Vintage Cubic Zirconia Gold Vermeil Ring Gorgeous ring with a zigzag cluster of Cubic Zirconia across the top of the band. Excellent condition, very minor wear. All stones are present. To be legally considered vermeil in the United States, the jewelry must have sterling silver as its base material. Sterling silver is an alloy that consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The gold plating is applied through electrolysis, which uses an electrical current. Vermeil is less expensive than pure gold, but it's just as good. The gold layer makes the jewelry more durable and gives it a higher-end finish. Vermeil is also less likely to tarnish than jewelry made of copper, brass, or nickel. Vermeil is considered the best 14k gold alternative because it has a base of sterling silver, not brass or copper like gold plated or gold filled jewelry, and is layered with 100+ mls of 24k gold. EUC