Unusual and elegant - 18K Vermeil Pagoda Necklace designed by Betty Carre. Vermeil is the term given to Sterling Silver that has been thickly coated with real Gold. The Gold layer of vermeil jewelry is 50 times thicker than that of gold-plated jewelry. As a result, it looks virtually like solid Gold to the naked eye, is far more durable, and can be polished to a high luster.