How to Remove Gold Plating From Vermeil

Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is gold-plated silver produced by one of two processes: fire gilding or electrolysis. Fire gilding was banned in the 1800s, since the process produced mercury vapors that caused blindness. Modern vermeil is produced using electrolysis and must meet U.S. Federal Trade Commission regulations (sterling silver coated or plated with a minimum of two and one half microns of not less than 10 karat gold) to be considered genuine. A professional jeweler may use precision sanding, acids and other procedures to remove gold plating. Do-it-yourselfers can use a less-effective home method that employs careful manual cleaning using particular cleansers and refurbishing materials.

1.Use a mild abrasive pad or small natural bristle brush. Briskly rub the piece of jewelry to remove all the gold overlay. If necessary, apply a paste made of baking soda and water to the pad to slightly increase the abrasiveness. Depending upon the ornateness of the jewelry, the process may take a considerable period of time and not be completely successful in removing the gold from all the cracks and crevices.

2.Use a toothbrush if necessary to reach some of the finer etchings. Remove flecks of gold plating that remain in the corners by carefully using a nut picker. Be aware that a nut picker can easily scratch the silver underneath the gold, making professional reparations necessary.

3.Restore the luster of the silver beneath the gold plating by polishing it with a buffing compound like Tripoli and a felt cloth. Though a much harder metal than gold, the silver will be marred, scratched and possibly nicked by the removal process. There are various grades of buffing compounds, so one should consult a jeweler before starting the buffing process. Too harsh a compound could leave scratches of its own. Usually, a mid-grade buffing compound is a good starting point.

4.When finished with the buffing compound, rub the item with Jeweler's rouge and a soft cloth to restore the shine and luster to the silver. Be thorough and patient.

5.Complete the restoration by polishing the piece with a high quality silver polish which has been applied to a soft cloth. If dissatisfied with the final result, the piece will need to be taken to a jeweler to complete the process.

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