Precious Metals

The below will help you understand the difference between the precious metals we work with - for information on how to care for your pieces, click here.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a precious metal suitable for everyday wear - and this wear enhances it’s beauty. Over time it will develop further character which embodies it’s journey with you - developing shine, patina (darkening of areas) and scratches adn bumps. These are part of the beauty of this metal, and not viewed as faults.

Sterling silver is identified by the stamp 925 - it’s an alloy of 92.5% pure silver with copper to increase strength.

Brass

Brass is a hardwearing metal which has a beautiful colour similar to gold, with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic.

Brass can oxidise over time depending on the wearer (differences in skin acidity, and any contact with. cosmetics. soaps and chemicals can affect this process) - this is part of the inherent qualities of the metal. To care for your brass piece, see the care guide.

Solid Gold

Gold is one of the most premium precious metals, and will never tarnish or fade.
9ct Gold is a buttery yellow colour, identified by the stamp 375. It’s composed of 37.5% pure gold which is alloyed with other metals to increase it’s hardness and durability.

18ct Gold is a deeper yellow shade due to it’s composition of 75% pure gold, alloyed with other metals to increase it’s strength.

Gold Plating

Gold plating is a process where a thin layer or gold is bonded onto sterling silver - over time, the colour can change, any dulling or tarnishing is a natural part of wear and tear and is not considered a manufacturing fault. How the piece is worn, and different skin types can affect the life of the plating.

Gold Vermeil

Gold Vermeil (pronounced ‘ver-may’) is a thick layer of 18k gold bonded onto sterling silver. This process increases the longevity of the piece and it’s colour compared to plating, making it premium albeit lower cost alternative to solid gold, Over time it can change in colour and lustre due to how it is worm and cared for - once again, take care to avoid contact with chemicals, creams and perfumes.