MATERIALS

Our jewellery is made using materials chosen for their quality and suitability for everyday wear. Below is an overview of the materials used in our pieces. Please take a look at our product descriptions for individual details about each piece.

Gold Vermeil
Gold vermeil is a high-quality gold layering technique. It features a thick layer of real 14k or 18k gold over sterling silver, giving jewellery the rich appearance of gold without the cost of solid gold. Unlike standard gold plating, vermeil uses a thicker layer of gold over sterling silver rather than base metals such as brass, making it more durable and longer-lasting.

Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Pure silver on its own is very soft, so it is combined with other metals to make it stronger and more suitable for everyday wear. This alloy improves durability and helps the jewellery resist scratching and bending. While pure silver (often called fine silver) does exist, it is rarely used for everyday jewellery because it is much softer and more prone to bending or damage. All sterling silver pieces are made from genuine 925 sterling silver.

Sterling Silver Plated
Our silver-plated pieces feature a brass base finished with a thick layer of sterling silver and an anti-tarnish coating to help preserve their shine over time

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium, which makes it resistant to rust, tarnishing and corrosion. It is a popular material for jewellery because it is waterproof, hypoallergenic and durable for everyday wear. It is also a low-maintenance and more affordable alternative to precious metals.

FAQ

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Genuine 925 sterling silver jewellery can develop tarnish over time. This is a natural reaction that occurs when silver comes into contact with elements in the air, particularly oxygen and sulphur. When this happens, the surface of the metal may darken slightly or lose some of its shine.

Tarnishing is a normal characteristic of sterling silver and does not mean the jewellery is faulty. The good news is that it can usually be removed easily with a soft polishing cloth or gentle cleaning, restoring the piece to its original brightness.

Certain everyday products can also affect sterling silver. Substances such as perfume, hairspray, make-up and body lotions contain chemicals that may affect the surface of silver jewellery. For best results, it’s recommended to apply these products before putting on your jewellery.

Storing your jewellery carefully and cleaning it occasionally can help keep it looking its best.

Can Sterling Silver Turn Your Skin Green?

Occasionally, sterling silver jewellery may leave a faint green mark on the skin. This can happen when the copper in sterling silver reacts with moisture, lotions, or certain skin chemistries. It is completely harmless and does not mean the jewellery is not genuine.

The mark usually washes off easily with soap and water, and keeping the jewellery clean and dry can help prevent it from happening.