Plated Jewellery

I do not offer plated jewellery, read on to find out why.

Durability: Plated jewellery tends to be less durable compared to solid metal pieces. The thin layer of usually yellow gold or rose gold plating can wear off over a short period of time, exposing the base metal underneath.

1. Tarnishing: Plated jewellery is susceptible to tarnishing, especially if it comes into contact with moisture, sweat, or chemicals. This can lead to a loss of shine, overall appeal and cause the plating to wear off faster.

2. Allergic reactions: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain metals used as the base for plating. When the plating wears off, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

3. Limited lifespan: Plated jewellery generally has a shorter lifespan compared to solid metal jewellery, as the plating can wear away over weeks or months with regular use and exposure to elements.

4. Difficult to repair: When the plating starts to wear off, repairing plated jewellery can be challenging and costly, as it often requires re-plating or refinishing.

5. Not suitable for frequent wear: Plated jewellery is not ideal for everyday wear, as continuous friction and contact with surfaces can accelerate the wearing-off of the plating. It’s usually referred to as ‘costume jewellery’ because it should only be worn very occasionally

6. Value retention: Plated jewellery typically doesn't hold its value as well as solid metal pieces. The depreciation is higher due to the potential for wear and tear.

925 Sterling Silver

When it comes to jewellery making, my ultimate choice and top recommendation is always Sterling Silver! 

Sterling silver is a unique alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. When you see a "925" mark on silver jewellery, it signifies that it is certified as sterling silver with 92.5% silver content. This alloy is preferred for jewellery making because it is harder and more durable than pure silver, while still retaining its beautiful colour. It's important to note that a "925" stamp is not a hallmarking mark.

The addition of copper enhances the silver's hardness and durability, making it an excellent material for creating jewellery without compromising its appearance. Most of the silver jewellery available in the market is made from sterling silver.

One thing to keep in mind is that sterling silver can tarnish more easily due to the presence of copper. Tarnishing may cause the metal to turn dark brown or black, particularly in humid conditions. However, cleaning the tarnish is simple, and underneath, your sterling silver will remain in excellent condition.

Our sterling silver jewellery range are nickel-free, making them suitable for those with nickel allergies. However, if you are allergic to copper, it's essential to be aware of this aspect.

Pros: Sterling silver offers versatility, affordability, and a beautiful appearance. Tarnishing can be easily removed, and the jewellery will still look stunning underneath.

Cons: Despite its benefits, sterling silver may tarnish at some point, but this can be remedied at home.

 9K Gold

Most of the designs I offer can be created in 9K Yellow, White or Rose Gold. All our gold is of the highest standard and is fully Hallmarked and approved by Edinburgh Assay Office ensuring its quality. It is a legal requirement to have gold items over 1g Hallmarked. 

• 9K White Gold – This has 62.5% silver and 37.5% gold. Apart from silver, the addition of nickel, palladium, or manganese to the 37.5% gold is also used in creating white gold. To brighten 9K white gold, it is plated with rhodium to give it a silvery-white look. This will need to be re-plated every 3-5 years or will turn into yellow gold.

• 9K Rose Gold – This typically has 42.5% copper, with 20% silver and 37.5% gold. The high quantity of copper gives it a reddish hue or warm pinkish-red colour. Be wary of 9K Rose Gold if you have jewellery allergies.

• 9K Yellow Gold – This is made with 37.5% gold and a mix of various metals in different quantities to get the yellow colour. The most common yellow gold alloy has more silver (about 54.5%) and less copper (about 6%). Yellow 9K gold is a little paler in colour, compared to higher karat alloys like 14K which are more vibrant in colour.

Pros of 9K Gold

When choosing 9K gold, here are some benefits to consider:

• 9K gold is stronger than higher karat gold. The other metals in 9K gold hardens it, making it a more durable choice.

• Higher durability means 9K gold doesn’t easily wear and tear. This makes it last for longer. The durability and hardness make it ideal for wedding bands and engagement rings, which are pieces of jewellery that are highly exposed due to daily wear.

• The lower percentage of gold makes 9K gold more affordable compared to gold with higher karatage. This way, you get the look of gold for a much lower price.

Cons of 9K Gold

9K gold has the following weak points, some of which you can overcome with proper care and attention.

• If you have metal allergies, 9K gold may not be the best option. It’s not always hypoallergenic, due to the inclusion of metals. However, white 9K gold can be considered hypoallergenic due to its rhodium plating.

• 9K yellow gold doesn’t have the bright warmth of gold with higher karatage. It has a paler, more whitish-yellow look.

• Because 9K gold has such a small amount of pure gold, it’s sometimes not even considered as ‘gold’ by some customers. It’s also less prestigious and not a great investment option.