Silver Plate/d is another material, brass/pewter/white metal/plastic etc, that is plated with a layer of pure silver. Vermeil (vermay) is sterling silver that is plated or coated with gold. Pewter is an alloy of tin and is marked Pewter.lso called pure silver. Sterling silver is an alloy and is marked .925 = 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Argentium® sterling silver is a trademarked brand of sterling silver that resists firestain and tarnish.