Gold Filled or Gold Vermeil

I get questions about this occasionally so I thought I would post a definition for anyone who wanted to know the difference between the two:

Vermeil: (Pronounced: Vermay) is sterling silver that has been gold-plated. This is a good combination for those with allergy to normal, plated jewelry items. The difference between vermeil, and gold-filled, is in the thickness of the gold and the base metal used. In vermeil, the base is sterling silver.

Gold-filled: These jewelry items are not actually filled with gold. They are made of a base metal (usually brass or copper) covered by sheets of gold in a mechanical bonding process. Effectively a thick coat of gold: the gold content is 5% or 1/20 of the total weight. Use gold-filled items for your top-of-the-line jewelry. Usually made with 14k gold, it is hard wearing. With reasonable care it will not peel or flake, and should last as long as solid 14k gold jewelry. It is safe for most people with sensitive skin.

Hope this helps for those of you interested in the difference.