Gold vermeil is a premium type of gold plating. To qualify as true vermeil, the plating has to meet two standards: it must be layered over a base of solid 925 sterling silver, and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. At Billie Jo, we push past that standard. Our pieces are plated with 18k gold at 3.5 microns thick, because we wanted the heaviest, most durable layer possible to give you the best quality we could.

Gold vermeil is designed to last longer than standard gold plating. On average, you can expect quality vermeil to hold its gold colour for 1 to 2 years with regular wear. At Billie Jo, we use a thicker 3.5 micron layer of 18k gold, which gives your piece the best chance at lasting even longer. But the truth is, it really comes down to how well you care for it. If you avoid water, chemicals, and friction, and store it properly, your gold plating can stay looking fresh far beyond the standard timeframe.

Yes, all plated jewellery will eventually fade. The difference with ours is the thickness. Standard gold plating is thin, but Billie Jo gold is 3.5 microns of 18k over sterling silver, so it holds on much longer. It won’t last forever, but with care you’ll get the most out of that heavy gold finish.

It depends on what metals are used. With cheaper gold-plated jewellery, the base metal underneath is often brass or copper, which can cause irritation for some people. At Billie Jo, we do it differently. We use solid 925 sterling silver as the base, which is hypoallergenic, and then plate it with 18k gold, which is also hypoallergenic. That means your jewellery is made with quality metals from the inside out, giving you a safer option for sensitive skin.

We don’t recommend it. Water, soap, chlorine, and salt all speed up the fading of gold plating. Even with our thicker 3.5 micron layer of 18k gold, regular exposure will shorten its life. If you want your piece to keep its gold colour for as long as possible, take it off before swimming or showering.

Keep it simple. Use a soft, dry cloth like the gold polishing cloth we include with every order. Avoid chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or ultrasonic machines, as they can wear down the gold plating. A gentle wipe is all it takes to keep your piece looking fresh.

Yes. If your piece starts to lose its gold colour, it can be professionally replated to bring back the finish. The base is solid 925 sterling silver, so even if the gold wears down, you’re still left with quality jewellery that can always be refreshed.

Solid gold is gold all the way through. Gold vermeil is a thick layer of real gold plated over sterling silver. With Billie Jo, that layer is 3.5 microns of 18k gold, which is thicker than the standard and gives you the look and feel of gold at a better value. The silver underneath means your piece is still pure quality, even when the gold eventually fades.