Gold and Silver Plating

Have you ever wondered about terms such as gold-plated, silver-plated, gold-filled, etcetera?  Here are the most important points to know!

Gold-Plated

Gold-plated items refer to a thin gold-coating placed over a base metal such as brass.  The gold-plating provides luster and protects the underlying metal from tarnishing or affecting the wearer's skin.  Protect the coating by keeping the item away from moisture and chemicals.

Gold-Filled

This term describes jewelry in a base metal such as brass or silver that has a thicker coating of gold-plating and labeled by karat.  For example, 18K gold-filled. 

Vermeil

Vermeil describes a piece of jewelry made of silver that has at least 2 microns of gold layered over it.  This method is better than both gold-plated and gold-filled, but they all serve to protect the underlying base metal from tarnishing. 

Silver-Plated

This identifies jewelry with a base metal (often brass) that is plated with silver.  This term is may be used in a manner to confuse consumers and make them think they are getting a solid Sterling Silver product.  Not at SFJ!