14k GOLD FILL

“Gold filled” refers to a process of heat and pressure bonding a layer of 14k gold to a core of pure brass. Because of this method, gold filled pieces cannot be cast (massed produced through a mold). 

Gold filled metal is tarnish resistant, and will keep it’s true “gold” color through wear in sweat and water. Gold filled metals must, by law, have solid gold comprise at least 5% of the item’s total weight, making it the highest quality alternative to solid gold and considered hypoallergenic.

It is far more durable than gold plated or vermeil jewelry. Plated jewelry is made by painting a very thin layer of gold over a base metal. This layer wears off in a short time. 

14k ROSE GOLD FILL

“Rose” gold is made by adding a small amount of copper to the gold alloy, giving it a soft pink tone. It has the same durability as yellow gold fill.

STERLING SILVER

“Sterling” silver refers to an alloy of silver and a base metal in order to increase silver’s hardness and strength. All silver jewelry will eventually tarnish - especially if it’s not worn for a while. Silver polish will remove this build up easily if cleaning is done regularly. When not worn, it’s best to store silver in a pouch away from sunlight. 

Sterling silver is considered hypoallergenic, and keeps its color through wear in sweat and water.

SEMI PRECIOUS STONES

I source my stones from a tradesman who personally oversees their cutting from raw rock to finished shape by families in their own homes. The processing takes place in India, where his family has been in the business for generations. The semi precious stone industry has a long way to go to provide adequate standards for worker rights and safety. This supply chain is the most ethical I can access at this time.

The more research I do, I am realizing that mining and stone cutting is an industry that is causing harm, and I don’t believe my ability to create beauty should support or rely on a murky supply chain.

In future purchasing, I will only be sourcing:

DOMESTICALLY MINED STONES

provides livelihood for people who find the stone with the same methods as our ancestors.

FRESHWATER PEARLS

cultivation of freshwater pearls in fact cleans the waters they inhabit and can help repair ecosystems.