Jewelry Metals and Materials

I clearly list the metal used in each piece whenever possible. If you ever have a question—or notice that I missed something—please feel free to email me. I’m always happy to help! :)

14K Gold Filled

14K Gold Filled is made with a substantial layer of 14K gold—at least 5% of the item’s total weight—pressure-bonded to a brass core. It offers the beautiful look of solid gold at a more accessible price and is much more durable than standard gold plating.

With proper care, 14K Gold Filled is suitable for everyday wear and is highly resistant to tarnishing and fading. Many people with sensitive skin wear it comfortably; however, individual skin reactions can vary.

I’ve been working with this metal for more than 14 years and truly stand behind its quality. I personally wear it throughout daily life—including workouts, showers, swimming, and outdoor activities—and it continues to be one of my favorite metals to work with.

I use 14K Gold Filled for all of my chains, components, and rings, as well as many of my earrings.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver offers a wonderful balance of beauty, durability, and affordability, making it a great choice for everyday jewelry.

It is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. This combination makes it stronger and more durable than pure silver.

Sterling silver naturally oxidizes and may tarnish over time, especially when exposed to moisture, air, body chemistry, or certain products. Occasional cleaning with a silver polishing cloth will help restore its shine.

Almost all of the silver-toned pieces in my shop are made with sterling silver.

14K and 18K Gold PVD Coating

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, a vacuum-coating process that bonds a very thin layer of gold-colored material to a base metal, such as stainless steel.

PVD finishes are generally more durable than traditional gold plating and offer good resistance to everyday wear, moisture, sweat, tarnishing, and scratching. However, as with any coated finish, the color may gradually change or wear over time depending on use, care, body chemistry, and environmental exposure.

I usually use PVD gold for clasps, charms, chains, bracelets, and some earring posts.

18K Gold Filled

18K Gold Filled is an attractive and affordable alternative to solid gold. It features a layer of 18K gold bonded to a base metal, usually brass, and is typically more durable than standard gold plating.

I often use this metal for charms.

Gold Vermeil

Gold Vermeil features a layer of gold plated over a sterling silver base. It offers the look of gold with the added value of sterling silver underneath.

Because vermeil is a plated finish, the gold layer may gradually wear or fade depending on use, care, body chemistry, and exposure to moisture or chemicals.

I often use Gold Vermeil for charms and earrings.

Solid 14K Gold

Solid 14K gold is a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting choice for everyday jewelry. With proper care, it can be enjoyed for many years.

I typically use Solid 14K Gold for certain stud posts and necklaces. Because solid gold is significantly more expensive, pricing may vary based on current gold market values.

Jewelry Care

To help your jewelry last as long as possible:

  • Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, sunscreen, hairspray, household cleaners, and other chemicals.
  • Rinse and dry jewelry thoroughly after exposure to sweat, salt water, or chlorine.
  • Remove jewelry before strenuous activities or whenever it may be pulled, scratched, or damaged.
  • Store each piece separately in a clean, dry place.
  • Clean gently using methods appropriate for the specific metal and finish.

Although some materials can handle occasional water exposure, removing your jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising is the best way to preserve its appearance and finish.

Care & Wear Disclaimer

All jewelry requires appropriate care and gentle wear. The appearance and longevity of each piece will depend on how often it is worn, how it is cared for, the wearer’s body chemistry, and the environments or products to which it is exposed.

Natural tarnishing, oxidation, fading, discoloration, scratching, and gradual wear are not considered manufacturing defects. We cannot be responsible for changes or damage resulting from normal wear, improper care, accidents, moisture, sweat, chemicals, perfumes, lotions, sunscreen, cleaning products, or other environmental and lifestyle factors.

Skin sensitivities and allergic reactions vary from person to person. While many of the materials used are generally considered suitable for sensitive skin, no material can be guaranteed to be reaction-free for every individual. Please discontinue wear if irritation occurs.

By purchasing and wearing our jewelry, you acknowledge that results may vary and accept responsibility for following the recommended care instructions.