Materials
We believe in using high quality materials in the creation of all our jewelry designs. We use 14k gold filled, sterling silver, natural druzy and semi-precious gemstones in the majority of our pieces. The few exceptions to this are typically the use of lead and nickel free gold-plated chains to help achieve a desired price point or aesthetic. All of our ear wires are made from hypoallergenic 14k gold filled or sterling silver.
What is Gold Filled Jewelry?
Gold filled jewelry is made by permanently bonding sheets of gold to a base metal (typically brass) using heat and pressure. By regulation, 10k gold or higher must comprise a minimum of 5% or 1/20 of the total metal content for an item to be considered gold filled. Due to the high content of gold and the process in which it is applied, gold filled jewelry is more durable and tarnish-resistant than gold-plated or vermeil jewelry. With appropriate care, gold filled pieces can often last as long as solid 14k gold jewelry.
Our Gold Filled wire and components are manufactured in the USA and guaranteed to endure for years to come.
What is Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is generally made by "electroplating" a base metal, such as brass or steel, with gold particles. During electroplating, the base metal is submersed in a solution including gold ions, an electric charge is applied, and the gold ions attach to the base metal. This process results in a much thinner layer of gold than found on gold filled pieces. This being said, gold-plated items from reputable sources can last years with the right care and also offer a nice value for the customer.
*Illustration for general reference and not drawn to scale
What is Vermeil Jewelry?
Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) jewelry is .925 sterling silver with a layer of gold plated or bonded over it. Vermeil is often created using 18k or 24k gold, which is why it may seem to have a more yellow or golden appearance than gold-filled jewelry. The thickness of the gold layer of Vermeil pieces can vary, but by regulation, the gold must be at least 2.5 microns thick and 10k purity or more.
What is Druzy?
Druzy is a coating of fine crystals that form on the fractured surface of another stone, typically quartz or agate. There are many variations of druzy ranging widely in crystal size, color and luster depending on the type of mineral the crystals form from, as well as the temperature and pressure during formation. Natural Druzy is found in a beautiful array of colors, from brilliant whites and muted greys, to rich purples and ambers.
All of our Druzy stones are completely natural, free of any dyes or treatments. We source them from a reputable company in Uruguay that mines locally, then cuts and electroplates the stones in house.
Gemstones and Minerals
We use a wide variety of semi-precious gemstones and minerals in our designs. The beauty of these natural wonders is that each stone is unique and often varies in color and shape from the next. If you are interested in custom ordering a design with a different gemstone than the current offering, please reach out to us! We will do our best to accommodate your request.
