Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is a more expensive version of gold plated jewelry. It consists of a sterling silver base that is coated or plated with gold. A typical example is sterling silver coated with 14 carat (58%) gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold must be at least 10 carat (42%) and be at least 2.5 micrometers thick.

Gold-filled is a hollow tube of usually 14K gold that is filled with another metal. This tube of karated gold is approximately 100 times thicker than gold plate. With normal wear and tear the carated gold will never tarnish, chip or wear off. In the USA this process is referred to as 'gold filled'. In Europe the same process will be called 'rolled gold'. Both terms are synonymous with each other. Many jewelry purchasers outside the jewelry trade mistakenly think 'gold filled' is the same as 'gold-plate'. 'Gold filled is a much higher quality product.