What is Gold Vermeil?  Vermeil (French for silver, pronounced ver-may) refers to a variety of gold-coated metal. For metal to be considered vermeil, it needs to meet three main trade criteria:

• The base of the metal must be of sterling (92.5%) or fine (99.9%) silver. This is why vermeil is also known by its other names: Silver Gilt or Gilded Silver
• The purity of the gold must be of at least 10 karats
• The thickness of the gold coat should consist of a minimum of 2.5 microns (0.0025 millimeters)

If these three criteria are not met, then the metal becomes gold-filled or gold-plated. You can also find gold vermeil in other colors such as rose gold.

Gold vermeil allows the jeweler to create beautiful gold jewelry designs, without the expense of using solid gold. Gold vermeil jewelry is crafted only using precious metals so it is more hypoallergenic and it gives the wearer the option of wearing gold jewelry at a much lower cost than solid gold. 

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The Pirate + The Gypsy is a Canadian based sustainable bespoke jewelry studio and private boutique located in New Westminster, BC.  We focus on ecologically conscious materials and transparency with consideration to the jewelry’s impact on our environment.   We believe that sustainability begins with longevity and by creating timeless, bespoke, heirloom quality Jewelry that will be cherished and passed on we are keeping them out of our landfills and on our bodies.  All collections are crafted with high quality hypoallergenic recycled metals. And for every piece of jewelry purchased one tree is planted in connection with our partnership with One Tree Planted.

The Pirate + The Gypsy was founded by Paula + Joel Godden in 2015.  As a Greek, Polish and Romani woman Paula was never taught that Gypsy was negative and was encouraged to embrace who she is, her heritage and her history.  It is in within The Pirate + The Gypsy jewelry creations that the stories of Paula’s childhood and culture are reborn in hopes of reclaiming the beauty behind the name and the people.