Material Descriptions & Differences

There are 4 different types of materials available for you to choose from. Please consider all options and take all factors into consideration when placing your order. It's essential to consider your budget, the intended use of the piece, and your preferences for appearance and durability. Each type has its own set of advantages and considerations.

1. Gold-Plated Jewelry:
- Composition: Gold-plated jewelry consists of a base metal (such as brass or copper) that is coated with a thin layer of gold through a process called electroplating.
- Thickness: The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is quite thin, usually ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 microns.
- Durability: Gold-plated jewelry can wear off over time, especially with frequent use or exposure to water and chemicals.

2. Gold-Filled Jewelry:
- Composition: Gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal core (often brass or sterling silver) through heat and pressure.
- Thickness: The gold layer in gold-filled jewelry is significantly thicker than that of gold-plated jewelry, usually constituting at least 5% of the total weight of the item.
- Durability: Gold-filled jewelry is more durable than gold-plated jewelry and can last longer without showing signs of wear.

3. Solid Gold:
- Composition: Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of gold. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold. However, for jewelry, it's common to use alloys to make the gold more durable.
- Durability: Solid gold is more resistant to tarnish and corrosion compared to gold-plated and gold-filled options.
- Purity: The karat number indicates the purity of gold in the alloy. For example, 18k gold is 75% pure gold (18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals).

4. Sterling Silver:
- Composition: Sterling silver jewelry is made of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically consisting of copper or other metals. This alloy is used to enhance the durability of the silver.
- Durability: Sterling silver is relatively soft, so it can scratch or tarnish over time, but it is more durable than pure silver.
- Tarnish: Sterling silver may tarnish when exposed to air and certain chemicals, but regular cleaning can maintain its appearance.