Vermeil, kept golden

What vermeil is. Gold vermeil is sterling silver (S925) under a thick layer of real gold, at least 2.5 microns. It is not costume plating: the base metal is precious, the gold layer is many times thicker than standard flash plating, and with light care it keeps its color for years.

The one rule. Jewelry goes on last and comes off first. Perfume, lotion, sunscreen and hairspray before your Everhart; the pieces come off before swimming, showers, hot springs and the gym. Water and sweat are the two things that age vermeil fastest.

Daily habits. After wear, a quick pass with a soft, dry cloth takes off skin oils before they settle. Store each piece in its box or a soft pouch, away from other jewelry that could scratch the gold layer.

Cleaning. For the stones: a barely damp soft cloth on the diamond itself, then dry everything fully. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, silver dips or abrasive polishing cloths; they will cut through the gold layer.

If the glow fades anyway. Write to us. Vermeil can be professionally re-plated, and we'll point you to the right fix rather than leave you with a dull piece.

Short version: last on, first off, keep it dry, store it soft. That's the whole job.