Gold Vermeil Jewelry: Affordable And Made To Last

Updated on Fashion

If you love gold jewelry but don’t have the budget for solid gold, consider gold vermeil jewelry. It’s more affordable but made to last. What is gold vermeil? Where can you buy it? And what are the current gold jewelry trends? All of the answers are in this post…

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – I may earn a commission for any purchases you make using these links (at no cost to you).

What Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry?

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is gold electroplated onto sterling silver. It’s thicker (1.0-2.5 microns) than gold plating (usually 0.05 microns onto copper or brass), so it’s more durable. The gold in gold vermeil jewelry can be 18K (75% gold) or 14K (58.3% gold). Pure gold (24K) is often considered to be too soft for jewelry, which is why you mostly see 18K and 14K. Gold vermeil can be white or yellow gold.

If you’re looking for affordable jewelry that is better quality than gold-plated styles, then take a look at these gold vermeil options.

Brands That Make Gold Vermeil Jewelry

There are quite a few jewelry designers who make gold vermeil pieces. Here are some of my favorites:

Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader is a jewelry designer based in the U.K. who uses recycled metals and sustainably sources gems to make handmade jewelry. Most of her styles have organic shapes (as opposed to perfect geometric shapes). In the U.S., you can find her jewelry at the Soho store in NYC or at various Nordstrom stores.

I’m wearing the Siren Tonal Half Eternity Ring, which has chrysoprase, green onyx, and amazonite stones in a gold vermeil ring. I love the bright green – a trending color this year!

Woman's hand wearing a Monica Vinader Siren ring with bright green and light blue stones

For a bolder look, take a look at the Green Onyx Open Ring.

If green isn’t your color, Monica Vinader also makes responsibly sourced diamond jewelry. Take a look at these Diamond Studs.

And for gold vermeil without gems, take a look at the Deia Locket and the Charm Bracelet.

Aurate

Aurate is a sustainable jewelry brand based in NYC. If you like contemporary, minimalist styles, then you’ll love this brand. (I have an Aurate ear cuff and earrings, which you can see in my The Mini Earring Trend post).

This herringbone chain, knot hinged bracelet and gold huggie hoops are examples of their clean, simple styles.

Seyahan

Seyahan jewelry is inspired by Turkish craftsmanship, so, you’ll find more intricate designs like their Gold Filigree Triple Drop Earrings. If you’re looking for a gift for an animal lover, then take a look at their Bella Sea Turtle Necklace – 75% of the profits from this style support the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in South Carolina. My daughter received one as a gift, and it’s just precious!

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is based in Austin, Texas, and makes classic, affordable styles. The Coin Charm, the Cocktail Ring and the Mixed Metal Earrings are three gold vermeil options that are currently trending.

Mejuri

Mejuri originated in Toronto, Canada, but has expanded globally. They use responsibly sourced materials, including recycled gold. My current favorites are the Linked Necklace and Stevie Ring.

Where Else To Find Gold Vermeil Jewelry

You’ll find more gold vermeil options at department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. For extra savings, try Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack.

What Jewelry Styles Are Trending?

Since jewelry is meant to last, I always rely on personal taste before trends. But if you’re buying something new, and want to consider trends, here are a few ideas:

  1. Cuffs
  2. Pearls
  3. Fringe
  4. Floral shapes
  5. Tennis bracelets, earrings, and necklaces
  6. Colorful gems
  7. Chokers
  8. Statement pieces

Do you own any gold vermeil jewelry? Let me know your favorite brands!

Fashionipa signature: with love and gratitude (blue heart) Nipa

I help you shop intentionally, create flattering outfits, and embrace your natural beauty. I'm a former fashion product manager, now living on a hobby farm in Upstate New York with my husband, our three almost-grown kids, and our pets.

12 Comments

    1. Fashionipa says:

      Thanks, Lovely! Xo Nipa

  2. Rosemary Davis says:

    Very informative post! I like to mix and match pieces to outfits and occasions. And you are providing an excellent source of shopping information.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Rosemary

    1. Fashionipa says:

      Hi Rosemary, Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing some of your favorite jewelry. xo Nipa

  3. Rena L McDaniel says:

    Wow! This is so fascinating and I learned so much. I have a couple of the pieces but didn’t know that much about them other than that they were pretty but now I am looking at them in a whole new way. It’s not just jewelry it’s art.

    1. Fashionipa says:

      Thanks, Rena. That’s how I see fashion – as an art form – just when you think there’s a rule, someone breaks it and creates something fabulous! Xo Nipa

  4. Jessica A Jannenga says:

    OOoo, some goodies here! I love the ring you are wearing, the stones are so pretty. I love MV and have my eye on a few pieces. THe drop earrings that are gold that you featured is a new brand to me, but I have to check them out. I like the warmth of gold for my skin and coloring.
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    1. Fashionipa says:

      Hi Jess,

      I met one of the Seyahan owners in NYC when they came to one of the artisan markets. I love seeing blends of cultures so I was fascinated by the Turkish influence in their jewelry.

      I agree, I think gold is perfect for your skin and your outfits.

      Xo Nipa

  5. I gravitate toward purchasing timeless, quality jewelry pieces. I prefer to invest in a long-lasting item rather than re-buying often. This post is very interesting, and I look forward to learning even more about Gold Vermeil Jewelry.

    1. Fashionipa says:

      Hi Debbie, That sounds like a really good strategy for buying jewelry. 🙂 I have a combination of fine jewelry and fashion pieces, depending on my outfit or occasion. Xo Nipa

  6. Fashionipa says:

    Hi Chris,

    I’ve always preferred silver too, but a jeweler once pointed out to me that we get used to either seeing high or low contrast. He said that in recent years we’ve seen more low-contrast looks and that’s what seems right to us now. It’s an interesting perspective especially since I’ve always thought you needed to choose silver or gold based on your skin tone.

    That’s a good point about the Monica Vinader rings – I just had my engagement ring repaired and there are some edges that have been catching on my clothes!

    xo Nipa

  7. Chris Meister says:

    I have always been a silver girl but am liking the yellow gold- has a much warmer feel. I love the Savvy Cie cuff- I love filigree. I also love the Monica Vinader rings- loved bezeled stones that are low profile so they don’t catch on things.

Comments are closed.