Mixed-Metal Allegra with Teardrop & Linked Rings
A mixed-metal styling idea that balances statement and polish. The 3 cm Allegra two-tone hoop leads the ear, the Simple Shaker with the black...
SHOP THE LOOKTHE MATERIALS GUIDE
WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?
Gold vermeil is real gold layered over sterling silver. Discover what makes it different from ordinary gold plating.
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02 / THE MATERIAL
WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL?
Real gold. Sterling silver underneath.
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is sterling silver jewellery coated with genuine gold. The gold sits on the surface; the piece is not solid gold. Its sterling silver foundation is what distinguishes vermeil from many other gold finishes.
GOLD VERMEIL VS GOLD PLATED
Similar shine. Different foundations.
Gold Vermeil
A gold finish over 925 sterling silver. Its exterior contains genuine gold, while the core is sterling silver rather than solid gold.
The US FTC definition requires gold of at least 10ct and a coating equivalent to at least 2.5 microns of fine gold on significant surfaces. Terminology can vary between markets.
Gold Plated
A genuine gold coating over sterling silver, brass or another base metal. Its thickness and purity vary by product; gold plated does not automatically mean vermeil.
Galleria Armadoro's signature gold-plated hoops are not vermeil. Check each product page for its precise materials.
18ct (18k) means a gold alloy containing 75% pure gold. It describes gold purity, not plating thickness. An 18ct gold-plated piece is not necessarily vermeil.
THE LOOKS / 01
GOLD, THE GA WAY.
From sculptural hoops to layered chains and stacked rings. See how we style gold-finish jewellery, and shop the pieces behind each look.
Lucky Mixed-Metal Layers
A mixed-metal necklace stack with three very different moods: delicate silver chains, a silver paperclip layer with a teardrop and evil-eye charm, and a...
SHOP THE LOOK
Mixed Metals — From Neck to Fingers
A silver paperclip necklace with a gold-set marquise Vittoria charm meets sculptural linked rings in silver, gold and pavé. Mixed metals carried from the...
IN THIS LOOK
Large Link Paperclip Chain Silver Plated €69.00 Vittoria Marquise Hook Charm – White Rho... €40.0004 / THE GA MATERIAL DIFFERENCE
THE METAL MATTERS.
The finish catches the light. The foundation is what makes each piece. At Galleria Armadoro, we use sterling silver and brass in different designs — for different reasons.
A NOTE ON OUR SIGNATURE HOOPS
GOLD-PLATED. NOT VERMEIL.
Our updated Luna 3 cm, Layla and Tina 2 cm gold hoops have brass bodies, 925 sterling-silver posts and a protective finish over 1.5-micron 24ct gold plating. These are precise specifications for these styles, not a blanket promise about every GA piece.
EXPLORE GOLD HOOPSAND WHAT ABOUT OTHER GOLD FINISHES?
Gold-Filled Jewellery
A gold layer is mechanically bonded to another metal, often brass. Gold content is typically defined by weight; it is not the same construction as gold vermeil over sterling silver.
Rolled & Bonded Gold
Terms for gold mechanically applied or bonded to another metal. They are not interchangeable with gold vermeil; the construction and specification matter.
05 / THE HOOP OBSESSION
BIG ON LOOKS. LIGHT ON EARS.
The signature hoop, reworked for repeat wear. Sculptural shapes, a considered weight and polished gold finishes — without confusing gold plating with gold vermeil.
GALLERIA ARMADORO — THE HOOP EDIT
THE SIGNATURE / BELLA
THE VOLUME YOU LOVE. THE WEIGHT YOU DON'T.
Our signature rounded Bella shape is generous in proportion but thoughtfully hollow in construction. A high-shine finish and a lighter feel give the familiar hoop a very GA point of view.
HOLLOW BRASS BODY
925 SILVER POSTS
24CT GOLD PLATING
Bella 3 cm gold hoops
€121.00
SHOP THE SIGNATURE
THE REST OF THE LINE-UP
THREE MORE REASONS TO GET ATTACHED.
A twist, a little more volume, or a smaller silhouette. Your hoop wardrobe starts here.
Tina 3 cm Gold Twisted Hoops
Twisted texture and light-catching movement at 3 cm.
€168.00
SHOP THIS PAIR
Gaga 3cm Gold Hoops
A rounded, generous 8 mm profile with a surprisingly light feel.
€150.00
SHOP THIS PAIR
Allegra 2cm gold hoops
A compact 2 cm twist made for everyday wear.
€100.00
SHOP THIS PAIR
THE LOOKS / 02
ONE HOOP IS A START.
From a bold hoop to smaller details above, these fully styled ears prove that proportion makes the look. Wear more. Wear it your way.
Mixed-Metal Allegra with Teardrop & Linked Rings
A mixed-metal styling idea that balances statement and polish. The 3 cm Allegra two-tone hoop leads the ear, the Simple Shaker with the black...
SHOP THE FULL LOOK
The Gaga & Stud Friends Ear Story
A bold gold Gaga Hoop takes centre stage, surrounded by a constellation of smaller crystal studs climbing up the ear. Big at the lobe,...
SHOP THE FULL LOOK
The Graduated Ear — Two-Tone Allegra in Focus
A graduated mixed-metal ear stack built around the 2 cm Two-Tone Allegra Hoops. Polished silver huggies become progressively smaller up the ear, while the...
SHOP THE FULL LOOK07 / CARE & LONGEVITY
HOW LONG DOES GOLD VERMEIL LAST?
Better care. Longer wear.
Gold vermeil can look beautiful for years, but no gold-plated finish is permanent. Longevity depends on the quality and thickness of the coating, friction, daily wear and exposure to chemicals. Rings usually experience more surface contact than earrings, so there is no fixed lifespan we can promise.
FOUR HABITS TO KEEP
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY.
01
Jewellery comes last.
Apply perfume, SPF, moisturiser and hairspray first. Once everything is dry, put your jewellery on.
02
Keep it out of water.
Take pieces off before showering, swimming, exercising or cleaning. Salt water, chlorine, soap and perspiration can accelerate wear.
03
Clean with a soft touch.
Wipe with a clean, soft, dry cloth after wearing. Avoid abrasive cloths, toothpaste, jewellery dips, ultrasonic cleaners and vigorous rubbing.
04
Give each piece space.
Store separately in a dry pouch or jewellery box, away from moisture and other pieces that might scratch the finish. Vermeil does not need light to prevent oxidation.
THE LOOKS / 03
THE ART OF WEARING MORE.
Layered gold necklaces, mixed-metal rings and interchangeable Vittoria charms. Three ways to style your jewellery now — and rework the pieces again and again.
The Perfect Layers
A layered necklace look mixing dainty gold chains, paperclip links, protective blue details and mixed-metal crystal charms for a stack that feels collected rather than coordinated.
SHOP THE LOOK
The Mixed-Metal Linked Ring Stack
A layered ring story built around mixed-metal linked rings. Gold and silver interlock across the hand, creating a stack that feels sculptural, dimensional and strong without losing...
SHOP THE LOOK
The Three Platings Vittoria Cord Look
A dressed-down take on statement charms, pairing three Vittoria hook charms in different finishes on a simple black cord for an elegant mixed-metal look with just enough...
SHOP THE LOOK09 / THE QUESTIONS
THE FINER DETAILS.
Your questions on 18ct gold vermeil, gold plating, everyday care and the different metals behind Galleria Armadoro jewellery — answered.
THE GA MATERIALS GUIDE
Everything you wanted to know about gold. Without the guesswork.
01 What is gold vermeil made of?
Gold vermeil is jewellery made with a sterling-silver core and a coating of real gold. In the US, the FTC definition requires a gold layer equivalent to at least 2.5 microns of fine gold, using gold of at least 10ct. Terminology and standards can vary by market.
02 Is 18ct (18k) gold vermeil real gold?
Yes. The outer finish contains genuine 18ct gold, which is 75% pure gold in its alloy. The underlying jewellery is sterling silver, not solid gold throughout. Gold purity and the thickness of the coating are separate specifications.
03 What is the difference between gold vermeil and gold plated?
Vermeil has a sterling-silver core and meets defined requirements where the term is regulated. Gold-plated jewellery may use sterling silver, brass or another base metal, and coating thickness varies. Not every gold-plated silver design qualifies as vermeil.
04 Gold vermeil vs gold filled: which is better?
They use different constructions. Vermeil is a gold coating over sterling silver. Gold-filled jewellery usually has a layer of gold mechanically bonded to another metal, with gold content specified by weight. Choose by the actual materials, finish and care needs rather than the name alone.
05 How long does gold vermeil last?
There is no fixed lifespan. Plating thickness and quality, how often you wear it, friction, moisture and care all affect the gold finish. A thicker coating may wear better than a thin one, but no plated finish is permanent.
06 Does gold vermeil tarnish or wear off?
The gold coating can gradually wear, especially where a ring or bracelet rubs against surfaces. Gold resists tarnish, but residue can dull its appearance and exposed sterling silver may tarnish if the coating has worn. Gentle care helps reduce unnecessary wear.
07 Is gold vermeil waterproof? Can I shower in it?
No, gold vermeil should not be considered waterproof. An occasional splash does not automatically ruin a piece, but repeated exposure to shower products, chlorine, seawater and perspiration can shorten the life of the finish. Remove it before bathing or swimming.
08 Is gold vermeil suitable for sensitive ears?
A sterling-silver core can be comfortable for many people, but no jewellery is guaranteed allergy-free. If you have a known sensitivity, check the full materials of the specific design, including its post, alloys and coating.
09 How should I clean and store gold vermeil?
After wear, wipe the jewellery with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive polish, harsh chemicals, long soaking and ultrasonic cleaning. Store each piece separately in a dry pouch or jewellery box. Gold vermeil does not need exposure to light to prevent oxidation.
010 Are Galleria Armadoro gold hoops made from vermeil?
Not necessarily. Our updated signature gold-plated Bella, Tina, Gaga and Allegra hoop designs have brass bodies, 925 sterling-silver posts and a gold-plated finish rather than a vermeil core. Always consult the product page for the materials of the exact design.
011 Does Galleria Armadoro offer free replating for life?
No. Eligible jewellery bought from Galleria Armadoro's own retail online store can receive complimentary replating within the first two years of purchase, subject to the service terms. Wholesale purchases are not covered by that retail offer; a service fee may apply afterwards.
THE GA GOLD EDIT
SHOP GOLD VERMEIL & GOLD-PLATED JEWELLERY
From statement earrings to layered necklaces, charms and sculptural rings. Find your favourite gold finish and style it your way.
FROM THE GA JOURNAL
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How Do Interchangeable Charm Earrings Work?
How interchangeable charm earrings work: change removable charms on compatible huggies, choose the right size, mix metals and style them in an...
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How to Personalise Jewellery Without Engraving
How to personalise jewellery without engraving using interchangeable charms, mixed metals, meaningful symbols and modular necklaces, bracelets, anklets and cords.
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The Definitive Guide to Gold Hoop Earrings
Learn how to choose gold hoop earrings by diameter, thickness, weight, material and fit, with 2cm vs 3cm sizing, huggies, chunky hoops...
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