What is vermeil meaning?

Vermeil is a type of gold finish that is plated over sterling silver. The term "vermeil" comes from the French word for silver, which is "argent". Vermeil jewelry is made by electroplating a layer of gold onto a sterling silver base. The thickness of the gold layer determines the quality of the vermeil. In order to be considered vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and the sterling silver base must be of an appropriate quality. Vermeil jewelry is a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry, and it is popular in fashion and costume jewelry. It is important to note that vermeil jewelry should be cared for in a similar way to solid gold jewelry, as the gold layer can wear off over time and with exposure to certain chemicals.