Common Questions
What does the K stand for with gold jewellery?
The “K" in 14K and 18K gold refers to the karat of gold. The term "karat" (K) designates the amount of gold found in a piece of jewellery. Pure gold is 24K and signifies 99.9 percent purity, which is the highest you can buy. Pure gold is very soft so it is mixed with other alloys so it can be made into jewellery, providing a harder and more workable piece of metal.
10K gold is 41.67% gold14K is 58.33% gold
18k is 75% gold.
18K gold better quality than 14K gold?
To answer that question, it really depends on how to define ‘better quality’. Since 14k gold contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals it is more durable and resistance to wear and tear. For that reason, we recommend 14k gold for those with more of an active lifestyle. As 18k gold has a higher percentage of gold it has a higher value and is less likely to cause any skin reactions. But since it is lower in other alloyed metals it is more susceptible to being scratched or denting. Jewellery made of 18K gold has a rich yellow colour while those made of 14K have a lighter tone due to the alloys added. So, taking lifestyle, budget, skin sensitivity and what tone of gold you prefer will help you decided whether to purchase 14k or 18k gold.
How do you pronounce vermeil?
The word vermeil is French and is pronounced as ‘ver-may ‘.
How do I store my jewellery pieces?
When you are not wearing your pieces, we recommend that your jewellery should be stored in your original box or velvet pouch. This should be away from direct sunlight, and somewhere with low humidity to avoid tarnishing.
How do I clean my jewellery?
Please use the microfibre polishing cloth that is gifted with ever order to clean your jewellery pieces.
For a more information please refer to our Materials & Care Info page
Is Gold Vermeil waterproof? Can I shower with my pieces still on?
Technically no metal is fully waterproof as the minerals found in normal tap water can make your jewellery pieces look dull over time. The process of actually showering or washing your hands will not tarnish the jewellery itself but you need to be mindful of the products you are using. Hand soaps, shampoos, body wash etc… all contain different chemicals which over time may degrade the e-coating on your gold vermeil pieces.
Does your gold vermeil jewellery pieces tarnish?
Yes, all gold vermeil pieces will begin to tarnish over time, but this does not mean that your jewellery is ruined. Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when the metal alloys, such as copper, in gold pieces react with oxygen. Unfortunately, it is necessary for both solid gold and pure silver to be mixed with alloy metals, as on their own they are too soft to be turned into jewellery pieces. But tarnishing can easily be polished off and we recommend you use the pink microfibre polishing cloth that was gifted in your order to make your pieces shiny again.
Does gold vermeil jewellery turn green over time?
Nope! Gold vermeil jewellery and is hypo-allergenic and will ensure that your skin or jewellery will not turn green.
Is it worth buying gold vermeil from Canadian jewellery brands?
You definitely can, but it’s probably worth contacting the seller and asking how thick their plating of gold is. In Canada in order for a jewellery piece to be labelled as ‘gold vermeil’ it only needs to be plated with 1.0 micron of gold, which is a lot lower than other standards of 2.5 microns. Plating that is 2.5 microns will last a lot longer than 1.0 microns so double check that you are paying for good quality pieces.
How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?
Due to its thick layer of gold, gold vermeil is very durable and if taken care of properly can last for years! Please read here to learn how to take care for your gold vermeil pieces. The purity of the gold vermeil, that is 14k or 18k will also affect how long the gold plating lasts. Since 14k gold contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals it is more durable and resistance to wear and tear. For that reason, we recommend 14k gold for those with more of an active lifestyle.