Metal Notes
✨ GOLD-FILLED (GF)
The best “affordable luxury” metal.
• Legally must contain 5% real gold by weight (that’s 100x thicker than gold plating).
• Gold is mechanically bonded to a brass core with heat + pressure.
• Extremely durable. Does not rub off, peel, or flake under normal wear.
• Safe for almost all sensitive skin.
• Color lasts decades with proper care.
• More expensive than plated; far cheaper than solid gold.
Pros: Long-lasting, high-quality, looks like solid gold.
Cons: Can tarnish very slightly over many years; cannot be cast (only wire/sheet components).
________________________________________
✨ STERLING SILVER (.925)
The standard for high-end silver jewelry.
• 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% copper alloy.
• Naturally tarnishes (oxidizes) over time — normal and easily cleaned.
• Hypoallergenic for most people.
• Can be cast, soldered, hammered, oxidized. Very versatile.
Pros: Durable, real precious metal, customer-recognized value.
Cons: Tarnish requires occasional polishing.
________________________________________
✨ GOLD PLATED (GP)
A thin wash of gold over a base metal.
• Gold layer is extremely thin (usually 0.5–2.5 microns).
• Electroplated onto brass or stainless steel.
• Will fade/tarnish with time, friction, sweat, lotions.
• Not suitable for everyday, long-term wear.
Pros: Affordable, great for fashion jewelry.
Cons: Gold eventually rubs off; not hypoallergenic unless plated over stainless steel.
________________________________________
✨ GOLD VERMEIL
The premium version of gold-plated.
• Sterling silver base (not brass).
• Gold must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
• Better longevity than standard plating, but not as durable as gold-filled.
Pros: Higher-end plating, hypoallergenic, great appearance.
Cons: Gold layer will eventually fade over years of wear.
________________________________________
✨ PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
The modern, ultra-durable coating used in luxury watches.
• Titanium nitride or zirconium compounds vaporized + fused onto metal in a vacuum chamber.
• Creates a hard, extremely wear-resistant surface.
• Doesn’t chip or fade easily; far stronger than electroplating.
• Usually applied to stainless steel bases.
Pros: Long-lasting, sweat-proof, tarnish-resistant.
Cons: Cannot mimic real gold as perfectly as gold-filled; more “coated” than bonded.
________________________________________
✨ STAINLESS STEEL (304 / 316L)
The workhorse metal.
• Super durable, tarnish-resistant, waterproof.
• 316L is “surgical grade,” lowest nickel release.
• Usually silver-colored, but can be PVD-coated gold.
Pros: Great for daily wear, hypoallergenic for most, super affordable.
Cons: Can be heavy; PVD coating can eventually wear on edges.
________________________________________
✨ BRASS
Affordable gold-tone metal.
• Copper + zinc alloy.
• Looks warm and golden.
• Tarnishes quickly; can turn skin green if worn tight and sweaty.
• Polishes back to shine easily.
Pros: Cheap, strong, great for vintage or rustic designs.
Cons: Tarnish-prone, can irritate sensitive skin.
________________________________________
✨ COPPER
Beautiful but reactive.
• Pure copper is reddish and soft.
• Tarnishes and turns skin green — harmless but noticeable.
• Loved for boho, rustic, metaphysical, and wire-wrapped designs.
Pros: Easy to shape and hammer; great color.
Cons: Highly reactive to skin and moisture.
________________________________________
✨ SOLID GOLD (10k • 14k • 18k)
The real deal — expensive but eternal.
• 10k is hardest and most durable.
• 14k is the industry standard for daily wear.
• 18k is luxurious but softer.
• Never tarnishes.
Pros: Lifetime metal, true luxury.
Cons: Price.
________________________________________
✨ TITANIUM & NIobium
The best options for ultra-sensitive skin.
• Completely hypoallergenic.
• Can be anodized for rainbow colors.
• Used mostly in ear wires and body jewelry.
Pros: Zero skin reactions, lightweight.
Cons: Cannot be soldered easily; limited style options.