The gold vermeil or pronounce as “ver-may” is a piece of metal, in general sterling silver (92.5% of silver)  or fine silver (99.9% of silver) coated with gold for the thickness of 2.5 microns or more. This vermeil piece is improved in quality for silver or sterling silver jewelry. In general, the gold quality should no be less than 14K, for this vermeil product. The higher of gold quality used to cover the silver metal, the higher in this gold vermeil jewelry.

The vermeil jewelry is based on the technique call “electro plating”. However, there are two different type of the electro plating which you should know before going with the vermeil jewelry.

1. The Flash Plating. This technique is applied when the silver metal is dipped into the electroplating solution in a short period of time. The thickness of gold coated over the metal piece is only about 0.25 micron or even thinner. This method is also called as “color plating” which only little amount of gold will cover on the metal pieces. The coating will wear off only after a few week of jewelry use.

2. The Micron Plating. Base on this method, the thickness of gold is actually measured for exactly number. This is the standard method that use of the gold vermeil jewelry and also for plating watches. The metal piece will be leave in the electroplating solution for certain of time, to make the gold coated on the metal surface for at least 1 micron or even more. But the standard thickness for gold vermeil is about 2.5 micron while for watches, the thickness should be more than 5 microns.

The color for gold vermeil jewelry is depend onquality of gold use. The micro plating of 14K, 18K, 24K, 32K of yellow gold, pink gold, rose gold and other gold tone will give the different color jewelry pieces. You can choose for the color you like. Just check for the quality and method use for the gold vermeil creation.

Go with the jewelry supplier you can trust, if you are going with the gold vermeil jewelry. The method made is needed to review as you might not be able to differentiate between the flash plating and micron plating method. Make sure that you go with the jewelry who you can trust. You can save lots of money on the right gold vermeil jewelry pieces, instead of going with the pure gold jewelry. But check for the right piece with the right jewelry.

Real life, runway and red carpet always have the effect on current jewelry trends. Here is the list of 12 trends for fashion designs that will become popular for this coming season.

Chandelier Earrings: available in many sizes. You can look at Lagos, John Hardy and more for the new modestly sized to keep you up to date for this earring style.

Jazz Age Styles: The combination of the now-filming remake of The Great Gatsby and HBO’s currently hit the Boardwalk Empire series. This trend is shown in the spring dresses styles in the 2012 runway shows.

Button and Stud Earrings: These styles are always a “must have” in any wardrobe because they are very popular through years and years. You will always see these two style in any red carpet events and other jewelry collections through the year.

Sporty Aesthetics: Imagine of the brightly color watches with hoodies and neoprene coordination. This trend is really come for this year, 2012 when the spring is running away. You can look for this sporty watches style in the December/January that will be issued by  JCK.

Hair Jewelry: such as barrettes, hair bands, tiaras and brooches are always found at the bridal runway shows. The hair jewelries are very attractive to all the younger clients.

Moveable and Interchangeable Jewels: the best example for this type is ear charms. The ear charm can mix with various fashion items and bring multiple looks for owners depended on the items attached to. Due to these reasons, ear charms are growing into interested category fashion item. Check on Tresor’s Collection and Oliver Smith Jeweler for the examples.

Pyrite: an individual style with fun, funky and inexpensive. There are so many indie jewelry designers who are interested in this style. Check on Jamie Joseph Manning, Robindira Unsworth and more for a more detail on pyrite collection.

Pearls: always stay in the fashion trends. Look at the new collection from LAGOS for the latest design on both freshwaters pearls and mother-of-pearl jewelry products.

Geometric Shapes and Tribal Effects: Horn and leather are represented for the tribal style. Look for these materials if you are interested in this trend.

Pendant Necklaces: there are no size-limited with multi-layer style. Pendant necklaces can accessorize for a range of dresses depended on your requests.

Tangerine Tango: an evident for this spring runway shows. It’s in the Pantone’s Color for this 2012 year. You can combine this color together with other bright colors for “color blocking” theme. Let’s try.

Yellow Gold and Stones: Already seen in the spring runway shows for the rich gold color clothes and golden stones such as beryl and rutilated quartz. Both colors will be prevalent in the future time. Keep your eye open for this coming trend.

If you want to look differently, handmade jewelry could be your choice. Handmade jewelry has become more popular recently and also gives you the pretty and fantastic accessories. When you need a unique look, you can match handmade jewelry with your favorite little dress or any outfits. Keep reading the article to learn the top trends in handmade jewelry. You will be able to pick the best styles for you after the reading.

There are different handmade jewelry trends available today.

Layered jewelry – A kind of handmade jewelry that gives you a sophisticated look. The most famous piece is the multi-strand necklace. This style can be found also in the wrap rings and stacked bracelets. However do not wear too many pieces of this layered jewelry type because it will distracted your look instead. Only one kind is enough for the time.

Big and Bold – The chunky accessory is also in the handmade jewelry trend. Large bead, stacked or very colorful jewelry are sometimes fall into this trend. Gemstone jewelry can also be big and bold. The other styles are thick or dome-shaped rings, leather bracelets, cuffs and multi-strand layered necklaces. This handmade jewelry is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out of the crowd.

Sterling Silver with Bright Color gemstones – Sterling silver is really a big trend in handmade jewelry due to their value and affordable in price (compare with other precious metals like gold and platinum). Actually sterling silver always looks great by itself, without any beads or other gemstones around. However, there are many pieces of sterling silver present their exotic looks with brightly colored gemstones, even more shine and attractive. You can select a piece of this handmade sterling silver jewelry forvariety of occasions and combine with your lovely dress for a more adorable look.

Filigree – Filigree jewelry is generally made by gold, silver and platinum. They are very popular in a handmade jewelry industry for the use as earrings, pendant necklaces and ring mounts. Due to their delicate design, filigree jewelry has always become heirloom pieces for the family. This malleable metal can be rolled into a thin filament or wired. Then, the jewelers were used these wires to make an intricate openwork design for their art work. This handmade filigree jewelry is best with the special occasion like the weddings, special dates or important meetings. Complete your look with the filigree jewelry would be your best choice.