Know Your Metals

 

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is built for Everyday wear. It resists tarnishing, unlike costume jewellery. It’s scratch-resistant and durable, keeping its shape and shine over time. 304 Stainless Steel and 316L Stainless Steel are suitable for most sensitive skin.

Sterling Silver 925

Sterling Silver  is a precious metal that is 92.5% pure silver & has a bright high-white shine. Sterling Silver can tarnish, but with a good polish it’ll be good as new! It is also softer & more malleable, thus scratching easier. Sterling Silver is suitable for most sensitive skin.

Gold-Plating

14K/18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel/Sterling Silver means the base metal has been coated with 14/18 Karat gold. Plating thickness varies by design, typically 0.5 - 3 microns. All gold-plating eventually wears off with friction regardless of the base metal. However, because of the high-quality base metal, it won’t rust or corrode when the plating wears off. Proper care can extend the life of the plating significantly (up to years) & pieces can be re-plated.

What we Don’t use

•We don’t use brass/copper bases. Jewellery with brass/copper bases can oxidise and turn skin green or black.

• We don’t use low-karat or “gold tone” paint. “Gold tone” often means flash plating <0.5 microns that can wear off within days of use.

• We don’t use high-nickel base metals like nickel silver/costume alloys. Nickel is the #1 cause of itchy, red, irritated skin. The metals we use are considered safe for most sensitive skin.

Skin Sensitivity

“316L Stainless Steel”, “304 Stainless Steel”, and “Sterling silver 925” are nickel-reduced, not nickel-free. Reactions can still occur for highly sensitive individuals, though rare. We do not claim any metal is 100% hypoallergenic, but we do only source low-nickel components. 

Sourcing

All metal specifications are based on supplier listings and our knowledge at the time of purchase. We do not perform independent XRF  testing, however we do perform a magnetic permeability test and an acetic acid corrosion spot test to screen for iron/iron-alloy components.

Why these metals?

Sustainability

 

Stainless steel 304 and 316L are among the most sustainable base metals for jewellery because they’re often made of recycled contents and are 100% recyclable at end-of-life. Both grades resist corrosion and tarnish for years, which means pieces don’t need frequent replacement or lots of maintenance. Both 304 and 316L stainless steel retain their shape and shine, thus reducing waste from damaged items. Sterling silver 925 is also highly recyclable and can be melted down and remade infinitely. Sterling silver jewellery can last for decades with basic care and avoids the “fast fashion” cycle of disposable alloy jewellery. Choosing these metals over plated brass/alloy means fewer pieces bought over a lifetime, less chemical waste from tarnish removers, and metals that re-enter the supply chain instead of ending up in landfills.

Quality and Value

Stainless steel 304 and 316L resist tarnish and corrosion with daily wear. They are durable and low-maintenance compared to metals that oxidize more easily. Sterling silver 925 is a recognised precious metal that can be polished and altered/repaired, and it maintains its appearance with basic care.

While stainless steel and sterling silver may have a higher initial price than other metals, their durability and recyclability often mean fewer replacements over time. This makes them a practical option for customers who wear jewellery regularly and prefer pieces that require less maintenance.