"Vermeil" is a French word that was coined in the mid-1700s, when the French started plating a layer of gold over a sterling silver base. The pronunciation of this word sounds like "Vehr-MAY". Current production methods for Vermeil usually use a 22kt Gold Electro-plated finish.
US government specifications are rather detailed about which products can be labeled "Vermeil". Due to the difficultly of verifing and detailing exact MIL thickness of gold plating for each item shown here, we are describing these beads and findings as "Vermeil-style". All have a base of 92.5% Sterling Silver and a generous plating of high karat gold.
If you are looking for Vermeil Style Beads, they are located on their own page.
