repeated contact with hard surfaces mechanically wear the plating.
- •Sport and sweat
- •Heavy stacking
- •Repeated knocks and rubbing
How long does vermeil last?
With mindful wear, 5-micron vermeil keeps its brilliance for years. The exact lifespan depends on how often it is worn, how often it meets water or cosmetics, and how carefully it is stored between wears.
Lan Vera
Durability for regular wear
Lan Vera vermeil is made to be worn often, but it remains a precious metal covered in gold: removing it before showering, swimming, or exercising noticeably extends its life.
Lan Vera
Replating
When the shine softens or the silver base begins to appear on high-friction areas, replating is possible. It is the right way to refresh a treasured piece rather than replace it.
Frequently asked questions
What is vermeil jewelry?
Vermeil is jewelry made from 925 sterling silver coated in 18k gold to a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns (US standard) or 5 microns (premium standard). It's a noble alternative to solid gold: it has gold's brilliance with a precious sterling silver base. At Lan Vera, all pieces are plated to 5 microns — double the legal minimum.
How do you care for vermeil jewelry?
To care for vermeil jewelry: avoid contact with water, perfume, creams and household products. Remove your piece before showering, swimming or exercising. Store it in a soft pouch away from light. Clean gently with a dry microfibre cloth. These simple habits significantly extend the life of the gold plating.
What is the difference between vermeil and gold-plated jewelry?
Vermeil uses a 925 sterling silver base — a precious metal — whereas standard gold-plated jewelry typically uses brass or other non-precious metals. Vermeil must legally meet a minimum gold thickness, making it more durable and safer for sensitive skin. Standard gold-plated pieces wear faster and may cause skin reactions.
Is vermeil jewelry durable?
Yes, vermeil is durable when properly cared for. Lan Vera's 18k gold plating at 5 microns provides superior resistance compared to standard plating. With appropriate care — avoiding water, perfume, and excessive friction — quality vermeil jewelry can maintain its brilliance for several years, often much longer.
Is vermeil jewelry safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, Lan Vera vermeil is nickel-free certified. The 925 sterling silver base is one of the safest options for reactive skin types. Unlike costume jewelry based on brass or cheap alloys, 925 silver vermeil minimises the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Does vermeil tarnish?
Vermeil can tarnish over time, as with any precious metal — this is a natural oxidation process in the silver base. To slow it down: avoid water, perfume, and acidic products. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is usually enough to restore brilliance. Lan Vera's 5-micron plating provides superior tarnish resistance compared to thinner alternatives.
How thick is the gold plating on Lan Vera pieces?
All Lan Vera jewelry is plated in 18k gold to a depth of 5 microns. That's double the minimum thickness required for a piece to legally qualify as "vermeil" under US standards (2.5 microns), and far above standard gold-plated jewelry (typically 0.5 to 1 micron).
Can I wear vermeil jewelry every day?
Yes, Lan Vera vermeil jewelry is designed for everyday wear. The 5-micron thickness and 925 silver base make it robust for regular use. It's recommended to remove pieces before showering, exercising, or swimming to extend their lifespan.
The Lan Vera Collection
Ready to wear vermeil every day?
Explore the pieces designed in Paris and crafted in Vietnam, each in 925 silver and 18k gold at 5 microns.
Explore the Collection