Vermeil, derived from the French word vermeil, refers to a specific gold-plating process applied to sterling silver. To be classified as vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick to fulfil its double function of imparting a lustrous appearance and contributing to the jewellery's resilience, reducing the likelihood of tarnishing and wear.
UNTAMD has, since the very beginning, committed to the highest manufacturing standards, working with the best Italian factories in the sector to ensure every piece lives up to that promise. Now, we are taking our quality process a step further by improving our vermeil to 3-micron plating.
But what does that mean for our precious creations?
In the world of fine jewellery, the terms "vermeil" and "3-micron plating" evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. These techniques elevate the calibre of jewellery craftsmanship, ensuring not only aesthetic appeal but also durability and longevity.
The journey towards crafting high-quality vermeil products begins with a careful selection of materials. The base metal, typically sterling silver, must meet stringent standards to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. The unique and personalised process put in place by our trusted galvanic factory guarantees that everything is crafted to our specific requirements. Their weaving technique is renowned for ensuring a final product without any manufacturing flaws.
Before the plating process begins, meticulous pre-treatment and cleaning of the sterling silver are undertaken. This step ensures that the metal surface is ridden with impurities, creating an optimal foundation for the gold layer, the hallmark of vermeil jewellery. While vermeil traditionally requires a gold layer of at least 2.5 microns, we wanted to take it further by adopting 3-micron plating. This extra thickness enhances the jewellery's resistance to everyday wear and tear, providing a more robust layer of protection against scratches and abrasions.
The electroplating process is the procedure employed to apply the gold layer onto the sterling silver base. Each piece is submerged in a solution containing gold ions, and an electrical current is applied, causing the gold to adhere to the surface evenly. This precision in the application phase is what contributes to the endurance of the jewellery.
The decision to adopt 3-micron plating is to ensure, as a brand, that we are crafting jewellery which withstands the test of time. The additional thickness not only enhances the visual appeal but also fortifies against the risks of daily use.
Throughout the plating process, rigorous quality control checks are implemented to ensure that each piece meets UNTAMD exacting standards. These checks involve assessing the gold layer's uniformity, detecting imperfections, and confirming that the thickness meets or exceeds the specified 3-micron threshold.
Research and instrumentation are the two pillars of our manufacturing process. Great effort goes into analysing the quality of the raw materials before they are employed, thanks to the collaboration with university departments specialised in the goldsmith’s art. Pivotal is also the choice of tools to utilise throughout the process to ensure they allow for the level of precision needed, such as advanced X-ray fluorescence instruments to measure the thickness and purity of the metals.
The marriage of vermeil and 3-micron plating represents a promise of excellence. From material selection to the final quality control checks, each step in the process is marked by precision and a dedication to creating pieces that not only captivate with their beauty but also endure the test of time.
If you ever had doubts about whether your UNTAMD favourite necklace would survive the years to come, the answer is yes; our quality process ensures it.
