Know Your Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, there are various materials used to create stunning pieces. Understanding the differences between gold plated, gold filled, solid gold, sterling silver, and stainless steel can help you make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry. Let's delve into the specifics of each material.

Gold Plated 
Gold plated jewelry is made by covering a base metal with a thin layer of gold. This layer is typically less than 0.05% of the total weight of the piece. While gold plated jewelry is more affordable, the gold layer will wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath. If the base metal is brass, you'll see your skin taking a green color. That is why most of our gold plated jewelry is stainless steel. 

Gold Filled
Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal core. The gold content in gold filled jewelry is at least 5% of the total weight. This results in a more durable piece compared to gold plated jewelry, as the gold layer is thicker and less likely to wear off with regular wear. This is the most common type of metal used in permanent jewelry. 

Solid Gold 
Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold, typically in 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k purity levels. The higher the karat, the higher the gold content. Solid gold jewelry is the most valuable and durable option, as it does not tarnish or corrode. However, it is also the most expensive due to its high gold content. 24k is delicate so is not ideal for everyday use. If you want a solid gold piece that you can wear everyday your best options are 14k (most common) and 10k. Another thing to keep in mind is that the lower the karat, the lighter the color. 

Sterling Silver
Sterling silver jewelry is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This combination increases the durability of the silver, making it suitable for everyday wear. Sterling silver jewelry is known for its lustrous appearance and is a popular choice for affordable yet high-quality pieces. However, it's a high maintenance metal as it tarnishes easily and requires frequent polishing. Our prefer alternative is stainless steel. 

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel jewelry is made of a steel alloy mixed with chromium, which provides corrosion resistance. It is a durable and affordable option for jewelry, known for its strength and resistance to tarnishing. Stainless steel jewelry is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Most of our jewelry is gold plated stainless steel, making it an affordable yet durable option. 

Each type of jewelry material has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Whether you prefer the luxury of solid gold, the affordability of gold plated jewelry, or the durability of stainless steel, understanding the differences can help you choose the perfect piece for your style and budget.

We offer jewelry cleaning and repair, and also custom orders. Contact us with any inquiries.