Let's talk about metals. 

14kt Gold Filled: This is a high quality gold plating. a thick layer of 14kt gold is bonded to the metal below. It will keep its gold look for a very long time, especially if it's kept dry. Gold Filled plating can be done over sterling or brass. 

14kt Gold Plated: A heavy layer (10 mils) of shiny 14kt gold plating over brass. 

24kt Gold plated: A heavy layer (7-10 mils) of 24kt gold plating over brass. Then a dark lacquer is applied and wiped away to darken the color and give it an antique  look.

Vermeil: 14kt, 18kt or 24kt gold over sterling silver.

Aged Brass: No plating involved. This is raw brass that has been oxidized to darken it. It is then polished up and lightly coated to help it hold its antiqued color.

Sterling Silver: No plating involved. This is the same metal all the way through. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper. It contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. That is why sterling silver is stamped .925.

Silver Plated: A heavy and durable layer of silver over brass or bronze. It is then oxidized to darken the color and give it an antique look.

Plated Brass: A layer of silver, nickel, or silver base metal over brass.

A word about plating:

When something is plated, it is simply a layer of one metal over another metal. Plating will wear away over time. The wearing away process is slower if the piece is kept dry and not polished too aggressively but it will happen nevertheless as it comes into contact with our skin, oils, sweat, and clothing. That's why plated pieces are much more affordable than buying something that is a solid precious metal like gold or platinum. 

Find the specific metal type in the description for each individual piece and contact us with any questions.