One sure sign that the seasons

have changed is that I seem

to reach for lighter, softer accessories to accent my daily outfit with.

Just in time for Spring, {are you as anxious as I am??!} our striking earrings arrived!

I believe that each piece of jewelry should be unique, like each of us,

these hand made pieces have semi-precious stones

that promise timeless elegance and beauty.

This jewelry has a modern edge but contains an aesthetic that values the past

it's the perfect compliment to our antique jewelry pieces.

Made with vermeil or gold plated wires and bezels, they are enchanting!

Many of the latest earrings are made of vermeil.

It's a luxury trend that won't be going anywhere.

What exactly is vermeil and how does it differ from 14kt gold or gold plated jewelry?

{I'm going to tell you in this post!}

WHAT IS VERMEIL?

Vermeil is a type of gold finish, made of a thick layer of gold over solid sterling silver. It has to be at least 10k pure gold or above, most high quality jewelry is 14, 18 or 24 karats depending on the thickness of the piece. The thickness of the gold is what really sets vermeil jewelry apart from gold plated pieces, the thickness is a hefty 2.5 microns. What makes vermeil jewelry so attractive is that it has all the glamor and allure of gold, without the often hefty price point of solid gold.

WHAT IS GOLD PLATING?

Gold plated jewelry can have any metal as the base, and the purity and thickness of the gold finish can vary depending on the maker’s preferences. Gold plated pieces are cheaper to produce than vermeil jewelry as less expensive metals are the core for the plating.

WHAT IS GOLD FILLED?

Gold filled jewelry is the last option for gold-finished jewelry. It’s not filled with gold, it's metal like brass or copper that is covered {rolled} in sheets of gold in a bonding process. A minimum purity of 14 k is typically used for gold filled, or "rolled" gold jewelry.

HOW TO CARE FOR VERMEIL.

Perfume, cosmetics, dust and pollution can affect your jewelry pieces. Make sure you always apply your perfume before putting on your earrings, and take them off before taking a shower. Avoid chlorine {swimming pools!} Use a gentle touch when cleaning your gold - finished jewelry. Begin by carefully wiping your earrings or other gold vermeil jewelry with a soft microfiber or jeweler's cloth. You can use a dab of water if needed, but never soak your piece in water. Allow to air dry, and buff gently. When you are not wearing your vermeil jewelry pieces, store them in an airtight container to prevent oxidation. Over time, the gold layer is likely to tarnish. This is a common and natural property, you can softly buff your vermeil with a silver polishing cloth or a special cloth sold by jewelry stores. Don't be tempted to use chemical cleaners as they can easily strip the gold finish. With the right care, your gold accessories will be just as beautiful years from now as they are when you first fall in love with them.

LOVE THE GLOW!

Gold jewelry is a stunning choice for every season,

but it especially lends a richness and sunny glow to spring!

SHOP THE NEW EARRINGS >

à bientôt

The WINNER chosen randomly for Eric Ross' book is P.Richardson!

Thanks to all of you for entering

and I know the winner will love this book.

If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.