Vermeil and gold plating
Gold plating is a technique of covering a surface of gold on metal, which is carried out by the technique of galvanization, via electrolysis technology.
The gold-plated designation requires a mandatory deposit of at least 3 microns of 18-carat gold, on silver, bronze, brass, etc.
The vermeil appellation requires a mandatory deposit of at least 5 microns of 18 carat gold, on solid 925/1000 silver.
A Vermeil jewelry is a semi-precious jewelry, it will be more durable than a gold-plated jewelry.
A manufacturer can produce a gold deposit greater than 3 microns for gold plating or greater than 5 microns for vermeil depending on its quality/price positioning.
Solid silver must have a minimum fineness of 800 thousandths, therefore containing 80% silver, and the covering gold must have a legal fineness greater than or equal to 750 thousandths, therefore at least 18 carat gold.
How to recognize gold from gold plated
https://www.orencash.fr/blog/comment-reconnaitre-lor-du-plaque-or/
The vermeil hallmark
Articles 550, 551 of the CGI as well as article 212 A of Annex III (see link below) regulating silver or gold plated works do not provide any details on vermeil.
The obligation to affix the mark "vermeil" or "V" on these works is repeated in regulatory note 2 G-1-84 of August 8, 1984 in its chapter VB c (the mention "vermeil" or its abbreviation "V" must always accompany the imprint of the diamond or oval hallmark). This text is still in force.
To summarize, silver-gilt works must include:
- a manufacturer's mark (diamond shape) or importer's mark (oval shape) (free form for a European Union manufacturer who has filed his mark with the warranty office).
- the words “vermeil” or “V” next to the diamond or oval hallmark.
- the guarantee hallmark if the legal marking threshold is reached or exceeded, for a vermeil jewel of at least 30 gr.
Vermeil jewelry must bear the word " V " or "vermeil" in addition to the traditional master's mark and possibly the guarantee mark. A simple label or a mention in the window is therefore not sufficient.
Extract from the General Tax Code:
Article 551 – Only works covered with precious metal to a fineness of at least 500 thousandths and bearing a special manufacturer's hallmark may claim the designation “plated”, “doubled” or “silver-plated metal”.
Only works in silver with a legal fineness covered with a layer of gold also with a legal fineness greater than or equal to 750 thousandths are entitled to the name Vermeil.
The minimum thickness of the layer of precious metal covering the works designated in the first and second paragraphs of this article is set by decree.
Violations of the provisions of this article shall give rise to the application of the penalties provided for in Articles 1791 and 1794.
Article 551
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006310036/