What is vermeil and how to keep it shiny

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a high-quality jewelry finish made by layering a thick coat of real gold over sterling silver. It gives you the look and feel of solid gold jewelry, but at a more accessible price point.

At Stone Fruit, we use 14K gold vermeil for a soft, golden glow. Each piece is coated with a 2.5-micron layer of gold.

Vermeil is beautiful but delicate, so the key is gentle care + mindful wearing. Here are the best ways to make sure vermeil lasts:

• Avoid water & sweat – don’t shower, swim, or exercise in vermeil.

• Skip chemicals – perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and cleaning products can cause fading.

• Gentle cleaning only – wipe with a soft, dry cloth (never polish aggressively or use abrasive cleaners).

• Store smartly – keep pieces in a soft pouch or separate box to prevent scratching.

• Take off before bed – friction while sleeping can wear down the gold layer.

• Rotate wear – don’t wear the same vermeil piece daily; give it breaks.