Everything You Need to Know About Gold Vermeil

At Lox and Chain, we don’t just make jewelry; we create stories you wear. For those who want the richness of gold without compromise, our gold vermeil is a cut above the rest. Designed for people who demand quality and durability, here’s what makes it different.

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is the ultimate balance of strength and style. It starts with a recycled 925 sterling silver base, coated in a thick layer of 18K gold not the flimsy kind you find elsewhere. Ours is heavy-duty, crafted to stand up to real life.

Gold Thickness Breakdown:

  • Gold Plated: ~0.5 microns (easily wears off)
  • Standard Gold Vermeil: ~2 microns (industry minimum)
  • Lox and Chain Gold Vermeil: 3.5 microns of 18K gold (bold, long-lasting, unapologetically better)

Why we do it differently:

  1. Bold Designs, Built Tough: Our 3.5-micron gold layer is built to last and resists wear and tear. Lifeproof, as we call it.
  2. Sustainable by Design: Made with recycled 925 sterling silver, it’s a win for you and the planet.
  3. 18K Gold Finish: Rich, warm, and just the right amount of shine.

The Gold Plating Process: 


Creating Lox and Chain’s signature gold vermeil involves a meticulous process:

  1. PVD Gold Coating Process:

    • Preparation: The recycled 925 sterling silver base is thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion.

    • Deposition: Gold is vaporised in a vacuum chamber using heat or plasma. The vaporised particles settle onto the silver base, forming a durable and even layer.

    • Heat Curing: The coated piece is oven-cured to harden the gold layer, enhancing its bond to the base for long-lasting wear.

  2. Advantages of PVD with Heat:

    • Durability: The curing process strengthens the gold layer, making it highly resistant to scratches.

    • Uniform Coating: The vacuum process ensures an even and smooth finish.

    • Eco-Friendly: PVD uses fewer chemicals compared to traditional electroplating methods, aligning with our values.

      Along with luxury jewelry, PVD gold coating is widely used in high-end watches and decorative hardware. It’s a preferred method for creating rich gold tones on premium materials like 925 stainless silver, stainless steel and titanium.

How to care for your gold:

Thick gold doesn't mean it will never fade. Time will add character to the piece. Look after your gold by:

  1. Avoiding rubbing your piece against other hard surfaces. Friction is the enemy.
  2. Rinse in cold water, pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
  3. Remove your jewelry prior to swimming, bathing and showering.
  4. Apply lotions and perfume well before putting on the jewelry.
  5. Avoid chemicals, hand sanitiser and cosmetics.
  6. When not worn, store your jewelry in a dry airtight container.

At Lox and Chain, we don’t do half-measures. Our gold vermeil isn’t just a layer of gold, it’s a statement of durability, quality, and style. Built to outlast trends and stand the test of time, it’s for those who wear their stories boldly.