MATERIALS & PRODUCT CARE

What is gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil is a historical technique of plating sterling silver with gold that originated in France in the 18th century. 

All of our gold vermeil pieces are plated with 18 karat gold.

We recommend caring for your gold vermeil jewelry with special care.  For longer product life, remember to always put this piece on as the 'finishing touch', after using perfumes, hair spray, make-up. If cosmetics are applied while wearing jewelry, they will build up on the surface, dulling its appearance. Although natural tarnishing of gold vermeil should be expected to occur over time, the extent of tarnishing depends on various factors, including; individual body chemistry, humidity in the environment, frequency of use, and storage care. 

How to care for gold vermeil jewelry

We recommend caring for you gold vermeil jewelry with special care.  For longer product life, vermeil jewelry should be removed prior to bathing, showering, washing hands, swimming, exercising, and applying perfume, hairspray, or lotion. Exposure to moisture or chemicals may cause tarnishing to occur faster. Although natural tarnishing of gold vermeil should be expected to occur over time, the extent of tarnishing depends on various factors, including; individual body chemistry, humidity in the environment, frequency of use, and storage care. 

If your gold vermeil jewelry needs to be cleaned, please avoid all chemical cleaners.  Storing your jewelry in a dustbag or box, with the polishing cloth, will prevent unwanted tarnish. If tarnishing does occur, a 100% cotton or microfiber cloth is best for cleaning gold vermeil jewelry. 

We offer a re-plating service for a fee.  If you wish to have your gold vermeil jewelry re-plated, please email hello@ericameredith.com for a re-plating quote.

What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing no less than 92.5% silver.

How to care for sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver will naturally oxidize over time and need polishing. To extend the polish of your piece, remember to always put this piece on as the 'finishing touch', after using perfumes, hair spray, make-up. We recommend you do not shower, swim, or bathe with your piece on because it will accellerate natural oxidixation. With all of our sterling silver orders we include a polishing cloth and storage bag to help maintain to prevent unwanted tarnish. If oxidizing does occur, please gently clean with your polishing cloth.