About The Materials

Metals

Gold and Silver plated

This has a very fine layer of the precious metal electromagnetically bonded to it. The thickness of gold or silver plated is generally only a few microns thick, so care must be taken not to polish too vigorously or the plating will wear more quickly.

Gold Filled

Gold filled is made by fusing a layer of carat gold to a suitable supporting metal (or alloy) using equipment that carefully controls pressure, heat, and time. Electroplating is not part of this process. The bond produced is a permanent one and the thickness of the gold is a hundred times or more thicker than that of gold plate. In fact a gold filled item must contain a fifth (1/20th) of its weight in gold and will have a quality mark that will identify its carat. For example, 14 carat Gold Filled will be marked as 14/20, meaning that the outer 1/20th of the piece is 14kt gold. 18/20 means the outer 1/20th is 18kt, etc.

Like solid gold, filled jewellery is tarnish-resistant and safe for most people with sensitive skin. It will not flake or peel and can be treasured for years.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This material is also tarnish-resistant and safe for most people with sensitive skin.

Crystals & Gemstones

Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum, Swarovski coats some of its crystals with special metallic chemical coatings. Aurora Borealis, or "AB", is one of the most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance.

Freshwater Pearls