How To Care For Gold Vermeil Jewelry

August 26, 2025

How to Care for Gold Vermeil Jewelry

Gold vermeil jewelry is becoming a favorite for those who appreciate both beauty and value, as it offers the luxurious look and feel of solid gold at a more accessible price point.

But to ensure your cherished pieces — like your favorite rose gold necklace or that stunning gold flower ring — maintain their radiant glow for years, understanding how to properly care for gold vermeil is essential. With just a little attention, you can keep your gold vermeil jewelry looking as dazzling as the day you first received it.

How Long Does Gold Vermeil Last?

One of the most common questions we hear is, how long does gold vermeil last?

The typical lifespan of gold vermeil jewelry can range from many months to several years, depending significantly on two key factors: the thickness of the gold layer and, most importantly, how diligently it’s cared for.

Gold vermeil refers to a specific type of gold plating where a thick layer of at least 2.5 microns of gold is bonded to a sterling silver base — at least five times thicker than standard plating. Due to the thick layer of 18k gold, it is significantly more durable and long-lasting than standard gold-plated jewelry.

At Mondays Made, our yellow gold and rose gold pieces are plated with 18k gold to provide the perfect blend of quality and affordability. A higher purity level of 75% means they are more hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant than 14k or 10k gold, and so are more sensitive for those with sensitive skin. Our gold vermeil is also finished with an additional layer of protective coating for enhanced durability and longer lasting shine.

While no gold-finished jewelry is truly eternal without re-plating, proper care can extend its life, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful pieces for much longer.

Does Gold Vermeil Tarnish?

Yes, gold vermeil can tarnish over time — and that’s completely normal. In fact, almost all types of jewelry can tarnish eventually (even solid gold!). Tarnishing is a natural reaction to air, moisture, and contact with everyday products like lotions and perfumes.

What makes gold vermeil special is its thick layer of gold plating over sterling silver, which makes it highly tarnish-resistant compared to standard gold-plated or base metal jewelry. Since gold itself is a non-reactive metal, the thicker the gold layer, the better it protects the jewelry from tarnish.

Even solid gold — whether 10k, 14k, or 18k — can tarnish over time, as it contains alloyed metals like silver and copper. Among these, 18k gold tarnishes the slowest because of its higher proportion of pure gold.

On thinner gold-plated pieces, the gold layer wears down more quickly, exposing the reactive base metals underneath (like brass, silver, or copper). This exposure can lead to tarnishing, skin irritation or even turn your fingers green or black.

Fortunately, with proper care, gold vermeil jewelry is far less likely to tarnish or discolour, making it a lasting choice for everyday elegance.

How to Keep Gold Vermeil From Tarnishing

As mentioned above, tarnishing is not entirely avoidable for gold vermeil. However, it's possible to minimize tarnishing with a few simple steps:

Avoid Moisture: This is essential. Minimize exposure to water, sweat, and high humidity. Always remove your gold vermeil jewelry before showering, swimming (especially in chlorinated water or saltwater), or intense workouts.
Ensure Proper Storage: When not wearing your pieces, store them in a dry, airtight environment. A soft jewelry pouch, like the one provided by Mondays Made, or a dedicated jewelry box with anti-tarnish strips works wonders. This limits exposure to air and moisture.
Limit Chemical Contact: Harsh chemicals found in perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning products can accelerate tarnishing and even damage the gold layer. Apply these products first, let them dry, and then put on your jewelry. Always remove your jewelry before using household cleaners.
Clean Jewelry Gently: After each wear, especially if you've been active or it's a humid day, gently wipe your gold vermeil jewelry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. This removes oils, sweat, and residue that can contribute to tarnishing. This simple step goes a long way in keeping your gold vermeil jewelry brilliant.

Styled in Mother of Pearl Sakura Ring

Can Gold Vermeil Get Wet?

While occasional, brief contact with water might not immediately cause significant damage, prolonged or frequent exposure to moisture can absolutely accelerate tarnishing on your vermeil jewelry, causing it to lose its shine.

Water, especially pool water with chlorine, or saltwater, can erode the gold and hasten discoloration. That's why it's always best to exercise caution with your summer jewelry, and particularly your gold vermeil pieces, during such activities. We strongly advise against wearing your gold vermeil jewelry while swimming, showering, bathing, or doing dishes.

How to Polish Gold Vermeil

Even with the best care, sometimes jewelry needs a little refreshing. Learning how to polish gold vermeil effectively is crucial to restore its luster without causing damage. Here's how you can gently revive its shine:

Use a Soft, Lint-Free Cloth: The simplest and safest method is to gently buff the surface of your gold vermeil jewelry with a clean, soft, lint-free polishing cloth — like the Mondays Made polishing cloth included with your order. This helps remove light smudges, oils, and minor dullness, bringing back its shine.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners and Abrasives: Do not use harsh chemical jewelry cleaners, abrasive cloths, or aggressive scrubbing pads. These can easily strip away the delicate gold layer or scratch the surface, doing irreversible damage. Steer clear of silver polishes unless they are specifically stated to be safe for gold vermeil, which is rare.
Use Mild Soap and Water (Carefully): If your jewelry gets extra dirty, you can use a very mild, non-abrasive soap (like diluted dish soap) mixed with lukewarm water. Gently wipe the piece with a soft cloth dampened with this solution, then immediately rinse with water to remove any soap residue and thoroughly dry with another soft cloth. Ensure it’s completely dry before storing.
Engage Professional Cleaning: For heavily tarnished or dull pieces that gentle home methods can't revive, consider professional cleaning by a jeweler who specializes in gold vermeil. They have the expertise and tools to restore its beauty without damaging the gold layer.

Keep Your Gold Vermeil Shining Bright

Understanding how to care for gold vermeil is the secret to unlocking its enduring beauty even with daily wear. From rose gold rings to gold flower necklaces, with proper care, your gold vermeil jewelry can maintain its radiant appearance and stand as a testament to lasting style. Explore our wide range of 18k gold and rose gold vermeil jewelry — thoughtfully crafted for everyday wear at an accessible price point.