Definition of Vermeil
While the common definition of vermeil is a bright red color, in goldsmithing it's a precious metal made ofsolid silver coated with a layer of gold. The goldsmith covers the silver with gold by means of galvanoplastic treatment, an electrolytic technique. This is gold-plated silver.
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The composition of Vermeil
Unlike plating, which is generally composed of brass, vermeil is considered a precious metal. As such, it is subject to French customs regulations, meeting strict obligations regarding its composition. Vermeil must be made of solid silver alloy of at least 800 thousandths. The gold layer must be at least 5 microns thick, with a minimum purity of 750 thousandths(18 carats). In England, it must besterling silver.
Like gold, vermeil is available in a variety of colors, including yellow gold, white gold, white gold and rose gold. Objects can also take a variety of forms: watches, jewelry, cutlery, dishes and candlesticks, for example, set with gems and precious stones.
The Vermeil hallmark
Vermeil does not have its own hallmarks. guarantee. Since vermeil is mostly made of solid silver, it is the hallmarks used for silverthe head of Minerva en France, qui sont insculpés sur les objets en vermeil. Un poinçon composé de la lettre « V » dans un losange doit néanmoins accompagner la marque du poinçon. Il faut noter que les ouvrages pesants moins de 30 grammes sont dispensés du poinçon d’État. De ce fait, rares sont les bijoux vermeil disposant du poinçon.
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The Prix du Vermeil
This precious metal is very expensive to manufacture, not least because of the price of the precious metals used. While sterling silver is not as valuable as other precious metals, large quantities are needed to manufacture the usually large objects.
Even if only a few microns of gold are used, it's still very expensive to obtain.
The retail price of vermeil is therefore quite high, while its recycling only recovers the value of solid silver. Its intrinsic value is therefore only that of silver.
Advantages and care of Vermeil
Gold vermeil has a high-quality, high-value gold plating. It also has the advantage of being much lighter than solid gold. The layer of gold plated on the silver prevents any risk of allergy or reaction.
As gold is an inalterable precious metal, vermeil objects are free from oxidation and rust. They won't tarnish or blacken, and will shine longer. Compared with objects made of base metal, the gold plating is generally 18-carat, so vermeil wears less because it's resistant to rubbing, knocks and scratches. As a result,vermeil jewelry andsilverware require little maintenance to enhance their brilliance.
The use of Precious Metal
Most large goldsmith's and silversmith's objects that are gold-colored and appear to be made of gold are in fact made of vermeil. This is the case with many crown jewels, such as the English crown jewels sold in the 17th century by the Commonwealth after the execution of King Charles I. There are also awards for sportsmen and women: the "gold medals" of all the Olympic Games have been made of vermeil since 1912.
Compared with ordinary silver, for delicate objects such as the Nave, or those with intricate details such as monstrances, gilding, thanks to its properties, greatly reduces the need for cleaning and polishing, and thus reduces the risk of damaging them.
Medal-maker Giacomo Castiglioni, father of artist Giannino Castiglioni and director of Stefano Johnson, was the first to consider the use of vermeil for engraved medals.
Vermeil is also an award in skiing (slalom), between silver and gold.
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The history of this metal
Vermeil objects have been made since throughout Eurasia, using a variety of gilding techniques and a distinctive depletion of the gilding layer. This technique was developed by the Incas in the pre-Columbian civilizations of South America.
Superimposition", folding or hammering on gold or silver leaf is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey (BK VI, 232), and gilding with mercury dates back to at least the 4th century BC, as has been known for centuries. Today, electroplating is the most commonly used method.
Once widely used in jewelry and cutlery for its resistance, it has been abandoned due to its high cost. The White House does, however, have a vermeil dinner service on display in the room bearing the same name.
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