Vermeil is a combination of Sterling Silver and Gold commonly used as a component in jewelry. A typical example is Sterling Silver coated with 18K or 24K Gold. To be considered VERMEIL, the gold must be at least 10 karats (42%) and be at least 2.5 micrometers thick. In the US and various other countries, Sterling Silver covered first with a base metal (such as nickel) and then plated with Gold cannot be sold as vermeil without disclosing that it contains base metal. The process begins when wire is cut into short lengths and melted into round granules that are placed on the jewelry in the desired pattern. They’re held in place with temporary “glue” made from plant sap. In the best examples, the balls are attached permanently with heating (which evaporates the glue), not soldering. But it’s.
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