2.5μm Vermeil Plating – Thick Gold Layer for Long-Lasting Jewelry

Many gold-plated jewelry pieces look beautiful at first, but their color fades quickly after a short period of wear. The real difference lies not in appearance, but in gold thickness and plating standards.

At Alpha Jewelry, we offer 2.5 micron (μm) Vermeil plating, a premium plating option with a significantly thicker gold layer than standard gold plating. This service is designed for jewelry brands and designers who value durability, color stability, and long-term customer satisfaction.

What Is Vermeil Plating?

Vermeil plating is a high-standard gold plating method that follows strict material and thickness requirements:

  • Base Metal: 925 Sterling Silver

  • Gold Layer: Solid gold (typically 14K or 18K)

  • Gold Thickness: Minimum 2.5 microns

Compared with regular gold-plated jewelry, Vermeil plating offers a thicker gold layer and a more refined finish, making it suitable for fine jewelry and daily-wear designs.

Why We Use 2.5 Microns of Gold

1. Better Wear Resistance

A 2.5μm gold layer is significantly thicker than common 0.1–1.0μm plating, allowing it to withstand daily friction and wear for a longer period.

2. More Stable Color

Thicker gold plating helps prevent the silver base from showing through, resulting in richer, more consistent gold tones.

3. Reduced After-Sales Issues

For brands selling online or through retail channels, thicker Vermeil plating helps reduce complaints related to fading and discoloration.

4. Higher Cost & Longer Lead Time, Higher Standard

2.5μm Vermeil plating requires more gold material and a longer electroplating process. As a result, the cost is slightly higher, and the plating lead time is longer compared to standard gold plating. We choose this standard to ensure reliable, long-term quality rather than short-term visual appeal.

Pricing & Lead Time Consideration

Due to the increased gold thickness and longer electroplating time required for 2.5μm Vermeil plating, this service involves:

  • Slightly higher production cost compared to standard gold plating

  • Longer plating lead time, depending on design complexity and order quantity

These factors are a result of higher material usage and stricter process control. We believe this trade-off is necessary to achieve better durability, color stability, and long-term quality.

If you have specific budget or timeline requirements, feel free to contact us for a tailored solution.

Typical Vermeil Plating Process & Key Quality Control Points

Actual plating steps may vary slightly depending on design complexity and plating conditions. The workflow below highlights our key quality control points rather than a fixed technical SOP.

  1. Surface Preparation & Quality Control
    Precision polishing and surface readiness inspection for 925 sterling silver.

  2. Cleaning & Degreasing Control
    Thorough removal of residues to ensure proper gold adhesion.

  3. Thickness-Controlled Gold Electroplating
    Electroplating is carefully monitored to achieve up to 2.5μm gold thickness.

  4. Color & Thickness Inspection
    Visual and thickness checks to ensure consistency across the piece.

  5. Optional Protective Finishing
    Clear protective coating available upon request, depending on product requirements.

Suitable For

  • Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets

  • Daily-wear fine jewelry designs

  • Small-batch and one-piece custom orders

  • Jewelry brands seeking long-lasting gold color

  • Custom engagement fine jewelry based on silver

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 2.5μm Vermeil plating fade?
With proper care, 2.5μm Vermeil lasts significantly longer than standard gold plating. Wear habits and environment will still affect longevity.

Is Vermeil the same as solid gold?
No. Vermeil is gold-plated sterling silver, not solid gold, but it offers a premium alternative to regular plating.

Can Vermeil jewelry be replated?
Yes. Vermeil jewelry can be replated when needed, extending its usable life.

Is Vermeil suitable for water exposure?
We recommend removing Vermeil jewelry before swimming or showering to maintain its finish.

Custom Vermeil Jewelry Manufacturing

We support one-piece MOQ, small-batch production, and full customization.
If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer offering 2.5μm Vermeil plating, feel free to contact us to discuss your project.