MATERIALS

24 KT GOLD OVERLAY JEWELRY

Gold Overlay jewelry is produced by applying an average of 20 to 30 mils of 24kt gold onto the surface of our high quality brass based chain, charms and components utilizing an advanced acid gold Electro-Depositing process. Unlike basic decorative (cyanide) gold electroplated costume jewelry, Gold Overlay jewelry may be worn all the time. It has on average 5-7 times the thickness of most costume jewelry. Acid gold is a harder gold plating formula that was pioneered by the electronics industry which produces a durable finish. Unlike basic decorative gold electroplated jewelry, jewelry that is finished with an acid gold application has excellent long term wearing qualities.

Gold Overlay jewelry is manufactured to produce the finest alternative to solid 14kt jewelry.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD-FILLED AND VERMEIL JEWELRY?

In contrast to gold-plated and vermeil metals, gold-filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold over base metal, sometimes as much as 100 times thicker which increases an item’s durability and resistance to wear and tear over the long term. Gold-filled jewelry is created by bonding two to three layers of gold over base metal (most often brass) with heat. These thick layers of gold help prevent tarnishing and discoloration. Authentic gold-filled jewelry should have a minimum of 5% gold weight ensuring the outer layer of gold is of a minimum thickness. Gold filled wire and findings are very durable.

Vermeil jewelry is comprised of gold plated over sterling silver and the gold is electroplated to the metal rather than being bonded with heat. The higher the karat weight and thickness, the more expensive and valuable a piece is. If the thickness of the gold layer is very thin, the gold may start wearing away soon after purchase, similar to gold-plated items.

STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.

KAREN HILL TRIBE SILVER

Karen Hill Tribe Silver is one of our favorites! This silver is handmade by the Karen Hill Tribe people of Thailand who are well-known for their silversmithing and production of high quality silver beads and jewelry. Whereas sterling silver has a silver content of 92.5 percent, Karen Hill Tribe silver has a silver content ranging between 99.5 and 99.9 percent pure silver. Hill Tribe silver is not as shiny and bright as sterling silver, but its higher silver content is more resistant to tarnishing and holds its shine longer, needing less maintenance over time. We love the character, details and beauty of Karen Hill Tribe silver beads and findings!

PRECIOUS METAL CLAY (PMC)

Some of our silver pieces are custom-created using precious metal clay or PMC. PMC is clay that is composed of fine silver or gold ground down to small particles and is suspended in a binder to create clay. This clay can be rolled, shaped, molded, and stamped to create a custom piece. Once the piece is molded, it is set out to dry and then fired in a kiln. The binder is burned away leaving in its place a piece of fine silver that is 99.9% pure silver. Because of its high silver content, PMC pieces are more resistant to tarnishing. The beauty of PMC is that it can be used to create unique, one-of-a-kind, custom designs.

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

In order to keep your jewelry looking beautiful it is important to care for your jewelry in the following ways. Remove jewelry before using household cleaners and put jewelry on only after applying beauty products and lotions, not before. Do not wear your jewelry in water, especially in chlorinated water or salt water. Use a polishing cloth to remove tarnish and to shine your jewelry. Beware of cleaning solutions that might damage natural stones.

Sterling silver jewelry naturally oxidizes leading to tarnishing. Sunlight, heat and moisture accelerate this process. To prevent tarnishing, store your jewelry in a cool, dark place, preferably in airtight containers or Ziplock plastic bags. Store separately from other metals.

Gold filled jewelry should also be stored in airtight containers or bags. Clean your gold-filled jewelry gently with a polishing cloth after wear and infrequently with warm, mild dish soap and water.

Natural stones and pearls should also be cleaned using mild soapy water to remove debris and body oils.