Vintage Ruby Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a legally defined standard, not a marketing term. Under the US Federal Trade Commission rules a piece may only be called vermeil if it has a solid sterling silver base and a gold layer of at least 2.5 microns at 10K or higher.

Ours is 14K gold over 925 sterling — a precious metal over a precious metal, with no brass or base metal anywhere in the piece. Our Precious Metal Guide sets out how it compares with solid gold.

Yes. The gold on a vermeil piece is real 14K gold — the same alloy used in solid gold jewellery — bonded to a sterling silver core. What separates it from solid gold is how much of it there is, not what it is.

That is also what makes the price difference possible: you get a genuine precious-metal surface and a genuine precious-metal core, at a fraction of what the same design costs in solid gold.

Two things, and both matter.

The base. Gold plated jewellery is usually gold over brass, copper or an unnamed base metal. Vermeil must be gold over solid sterling silver — that is the part of the standard people miss.

The thickness. Standard gold plating can be as little as 0.5 microns. Vermeil requires at least 2.5 microns, and ours is 14K. "Gold filled" is a third category again, mechanically bonded rather than electroplated, and typically over brass.

Size exchanges are free. Send the ring back within 14 days unworn and in original condition, and we will send the correct size out — no fee.

Measure at home first with our Ring Size Chart, or use the Find my ring size link beside the Add to Cart button. If you are between sizes, size up. Engraved rings are the one exception, as each is cut specifically for you.

Treat it as you would any fine gold jewellery. Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth; dry it thoroughly before it goes away.

Put it on last — after perfume, lotion and hairspray — and take it off before swimming, showering, exercising or cleaning. Store it dry and separately from harder stones. Skip abrasive polishes and silver dips, which are made for a different metal entirely. Our Jewelry Care Guide has the full routine.

Vermeil gives you the exact look of 14K gold at a fraction of the cost, and it is in stock and shipping within days. It is the right choice for a promise ring, a stacking set, a gift, or a first engagement ring.

Solid gold is gold the whole way through, holds its value, and is what we would recommend for a ring worn every day for decades. It is made to order in 3–6 weeks and costs considerably more. Many customers buy vermeil first and upgrade at an anniversary.

Vermeil is kept in stock and leaves our workshop in 1–4 business days; engraved orders sit at the longer end while each one is laser-cut. The estimated delivery date shown above is calculated for your order, and US shipping is free and fully insured, in a gift-ready ring box. Full timings are on our Shipping & Delivery page.

On most designs, yes — where engraving is available, a text field appears with the options above. Standard laser engraving is complimentary: up to 16 characters on women’s rings and 25 on men’s, set in Arial, with a selection of symbols included. Custom fonts and symbols are $25 and are arranged before you order.

See the Engraving page for examples. Engraved rings are final sale and cannot be exchanged, so check the size and wording before you order.