Vermeil Care GuideUpdated a year ago
How to ensure your vermeil jewelry lasts forever
Your jewelry is designed to withstand the normal rigors of modern life, but keep in mind that they are still made from precious metals and delicate stones, so a bit of TLC wouldn’t go astray.
Your vermeil pieces should ideally not come in contact with excessive sweat or water.
Take off your vermeil before you shower, wash hands, or exercise. Apply cleaning agents, beauty products, water and chemicals before you put on your pieces. Wait five minutes after applying lotions to put on your jewelry.
How to clean vermeil jewelry
To clean your vermeil, wipe it down thoroughly with a cotton cloth as needed, and for best results use the Aurate Jewelry First Aid Kit to regularly shine and remove any dirt or tarnish from your jewelry. Avoid using a brush or coarse fabrics to clean vermeil jewelry as this can potentially scratch the surface.
Although rare, sometimes individual body chemistries can react with the metal and cause a reaction. Pregnancy, thyroid disorders, hormone levels, medications and more can affect body alkalinity versus acidity, and may cause a reaction with your piece. It’s definitely a wild-card and is based on the individual!
How to store your vermeil jewelry
Always store your vermeil in a dry area, like your Aurate Jewelry Travel Pouch, to prevent exposure to the elements.
Help! My vermeil clasp is stuck
Don’t stress – this is common for vermeil styles! Continue pressing down on the clasp, and once it opens for the first time, you should find the clasp has loosened. If you are unable to open the clasp after some effort, please reach out to us for help!
What is Tarnish???
Tarnishing is an inevitable process that occurs with various metals, including copper, brass, and silver. Although it's a natural chemical reaction, there are steps you can take to minimize tarnishing or revitalize your jewelry if they become tarnished.
Understanding Tarnishing and its Causes: Tarnishing is a natural occurrence resulting from the chemical composition of certain metals, so rest assured, you're not at fault! When metals react to elements like oxygen and sulfur, they undergo oxidation. Silver, in particular, is highly reactive to sulfur, leading to tarnishing. This reaction manifests as a dullness or golden hue initially, progressing to a black coating over time.
Sulfur is naturally present in the air and can also transfer through direct contact, including from our bodies, which produce it to combat bacteria. The rate at which tarnishing occurs depends on the storage environment of your silver. For instance, exposure to chemicals or gases (e.g., in a salon or near natural springs) accelerates tarnishing. Surprisingly, even everyday items like eggs, hairspray, or perfume can contribute to tarnishing. Over time, these cumulative factors will tarnish your favorite silver pieces!
Does Tarnishing Harm Silver?: Ironically, attempts to remove tarnishing can sometimes cause more harm than the tarnish itself! Tarnish is merely a layer of silver sulfide on the surface, not affecting the underlying metal.
Excessive polishing can wear down the silver over time, as it removes a thin layer with each polish. Instead, consider methods involving chemical reactions to gradually remove tarnish safely, like the Aurate Jewelry First Aid Kit.