Was Sterling Silver ever used in costume jewelry? Can the markings help me date it?What is Vermeil?

This butterfly is an example of vermeil.

During World War II many jewelers began to use sterling sliver, Why? because the other metals that were previously used, were needed for war materials...bullets etc. The United States , in 1906 passed, the National Stamping Act. This act requires that all silver be marked. Any product that was marked as silver, needed to contain 925 per 1,000 parts of pure silver.

After 1961, the act was amended. It required the manufacturers of sterling to also stamp the maker's mark on the piece.

Therefore one can date these marked pieces. Jewelry made between 1906 and 1961 may only be marked 925 or sterling.

While jewelry made after 1961, should have the manufacturers mark as well. Yet, it is known that many did not follow the law. So it becomes a bit trickier.

Sterling may and often does have a gold wash over them. This process is called vermeil It was used to give a piece the look of gold. unfortunately it wears away over time.

Some pieces, even with some wear of vermeil, are still worth collecting, depending on the designer,the rarity and how collectible the piece is, what designer it is, how many were made, etc...