What is Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Gold-filled jewelry is made by pressure bonding a thick layer of 14K gold to a base metal (usually jeweler’s brass). It’s a durable, affordable alternative to solid gold and far superior to gold-plated pieces. With how gold-filled jewelry is made, it is limited in how it can be shaped or worked with. Because of this, we’re only able to create certain types of gold-filled pieces— like our custom jewelry and everyday basics. 

Unlike gold plating, which uses only a thin film of gold, gold-filled jewelry must legally contain 5% gold by weight. This gives it higher value and better durability. The bonding process also makes it tarnish and chip-resistant.

Care Tips for Long-Lasting Shine

• Avoid moisture & chemicals: Remove jewelry before workouts, swimming, gardening, cleaning, or applying lotions, sprays, and makeup.
• Handle with care: Don’t polish with rough materials—use a microfiber or lens cloth only.
• Store properly: Keep pieces dry and sealed in an airtight bag. Clean gently before storing.
• Clean regularly: Use mild soap and water, then pat dry (no rubbing). Buff with a soft cloth if needed.
• Watch for skin contact: Items like chokers or bracelets may need more frequent cleaning due to sweat or oils.

Note: Rarely, body chemistry—such as hormones, medications, pregnancy, or even certain skincare products—can cause a reaction with metal. This varies by individual.

What is 14K Solid Gold?

14K Solid Gold is made of 58.3% pure gold mixed with alloy metals for added strength. Unlike gold-filled or plated jewelry, solid gold is gold through and through—making it a timeless, durable, and valuable option for everyday wear.

Durability & Tarnish

14K Solid Gold is more durable than 18K or 24K gold due to its higher alloy content, but it can still scratch with daily wear. It doesn't tarnish easily, but exposure to chemicals and buildup of oils or dirt can dull its shine over time.

Care Tips for 14K Solid Gold Jewelry

• Wear with care: Solid gold is sturdy, but it's still best to remove jewelry before intense physical activities or using abrasive tools.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Take off your jewelry when using household cleaners, lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, or chlorinated pools/hot tubs.
• Keep it clean: Use a mix of warm water and mild dish soap to gently soak your piece. Use a soft toothbrush to clean details, rinse, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Polish gently: Use a jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine—avoid paper towels or anything abrasive that could scratch.
• Store smart: Keep in a fabric-lined box or airtight bag, ideally separated from other pieces to prevent scratching.

Bonus Tip: If your gold looks dull or you notice fine scratches, a professional polish by a jeweler can make it look brand new again.

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a high-quality type of gold-plated jewelry made by layering a thick coat of gold—at least 2.5 microns—over a base of solid sterling silver. It offers the look of solid gold at a more accessible price point, with better durability than standard gold-plated jewelry.

Durability & Tarnish

Gold Vermeil is more durable than standard plating due to its thicker gold layer and sterling silver core. However, it can still wear down over time, especially with frequent exposure to water, sweat, or friction. It may tarnish or fade gradually, but proper care can extend its life and luster.

Care Tips for Gold Vermeil Jewelry

• Wear with care: Vermeil is more delicate than solid gold, so remove pieces before exercising, swimming, or doing physical tasks that may cause wear.
• Avoid moisture and chemicals: Keep away from perfumes, lotions, sweat, cleaning agents, and chlorinated water, which can break down the gold layer.
• Keep it clean: Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water, but avoid soaking. Dry thoroughly.
• Skip polishing cloths with abrasives: Use only a soft microfiber cloth to gently restore shine—avoid treated polishing cloths meant for solid metals.
• Store smart: Store in an airtight pouch or box, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Separate from other jewelry to prevent rubbing and fading.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically copper. It's a precious metal known for its beauty, though it’s softer than gold-filled and can scratch more easily if not handled with care.

Tarnishing & Body Chemistry

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes due to exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals—even high-end pieces. Interestingly, wearing your jewelry often can help prevent tarnish, as natural skin oils provide a protective barrier.

In rare cases, individual body chemistry (due to factors like pregnancy, hormones, medication, or even certain skincare products) may cause accelerated tarnishing. This varies person to person.

Care Tips for Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Remove during physical activity and household chores.
• Avoid contact with chemicals: shampoos, lotions, makeup, hairspray, etc. Put jewelry on last during your routine.
• Watch out for sulfur: Found in eggs, vinegar, mustard, rubber, and some household items—highly corrosive to silver.
• Avoid moisture & sunlight: Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, hot tubbing or sunbathing.
• Use soft materials to clean: No towels or paper products—use microfiber, lens cloth, or soft polishing cloths.
• Clean gently: Use mild soap and water; dry thoroughly to prevent oxidation.

Store properly: Keep in a cool, dark, airtight place like a Ziploc bag. Use anti-tarnish papers or bags, and always clean before storing.

What is Gold-Plated Brass?

Our 14K Gold-Plated Brass jewelry is crafted from a durable brass core and finished with a generous 2.5-micron layer of real gold—thicker than standard gold plating, and the same thickness as our gold vermeil. This offers the beauty of gold at a more affordable price, allowing bigger, bolder, and lightweight pieces designed for style and comfort.

Durability & Tarnish

While more durable than typical gold plating, gold-plated brass isn’t solid gold and can wear down over time, especially with frequent contact with water, sweat, or skincare products. It may tarnish or fade with exposure, but proper care can help preserve its look for longer.

Care Tips for Gold-Plated Brass Jewelry

• Wear with care: To maximize the life of your piece, remove jewelry before exercising, showering, or doing physical activities that cause friction or moisture.
• Avoid moisture and chemicals: Keep away from lotions, perfumes, hair products, household cleaners, and chlorinated water, which can break down the gold layer.
• Keep it clean: Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils and dirt. Avoid soaking or using chemical cleaners.
• No polishing cloths or abrasives: Unlike solid gold, plated jewelry should not be polished with treated cloths or abrasive materials, as this can strip the gold layer.

Store smart: Keep in an airtight pouch or fabric-lined box, ideally separate from other pieces, to prevent scratching and minimize oxidation.