Materials

WHAT IS GOLD PVD COATING?

Physical vapour deposition, or PVD, is a process that many jewellery manufacturers now use as an alternative to gold plating. The technique involves coating metals such as titanium and stainless steel, “blasting” the gold onto onto it at a high temperature. PVD coatings are corrosion resistant and up to 10 times thicker than gold plating.

WHAT IS GOLD PLATED JEWELLERY?

Gold plated jewellery falls within the semi-fine and fashion jewellery categories. It's essentially where metals like brass and sterling silver are dipped and covered in a fine layer of genuine gold. This is called electroplating. You can expect some natural tarnishing over time with wear, however, cleaning and storing your jewellery correctly will help to minimise this.

WHAT IS GOLD FILLED JEWELLERY?

Gold-filled jewellery is crafted by using a solid layer of gold that is bonded to a base of another metal, such as sterling silver, copper or brass. While typically less expensive than solid gold jewellery, it is actually more durable, and manages to retain it's style and lustre even after years if wear.

WHAT IS GOLD VERMEIL JEWELLERY?

Not to be confused with traditional gold plating, vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a thick layer of 18k solid gold on sterling silver, as opposed to brass. It mimics the look of genuine gold, with a higher quality than fashion jewellery.

Vermeil will naturally tarnish over time, especially when exposed to environmental factors like air pollution, moisture, and items that contain sulfur. Never fear, it's incredibly easy to restore the shine of gold vermeil jewellery.

WHAT IS RHODIUM-PLATED JEWELLERY?

Rhodium is the whitest and most precious metal used for jewellery and is often mistaken for silver. Similar to gold-plated, rhodium-plated jewellery is made from a base metal like brass, nickel, copper or sterling silver, then coated in a thin layer of rhodium for extra strength and shrine. Rhodium plating does not scratch, dent, tarnish or corrode and is said to be non-toxic and overall a safer choice for sensitive skin.

WHAT IS 925 STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY?