You will often see on the description of sterling silver items, the word "vermeil". But what is "vermeil" ? Vermeil is a French word standing for sterling silver covered by a layer of gold (18K or 22K). Compared to its preciousness, vermeil is between sterling silver and gold. The use of vermeil is a mark of quality.
The hallmark for the vermeil is the same as the sterling silver hallmarks.
What is the difference between gold-plated, gold-filled and vermeil ?
Gold-plated : a thin layer of gold on a base metal like brass or copper.
Gold-filled: a thick layer of gold coating a base metal as brass or copper. The French labels as Oria or Fix used gold-filled.
Vermeil: a layer of gold coating over sterling silver
Fix Gold-filled st Joan of Arc Brooch