Process developed in France in the mid-1700s. France banned production of vermeil early in the 19th century because the process involved the use of mercury. Present-day vermeil is 22k Gold over Sterling Silver produced by a safe electrolytic process.

Vermeil gold is a 22k layer of gold applied to sterling silver. It is often used on Bali beads & clasps.

The vermeil from Offerings is a thin coating of 18K or 22K gold over sterling silver. Although less durable than gold-filled, vermeil is more durable than gold plating. To care for your vermeil jewelry, never machine polish or use any chemicals such as silver or gold cleaner. Care should be taken to avoid vigorous polishing. A polishing cloth may even be too rough and cause scratches.

Vermeil is gold (usually 18k or 22k) electroplated onto sterling silver with a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns. (Regular plating is less than 2.5 microns.) Gold Filled has a much thicker layer, between 15 and 45 microns, that is mechanically bonded to the basemetal with heat and pressure. The thickness depends on the gauge of wire. It is thinner on 24 gauge than 14 gauge, but it always equals at least 5% of the total weight. The very best explanation that I have seen is this one: http://www.

Pronounced "vermay" vermeil gold is the official industry designation for a heavy gold electroplating over a base sterling silver material. A minimum thickness of 100 millionths of an inch or 2.5 microns of gold must be deposited before it can be marked or sold as Vermeil.

Yes. Gold Vermeil is usually 22 or 23kt Gold plated on Sterling Silver. Gold-filled is usually 12kt Gold plated on Base Metal.