The words on a listing tell you how much gold you're getting and where it sits. Here's what each one means under the FTC Jewelry Guides, and how to care for it.
Under the FTC Jewelry Guides, the word "gold" on its own means 24 karat gold all the way through. Anything less pure needs the karat right before the word, as in "14 Karat Gold." A piece with a hollow center shouldn't be called "solid."
Gold plated means a surface layer of gold alloy over another metal, thick enough to last with reasonable wear. The guides say the term should come with the karat of that layer, such as "14K gold plated," and that "gold" alone shouldn't be used when the gold is only on the surface.
Gold filled is a layer bonded on mechanically, not electroplated. The guides allow the term when a layer of at least 10 karat gold is bonded by mechanical means, such as soldering or welding, and makes up at least 1/20 of the weight of the metal in the piece.
Vermeil starts with sterling silver. The guides allow the word when the silver is coated with gold of at least 10 karat, at least 2.5 microns thick.
"Sterling" means at least 925 parts per thousand pure silver. A silver-plated piece shouldn't be stamped "sterling."
We use each store's own words. The EonLuxe bracelet is listed as sterling silver with 18K gold plating. Its page doesn't give a thickness, so we don't call it vermeil. The book necklace is listed as 24K gold-fill over a brass base. The All Heart necklace pairs sterling silver discs with a gold-filled heart. The sand pendant is silver-plated or gold-plated brass.
GIA says chemicals can damage or discolor gold and silver, so take jewelry off before a chlorinated pool or household cleaners. Chlorine bleach can pit gold alloys. To clean, use warm water, a little mild dish soap, and a soft brush, and rinse in a glass, not over the sink.
Skip abrasives such as some metal polishes or toothpaste. GIA notes they can wear away metal, and on a plated piece the gold is only a surface layer. Keep sterling in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth, and use a polishing cloth made for silver.
Sources: FTC Jewelry Guides, 16 CFR Part 23, sections 23.3, 23.4, and 23.5 (eCFR); GIA, Tips on Caring for Jewelry; GIA 4Cs, How to Clean Jewelry. All read October 20, 2026.
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