We’ll admit it: we’re gold people. Warm, luminous, makes-everything-look-more-expensive gold. But here’s the thing, there’s more than one way to wear it. And if you want that rich, buttery glow without going full solid gold, gold vermeil jewelry is the move.

It’s not “gold plating.” It’s not “good enough.” It’s the secret to looking like you have heirloom taste on an everyday budget, and it’s one of our favorite materials to work with.

First, what even is vermeil?

Ver-may. (You’re welcome.)

Vermeil is a fancy French word for a very specific thing: a thick layer of gold over sterling silver. The “thick” part is important, it’s what makes vermeil different from ordinary plating. In the U.S., it has to be at least 10k gold to qualify; ours is 18k, because we like our gold like we like our coffee: rich.

The base is always sterling silver—no mystery metals, no nickel. That means your vermeil piece is hypoallergenic, weighty in the hand, and wears like a dream. It’s the perfect in-between: all the glow of solid gold, none of the “I can’t wear this to brunch because I might spill mimosa on it” energy.

Why we love it (and think you will too)

Vermeil holds its color beautifully. The thicker gold layer means you don’t have to baby it, and because it’s over silver instead of brass, it feels substantial. Translation: it doesn’t just look like the good stuff, it is the good stuff.

It also lets you play. Want to collect charms, try bolder shapes, or layer five necklaces without taking out a small loan? Vermeil makes it possible. Which brings us to some of our favorite places to find it in our own collections…

Your story, in charms

Charms are the ultimate personality test, are you sentimental? Playful? Minimal? A little bit of all three? In gold vermeil, they have the depth and shine to stand alone, but they also love company. Add one to a chain for a quiet nod to something personal, or go full maximalist and layer them like the jewelry version of a scrapbook. Some of our favorites to start with? Check out the Pavé Starfish Charm or the Ladybug Charm from our current collection, both available in vermeil and perfect for adding a personal touch.

Serenity (aka minimal’s not boring)

If you like your jewelry clean, unfussy, and a little zen, Serenity in gold vermeil is your match. The 18k finish adds warmth to the sleek shapes, making them feel luxe without trying too hard. These are the pieces you put on without thinking—then realize you’ve worn three days straight.

Grand Baguette (geometry, but make it glam)

Rectangles, but sexy. The Grand Baguette collection is all about bold lines and perfect symmetry, and vermeil frames those shapes like they belong in a gallery. Think statement rings, clean settings, and angles sharp enough to cut through the monotony of your jewelry box.

Poet’s Garden (romance, bottled)

Soft curves. Tiny floral details. The kind of design that makes you want to write a letter by hand. In gold vermeil, the petals and vines of Poet’s Garden glow like they’ve been catching the sun all afternoon. It’s romantic, but not saccharine, like flowers that don’t wilt.

Keeping your glow

Vermeil loves attention, but not too much. To keep it looking fresh:

• Take it off before swimming, showering, or sweating like you mean it.

• Store it in something soft and dry.

• Give it a quick polish with your GLDN cloth when it needs a pick-me-up.
  

Treat it right, and it’ll love you back for years.

Not all vermeil is created equal

We’re picky. (In the nicest way.) Our vermeil pieces use a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, most often 18k gold vermeil for that warm glow; some designs may specify 14k vermeil (we always list the karat on each product page). Most of our pieces are made to order in our La Conner, WA studio, with a small portion of specialized work handled by trusted partners. Translation: carefully crafted, never mass‑produced.

Gold vermeil jewelry is that perfect sweet spot between luxury and wearability. It’s the material we reach for when we want glow and depth, when we want pieces to layer and live in, when we want to have a little fun without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s a charm you’ll never take off, a pair of Grand Baguette studs that hit just right, or a Stargazer pendant you wear for luck, our vermeil pieces are made to keep their shine—and your stories—for the long run.