vermeil

American  

[vur-mil, -meyl, ver-mey] / ˈvɜr mɪl, -meɪl, vərˈmeɪ /

noun

1. vermilion red.

2. metal, as silver or bronze, that has been gilded.

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adjective

1. of the color vermilion.

vermeil British  

/ ˈvɜːmeɪl /

noun

1. gilded silver, bronze, or other metal, used esp in the 19th century

2. 1. vermilion

   2. ( as adjective )

      vermeil shoes

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Etymology

Origin of vermeil

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French < Late Latin vermiculus kermes (insect and dye), Latin: larva, grub; vermicule

Example Sentences

The necklace comes in sterling silver and 14-karat gold vermeil, with two chain lengths and six chain styles.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

The jewelry brand uses recycled metals such as 18-karat gold vermeil, 18-karat gold plating and sterling silver for a new drop, dubbed Molten Pearl, that’s both trendy and timeless.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2022

Well worth a grin: silly sterling silver and gold vermeil twisty straws from Tiffany ’s , a charmingly extravagant surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2018

The Paris mint sells the basic model in gold vermeil for 180 euros.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2013

Coarse complexions And cheeks of every grain will serve to ply The sampler, and to teaze the housewife's wool; What need a vermeil, tinctured lip for that, Love-darting eyes, and tresses like the morn?

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 20, No. 561, August 11, 1832 by Various