Choosing waterproof jewelry is essential for people who want to keep their jewelry pieces on always, even in the rain, in the shower, or when swimming.
This raises questions about the waterproof status of gold vermeil, which is popularly known for its beauty and affordability. Conclusion First: short contact with water will NOT tarnish gold vermeil products, If you are not pool/seaside active daily, gold vermeil is the best choice for accessible luxury.
In this article, we will explore gold vermeil jewelry’s waterproof abilities and how it reacts to water.
Comparing Gold Vermeil and Gold Plating
Gold vermeil and gold plating are sometimes mistaken for each other because they are both made by coating a base metal with gold. However, they are different.
- Gold Vermeil: This is a sterling silver base covered with a thick layer of gold to look exactly like real gold. Gold vermeil jewelry is a preferred option for jewelry lovers because it is less expensive than pure gold and is very capable of enduring everyday wear.
- Gold Plating: This is a base metal (brass, copper, nickel, aluminum, or a mixture of various metals) covered with a thin layer of gold. Gold-plated jewelry is created to look like real gold, but it tarnishes after a short period, usually several weeks/months only, making it unsuitable for everyday wear.
Gold Layer Thickness
The gold layer on gold vermeil jewelry must be at least 2.5 microns thick, while gold-plated jewelry has a gold layer as thin as 0.03-0.5 microns. This gives gold vermeil products a richer gold hue and allows them to last longer than gold-plated products.
Learning how to tell the difference between gold vermeil and gold plating is important to avoid loss in investment.
Does Gold Vermeil Tarnish in Water?
Does gold vermeil fade or tarnish in water? Yes, it does eventually. But this only happens when it’s exposed to water frequently and for a long time. While the gold layer offers some protection, water can wear off the gold over time and expose some parts of the sterling silver base, resulting in tarnishing.
Can You Wear Gold Vermeil in the Shower?
Is it advisable to wear gold vermeil in the shower? Can you get it wet? Yes, you can wear gold vermeil in the shower. Gold vermeil has a thick layer of real gold over sterling silver, so occasional contact with shower water won’t instantly damage it.
However, repeated exposure to hot water, soap, and shampoo can cause the gold layer to fade faster and the silver underneath to tarnish. If you want to keep your vermeil looking shiny for years, it’s best to remove it before showering and store it in a dry place.
Can You Swim with Gold Vermeil Jewelry?
Yes, you can swim in a pool with gold vermeil jewelry occasionally, but it’s best to limit it. However, wearing gold vermeil in the ocean is not recommended. Pool water contains chlorine, and seawater is rich in salt — both are highly corrosive and can quickly wear down the gold layer on vermeil pieces. Over time, this exposure may cause tarnishing, discoloration, and a dull finish.
How Long Can Gold Vermeil Last?
Within what period does gold vermeil wear off? If made by a responsible and professional gold vermeil jewelry manufacturer, and with proper care, gold vermeil pieces should last for several years(12-24 months at least). The longevity is determined by the thickness of the gold layer and how often it’s exposed to water, soap, shampoo, chlorine, friction, etc. In comparison, normal gold plating products can only last for several months, some even weeks. Sometimes the base metal will also influence the color retention time, this can be taken as a check to compare different materials.
Key Takeaway
Can gold vermeil get wet? Yes, but ensure it doesn’t remain in contact with water for a long time. Gold vermeil doesn’t just resemble real gold, it’s also waterproof and capable of withstanding moisture for a short period.
