Les plus belles finitions en vermeil pour les bijoux viennent d'Italie. Des familles d'artisans ont perfectionné ce métier et l'ont transmis de génération en génération.. En outre, il existe une surveillance stricte de la qualité pour protéger la réputation de l’Italie en tant que centre de production de bijoux de classe mondiale.
Les bijoux en vermeil importés d'Italie doivent aussi rencontrer les États-Unis. normes de réglementation, so there are layers of quality control built into every genuine piece of gold vermeil jewelry.
Historiquement, this jewelry has been made from either:
- fire-gilding
- electrolysis
Fire-gilding, the original process, came from mid-18th century France. But this process was later banned because it used mercury and caused blindness!
Electrolysis is the safer and most often used method today. There are many nuances that affect the quality of the process, but essentially, it uses direct electric currents to create a chemical reaction. This evolved process (when done by skilled craftsmen) results in a more consistent thickness and a quality that will last a lifetime.