This is Silver Vermeil on Solid Copper. It is not the same as silver plated. The coating is much thicker than plated and will not wear as quickly. It is not advisable to clean vermeil with a tumbler or with a process that removes a layer of silver. Vermeil is a very affordable alternative to the other base metals that either will get a very dark patina with age, have lead in them, or are so shiny and have a finish that you can not LOS.