METAL TYPES AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS

18K Gold Plated

Description

A thin layer of 18-karat gold applied over a metal base, giving jewellery a luxurious gold finish.

Pros

Rich colour, more durable than lower karat plating.

Cons

The layer of gold in gold plated jewellery is relatively thin and can wear off over time and with use.

Care

Care should be taken to avoid exposure to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion to prolong the plating's appearance. Gently clean with a soft cloth, avoid abrasive materials.

18K Gold Vermeil: Luxe That Lasts

Description

A rich, thick layer of 18K gold over sterling silver for a luxe finish that shines bright.

Pros

This isn’t your average gold plate - 18K gold vermeil gives you the glam of real gold with extra durability and a high-end feel.

Cons

While it’s more durable than standard plating, it’s still gold, so treat it with care to keep it looking fresh.

Care

Wipe it down gently with a soft cloth, and skip anything abrasive to keep that shine glowing.

Gold Filled

With the elegance and beauty of gold, gold filled pieces are a long-lasting alternative to solid gold.

  • Gold filled jewellery has a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal core through a mechanical bonding process.
  • The layer of gold in gold filled jewellery is significantly thicker than in gold plated jewellery, making it more durable and longer - lasting.
  • Gold filled jewellery is considered a higher quality and more valuable option compared to gold plated jewellery.
  • It is more resistant to tarnish and wear, and its appearance can last for many years with proper care.
  • Gold filled jewellery is often labelled with the karat of the gold layer (e.g., 14KGF) to indicate the quality.

    Our gold-filled pieces are designed for everyday wear and are highly resistant to tarnishing.

    Care Instructions:

    • Avoid wearing in treated water (pools, spas, etc.).
    • Limit exposure to chemicals, including perfumes and lotions.
    • Clean with warm water and a soft cloth, or use a jewellery polishing cloth for extra shine.
    • Avoid over-polishing to preserve the longevity of your special piece.

In summary, the key difference between gold plated and gold filled jewellery lies in the thickness of the gold layer and the durability of the piece. Gold plated jewellery has a thinner gold layer that can wear off relatively quickly, while gold filled jewellery has a thicker and more durable gold layer that lasts longer and retains its appearance with proper care.


 

Platinum

Platinum is a precious metal that is naturally hypoallergenic and suitable for those with nickel allergies. However, it can be more expensive. It's an excellent choice for sensitive skin and is resistant to tarnish.

Gold

Yellow gold can come in various karats, including 24K (pure gold), 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K. The karat indicates the purity of the gold, with higher karats representing higher gold content. While pure gold (24K) is hypoallergenic, it's quite soft for jewellery. Opt for 18K or 14K gold, which often contain lower levels of nickel.

14K Gold

Description

14K gold is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals.

Pros: 

Durable and affordable with a rich colour.

Cons 

May cause allergic reactions.

Care:

Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth.

18K Gold

Description

A high-quality gold alloy containing 75% gold and other metals. 

Pros

Luxurious, durable, less prone to tarnish. 

Cons 

Generally more expensive than lower karat gold. 

Care 

Clean gently with mild soap and water, store carefully.

Sterling Silver 


While sterling silver contains some amount of nickel, it is usually a small amount and doesn't cause issues for most people with nickel allergies.

METAL ALLERGY

Several metals are known to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals due to the presence of allergenic compounds. Common skin irritants in jewellery include:

Nickel 

Nickel is one of the most common allergens and can cause contact dermatitis in many people. It's often found in lower-quality jewellery and can lead to redness, itching, and rash.

Cobalt 

Cobalt is often used in alloying metals, including some white gold alloys. It can cause skin reactions similar to nickel.

Brass 

Brass contains copper and zinc and may cause skin discolouration or irritation in some individuals.

Bronze 

Bronze is an alloy of copper and other metals, and its copper content can lead to skin reactions for those sensitive to copper.

Base Metal Alloys 

Various base metal alloys used in fashion jewellery may contain nickel or other skin irritants.

Some White Gold Alloys 

Some white gold alloys contain nickel or other metals that can trigger allergic reactions.

Aluminium 

While less common, some individuals may experience skin reactions to aluminium, especially if it comes into prolonged contact with the skin.