What is Sterling Platinum?

Dear Renee,
I see the terms Vermeil, Sterling Platinum and Sterling Silver. What kind of jewelry are these types and what is the difference in each. Is this costume jewelry?

Cindy Schlagger, Miami, Florida

Dear Cindy,
This is an interesting question. First off sterling silver is usually regular silver jewerly with a .925 or 92.5% silver content in the metal. This is the most common silver and what is found in regular silver jewelry. The term "sterling platinum" has become new and trendy but actually it is sterling silver plated over with platinum. Usually this gives the jewelry a much more shinier and crisper finish.

Vermeil is usually Gold plated over sterling silver. It is a similar idea to "sterling platinum" but it gives the jewelry a gold look, which is unique, shiny and much less expensve than 14Kt yellow gold. Today many pieces of beautiful jewelry are made from vermeil and worn by all segments of the population. Vermeil and Sterling Platinum have become very chic and popular in the last few years.