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Definition of Silver Gilt

Silver gilt, sometimes known as vermeil, is created when an item of solid silver is covered in a thin layer of gold, according to the Society of Gilders. The technique has been used for thousands of years, particularly for decorative and religious objects. Silver gilt is created using mechanical or chemical methods. Electroplating and other modern methods of applying gold are known as gold plating.

History
- Variations of gilded silver date back as far as the 8th century BC, with mentions of gold leaf application in Homer's Odyssey. Early silver gilt used mercury to aid in the gilding process. This lead to the deaths of hundreds of workers over the course of centuries, due to the poisonous effects of mercury exposure. The technique was highly popular during the Neoclassical era from the early 18th to late 19th century.
Uses
- Salt, sugar and acidic fruit juices can erode silver over time. However, they cannot erode gold so that silver gilt was frequently used to line salt cellars, sugar bowls, cream jugs and juice bowls. The technique is also used for decorative purposes, even in the modern era. High points, borders and exteriors can all be covered in gilt. Large gold objects, such as trophies, are frequently made of gilded silver as are Olympic gold medals, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Techniques
- Silver gilt items are created using one of several methods. Early silver gilt was often made using the fire gilding technique which involved the use of mercury mixed with heated gold. The gold leaf technique uses very thin leaves of gold, less than the thickness of paper, according to Habberley Meadows Gold Leaf Manufacturers. Originally, golf leaf was applied with a natural adhesive. This is known as water gilding and is still used for picture frames and decorative objects today. Oil gilding is a more rough technique used for outdoor and architectural materials. It produces a less reflective surface, according to the Society of Gilders. Another method used is powdered gold mixed with a binding agent. This is simply painted onto the silver surface.
Benefits
- Gilt doesn't tarnish in the way that silver does. It therefore requires much less cleaning. Gold is also more malleable and easier to work with than silver, allowing for fine decorative touches. Silver gilt is also cheaper than solid gold, enabling the maker to create larger items for less. The way that silver gilt reflects candlelight was also considered to be an excellent display of wealth. Silver gilt also weighs less than solid gold, making it a good choice for items such as crowns and ceremonial jewelery.
Notable Periods and Practitioners
- During the British Regency period from 1811 to 1920, silver gilt was a popular decorative technique. Silversmiths such as Paul Storr, Robert Garrard and Rundell, Bridge &Rundell all produced silver gilt objects. Many examples of silver gilt items can be found in the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace in London.

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