What is Gold Fill, Sterling Silver, Vermeil?

Gold Fill Jewelry Description:

The term “gold fill” or “gold filled” means that a layer of solid, 14K gold has been heat and pressure-bonded to a core of high quality jeweler’s brass. The US strictly regulates this industry standard, requiring  1/20th or 5% gold by weight in all pieces considered “gold fill” or “gold filled”. 

Gold fill jewelry contains literally 100 times more gold than plated pieces. Gold plating is paper thin and often chips or wears through after a few uses, revealing the fast-tarnishing base metal underneath. In contrast, the thick gold layer on gold filled pieces is securely bonded to its core, ensuring that your jewelry remains in pristine condition for many years of regular wear.

Gold fill has become the industry leader for affordable, high quality jewelry. ​

The thick layer of gold on gold filled pieces makes it safe for sensitive skin as it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Silver Fill Jewelry Description:

Silver fill  is a solid layer of sterling silver (.925/20) bonded to the surface of a base metal. This layer, as with the gold fill is hundreds of times thicker then silver plating. 

Silver fill wire has almost the same properties as sterling silver and does not flake or chip as with silver plated. The fabrication is completed with an anti-tarnish coating to preserve the beauty.​​

Gold vermeil is sterling silver plated with high karat gold, usually 22 -24K gold

Gold Vermeil Description:

Gold Vermeil, which is pronounced “vehr-MAY,” is sterling silver plated with gold. In order to qualify as gold vermeil and not merely gold-plated silver, a piece of jewelry must meet certain requirements. The base must be pure sterling silver. It may not be coated with any other metal prior to having the layer of gold applied. Finally, the gold layer with which the silver is plated must be at least 10-karat gold, and the layer must be at least two and one-half microns in thickness.

Gold vermeil is comparable to pure gold in appearance and artisanship. Because of its primary composition of sterling silver, gold vermeil is considerably more affordable than pure gold. 


Gemstone Properties

Aquamarine is the March birthstone and 19th Anniversary gemstone.

Aquamarine is a stone of courage.  Its calming energies reduce stress and quiet the mind.  Aquamarine has an affinity with sensitive people.  It can invoke tolerance of others and overcomes judgmentalism, giving support to those overwhelmed by responsibility.  Clarifies perception, sharpens the intellect and clears confusion.  Useful for closure on all levels.  Promotes self-expression.  Soothes fears and increases sensitivity.  Sharpens intuition and opens clairvoyance.  Wonderful for meditation.  Shields the aura and aligns the chakras.  Highly protective during pregnancy, it helps to guard both mother and baby from harm.  Discourages miscarriage.

Aquamarine is helpful to sore throats, swollen glands and thyroid problems.  It regulates hormones and growth.  Boosts the immune system and alleviates overreactions, such as hayfever or allergies.  Counteracts short- or long-sightedness.


Amethyst is the official birthstone for February and 6th Anniversary gemstone.

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone.  It guards against psychic attack, transmuting the energy into love and protecting the wearer from all types of harm, including geopathic or electromagnetic stress and ill wishes from others.  Amethyst is a natural tranquilizer, it relieves stress and strain, soothes irritability, balances mood swings, dispels anger, rage, fear and anxiety.  Alleviates sadness and grief, and dissolves negativity.  Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.  It has strong healing and cleansing powers.  Amethyst encourages sobriety, having a sobering effect on overindulgence of alcohol, drugs or other addictions.  It calms and stimulates the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation.  Amethyst assists in remembering and understanding dreams.  It relieves insomnia.  Encourages selflessness and spiritual wisdom.

Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism.  It strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and strengthens the body to fight against cancer. It destroys malignant tumors and aids in tissue regeneration.  Cleanses the blood.  Relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress.  Amethyst eases headaches and releases tension.  It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing disorders.  Amethyst heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.


Zodiac – Gemini

Apatite is believed to enhance insight, creativity and learning.

Apatite is a stone of manifestation.  It is related to service and to humanitarian pursuits.  Apatite is attuned to the future, yet connects to past lives.  It stimulates the development of our psychic gifts and spiritual attunement, deepening meditation and aiding communication and self-expression on all levels.  It balances the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies, and the chakras, eliminating overactivity and stimulating underactivity.

Psychologically, Apatite increases motivation.  It draws off negativity about oneself and others.  It is helpful for hyperactivity and autism in children.  Apatite enhances creativity and the intellect.  It clears confusion and frustration, reducing irritability and awakening the inner self.  Apatite expands knowledge and truth and eases sorrow, apathy, and anger.

Physically, Apatite aids in the absorption of calcium, helping cartilage, bones and teeth; healing bones and encouraging the formation of new cells.  It improves arthritis and joint problems.  Apatite can successfully help in suppressing hunger and raising the metabolic rate, encouraging healthy eating.  It heals the glands, meridians, organs and overcomes hypertension. 


Chalcedony and its named varieties are well represented in various birthstone charts and can be found for all the months except January, April, and November.  

Chalcedony is a nurturing stone that promotes brotherhood and good will.  It absorbs negative energy.  It brings the mind, body, emotions and spirit into harmony.  Chalcedony instills feelings of benevolence and generosity.  It alleviates hostility and transforms melancholy into joy.  Eases self-doubt.  Creates openness and enthusiasm.  Absorbs and dissipates negative thoughts, emotions and bad dreams.

It is thought to increase vitality, stamina, and endurance and to promote emotional balance and charity while relieving melancholy, fever, gallstones, and eye problems.


Citrine is November’s birthstone

Citrine promotes creativity, helps personal clarity, helps treat depression and eliminates self-destructive tendencies. 

Citrine symbolizes joy, wisdom and peace. Many believe that it motivates writers and enhances creativity. The beautiful golden color of Citrine is very beneficial in financial success, aiding in attracting and maintaining wealth. 

Citrine is believed to help the heart, kidney, digestive tract, liver and muscles. 


Fluorite is known as the “Genius” stone, believed to increase concentration and aid in decision-making.

It is believed to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. 

Fluorite is extremely beneficial during times when intellectual abilities are needed. In addition to sharpening the concentration of the wearer, and aiding analytical abilities, Flourite also helps one quickly absorb information and form ideas.


Iolite gemstone is one of the best stones to use in psychic, healing, and spiritual activities.

It can open one to psychic talents and expand them as well.  Iolite is also an excellent stone for meditation and astral travel. It helps one grow spiritually in a gentle fashion.  

Iolite  is very helpful when dealing with addictions, including alcoholism. It assists in detoxification as well as maintaining sobriety. As well, Iiolite is also said to help build relationships whether they be new or old.


Lapis

Lapis Lazuli is the traditional birthstone for November and a 9th Anniversary gemstone.

A stone of protection that may be worn to guard against psychic attacks, Lapis Lazuli quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace.  It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge.  Encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty, compassion and morality to the personality.  Stimulates objectivity, clarity and encourages creativity.  Lapis Lazuli assists to confront and speak one’s truth and inspires confidence.  It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions.

Lapis Lazuli boosts the immune system, purifies blood, lowers blood pressure, cooling and soothing areas of inflammation.  It alleviates insomnia and vertigo, and overcomes depression.  Lapis Lazuli benefits the respiratory and nervous systems and the throat, vocal cords, and thyroid, cleanses organs, bone marrow and thymus.


Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June. 

Pearl signifies faith, charity and innocence.  It enhances personal integrity and helps to provide a focus to ones attention. 

Pearl symbolizes purity and is known as a “stone of sincerity”.  It brings truth to situations and loyalty to a “cause”.  Inhibits boisterous behavior. 

Pearl treats digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body.  It relieves conditions of bloating and biliousness.  Pearl increases fertility and eases childbirth.


Ruby is the the birthstone for the month of July.

It is a stone of nobility. It’s energy is intense and vivid. Ruby encourages one to follow bliss and stimulates one’s basic instinct for survival. It re-energizes one after exhaustion. 

Ruby brings love, confidence, loyalty, and courage. It instills stamina, vitality and strength. It also helps reduce negative thoughts. 

Ruby allows you to love Self and Spirit. A good protection stone. It is used for removing blocked energies in the reproductive system and for balancing blood sugar. 


Tourmaline

Tourmaline is the official birthstone for October and an 8th Anniversary gemstone. 

Tourmaline aids in understanding oneself and others. It promotes self-confidence and diminishes fear. Tourmaline attracts inspiration, compassion, tolerance and prosperity. It balances the right-left sides of the brain. Helps treat paranoia, overcomes dyslexia and improves hand-eye coordination.
Tourmaline releases tension, making it helpful for spinal adjustments. It balances male-female energy within the body. Enhances energy and removes blockages.

Amazonite is known as the “Hope Stone”, believed to offer luck for your hopes and dreams.

Amazonite is a soothing stone.  It calms the brain and nervous system and aids in maintaining optimum health.  Balances the masculine and feminine energies.  Amazonite helps you to see both sides of a problem or different points of view.  It soothes emotional trauma, alleviating worry and fear.  Dispels negative energy, aggravation and blockages within the nervous system.  Amazonite assists in manifesting universal love.  It protects against electromagnetic pollution and absorbs microwaves.

Amazonite is beneficial in osteoporosis, tooth decay, calcium deficiency and calcium deposits.  It relieves muscle spasms.


Ametrine is said to have all the metaphysical properties of both amethyst and citrine combined, as well its own unique properties. 

Ametrine calms the mind by clearing stress and tension from the head.  Balances and soothes emotions and relieves depression.  Ametrine overcomes prejudice by enhancing compatibility and acceptance of others.  It stimulates creativity and supports taking control of one’s own life.  Strengthens concentration, bringing clarity, and harmonizing perception and action.  Ametrine instigates change and eases transition.

Ametrine strengthens the immune system and aids the autonomic nervous system.  It heals physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.  Alleviates allergies and digestive disorders.


Aventurine is a stone of prosperity.  It reinforces leadership qualities and decisiveness.  Promotes compassion and empathy.  Encourages perseverance.  Aventurine relieves stammers and severe neuroses.  It stabilizes one’s state of mind, stimulates perception and enhances creativity.  Aids in seeing alternatives and possibilities.  Calms anger and irritation.  Promotes feelings of well-being.  Aventurine balances male-female energy.  It encourages regeneration of the heart.  Protects against environmental pollution.

Aventurine benefits the thymus gland and nervous system.  It balances blood pressure and stimulates the metabolism, lowering cholesterol.  Aventurine has an anti-inflammatory effect and eases skin eruptions, allergies, migraines, and soothes the eyes.  It heals lungs, sinuses, heart, muscular and urogenital systems.


Carnelian is a variety of Chalcedony. It is a Zodiac birthstone for the signs of Leo and Virgo. Carnelian is a 17th Anniversary gemstone.

A stabilizing stone, Carnelian restores vitality and motivation, and stimulates creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success.

Carnelian improves analytic abilities and clarifies perception. It sharpens concentration and dispels mental lethargy. Protects against envy, rage and resentment. Calms anger, banishes emotional negativity and replaces it with a love of life. Carnelian is known to enhance a performer’s work, adding the ability for more drama and energy in one’s performance.

Carnelian is useful for overcoming abuse of any kind. It helps in trusting yourself and your perceptions. It overcomes negative conditioning and encourages steadfastness.

Carnelian’s healing properties are thought to help purify the blood, relieve menstrual cramps and back pain. It is also thought to be beneficial in the treatment of infertility and is worn to enhance passion and desire. 


Garnet is the official birthstone for January.

Garnet’s powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin.

It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.


Hemimorphite is a birthstone for the month of December.

It is a  powerful healing stone, which allows us to tap into ancient healing techniques via meditation.

Hemimorphite brings good fortune and good luck. Fosters enthusiasm, optimism, high energy and the ability to stay excited about a project right through the end.

Hemimorphite is a stone that brings joy and creativity to one’s life.  

Physically, hemimorphite is great for regaining or maintaining healing and is particularly healing for pain relief, ulcers, blood diseases, cellular disease or disorder. Hemimorphite is associated with the heart chakra.


Labradorite has the benefit of both Sun and Moon energies, thus making it a very effective power stone.

Labradorite is very beneficial in helping one get through particularly tough times and challenges as its strength allows one to get through troubles and see a brighter light.

Labradorite also sharpens one’s intuition, allowing one to see and understand oneself and his destiny.  In “real-life” situations, labradorite is particularly helpful for teachers who need the strength of illumination to enhance their teachings.

For jobs that demand great stamina or are faced with challenges, labradorite may help one see through these tough periods.


Onyx is the stone of Gemini and Leo.

Onyx gives strength. It promotes vigor, steadfastness and stamina. Imparts self-confidence, helping you to be at ease in your surroundings.

Onyx banishes grief, enhances self-control and stimulates the power of wise decision-making. It encourages happiness and good fortune.

Onyx treats disorders of the bones, bone marrow and blood. It is beneficial for teeth and the feet.


Peridot is the official birthstone for the month of August. 

Peridot brings the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Peridot powers include health, protection, and sleep.

The advantages of peridot are to attract love and calm anger while also soothing nerves and dispelling negative emotions.


Turquoise is the official birthstone for December. 

Turquoise is a purification stone.  It dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere.  Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilizing mood swings and instilling inner calm.  It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks.  Turquoise promotes self-realization and assists creative problem solving.  It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love.

Turquoise aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body.  It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and alleviates cramps and pain.  Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts.  It neutralizes over-acidity, benefits rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, and viral infections.

The stone relaxes the mind and does much to take away mental tension. Native Americans believed the stone brought protection to a rider upon a horse, and great protection in general, especially to turn away the evil eye. 

Gemstone healing properties source: Charms of Light

Birthstone Information

Traditionally, a birthstone is associated with each month of the year. For example, the birthstone for January is a garnet, while babies born in April get a diamond as their birthstone. The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The idea of birthstones has a place in many traditions, customs, and belief systems.

The birthstones featured below are arranged by month according to The American Gem Society.