ZOE & PEARL · GUIDES
Gold vermeil & sterling silver
Know the metal beneath the glow. Choose your finish with confidence.
Sterling silver: what 925 means
Sterling silver contains at least 92.5% silver. The remaining portion is other metal in the alloy. “925” refers to this silver content; it does not mean that a piece is pure silver or simply silver-coloured. Silver-plated jewellery has a surface coating of silver over another base and is a different construction.
18K gold vermeil: gold over sterling silver
Gold vermeil has a sterling-silver base with a gold coating. In “18K Gold Vermeil”, 18K describes the gold alloy used for that coating, not a piece made of solid gold throughout. Under US FTC guidance, vermeil requires at least 10K gold and a coating of reasonable durability with a minimum thickness equivalent to 2.5 microns of fine gold on all significant surfaces.
A gold-coloured finish alone does not establish vermeil. The base metal, gold fineness and coating specification all matter. Read the material description for the individual design.
Sterling silver
Silver alloy throughout the relevant component. A cool-toned choice for a clean, understated palette.
Gold vermeil
A gold coating over sterling silver that meets the applicable vermeil specification. A warm finish with a silver base.
Gold plated
A gold coating over a stated base metal. It does not automatically meet vermeil requirements, even when the base is silver.
Style the finish your way
Try silver with crisp white or charcoal, and gold with cream or warm neutrals. Or combine the two deliberately: keep the pearl colour consistent and let the metals create contrast. These are starting points, not rules about skin tone.
Care for the pearl as well as the metal
Put pearl jewellery on after cosmetics and fragrance. After wear, wipe it gently with a soft cloth and keep it away from harder pieces that could scratch it. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners for pearls. Keep abrasive metal polishes and silver dips away from pearls and plated surfaces.
Is vermeil the same as solid gold?
No. Vermeil has a silver base and a gold surface layer. Solid-gold jewellery uses a gold alloy throughout the stated component.
Does a 925 stamp tell me the coating thickness?
No. It indicates silver content. Ask for the separate coating specification when assessing a gold finish.
Which finish does my product have?
Check the Material field on that product page. This guide explains terminology; it is not a blanket specification for every Zoe & Pearl design.