Envermeil is a French word that is commonly used in jewelry making. It refers to a gilded silver or copper that has a deep, lustrous red color. The word is spelled as "ɑ̃vɛrmɛj" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'ɑ̃' is pronounced as "on" and the 'ɛ' sound is pronounced as "eh". The last syllable 'ɛj' is pronounced as "ay". This spelling reflects the French origin of the word and highlights the unique pronunciation of each phoneme.
Envermeil is a term used to describe a specific type of decorative metalware or jewelry that is made from sterling silver and then gilded with a thick layer of gold. The process of envermeiling involves the application of a layer of gold onto the surface of the silver using a technique known as fire-gilding, which creates a permanent bond between the two metals.
The term "envermeil" is traditionally associated with pieces that have a bright, lustrous appearance due to the generous layer of gold applied to the surface. This technique was popularized during the 18th century and continues to be used today for high-quality, luxury items.
Envermeiled objects often include various types of decorative items, such as tableware, vases, candlesticks, or even jewelry pieces like pendants or earrings. The combination of the precious metals - silver and gold - enhances the aesthetic appeal, creating an opulent and luxurious look.
Envermeil is distinct from gold plating or gold-filling processes, as it involves a higher gold content and a thicker layer of gold. It provides a higher level of durability, which allows the object to withstand daily use without tarnishing or fading over time.
In conclusion, envermeil refers to the technique of gilding sterling silver with a layer of gold, resulting in a luxurious and durable decorative object or piece of jewelry.
The word "envermeil" has its roots in Old French. It comes from the combination of the prefix "en-" (meaning "in" or "on") and the noun "vermeil" (meaning "red"). In Old French, "vermeil" was derived from the Latin word "vermiculus", which translates to "small worm". This is because the red color was originally associated with a dye made from the bodies of a small insect commonly known as the kermes vermilio, which was found in the Mediterranean region. Over time, the term "vermeil" evolved to specifically refer to the color of red that was reminiscent of the dye derived from this insect. In English, "envermeil" is primarily used as an adjective to describe an object that is gilded with a layer of red or reddish-gold.