Jewelry - The Materials Guide
You've fallen in love with a pair of earrings or a ring ... but what's really behind the words gold, plated, vermeil, fine gold plated or steel ? We'll help you see clearly. Because a piece of jewelry is much more than just its look : it's also a question of material , resistance , budget ... and love !
Gold is undoubtedly the noblest material. Dense , naturally yellow , shiny and unalterable , it does not rust and never changes its appearance . Pure gold (24 carats) is too soft to be used alone in jewelry. This is why it is combined with other metals such as copper or silver to make it stronger . 18 carat gold, which contains 75% pure gold, is the standard in France: it offers a beautiful balance between shine , resistance and value . 14 carat gold ( 58.5% ) and 9 carat gold ( 37.5% ) are more affordable , but also less precious and duller. The higher the carat , the greater the quantity of pure gold , therefore the more durable and valuable the jewelry. 18-carat gold is often hallmarked (eagle's head in France) and is recognizable by its warm color , its weight and its quality of finish . It stands the test of time without losing its splendor, and is often passed down from generation to generation.
Vermeil , an elegant and refined material. It is solid 925 silver , covered with a thick layer of gold (at least 5 microns, generally 18 carat gold). Vermeil therefore offers the nobility of silver combined with the brilliance of gold , for a luminous and lasting result. It is an excellent alternative to solid gold , both more affordable and higher quality than gold plating. Regulated in France, the term "vermeil" guarantees a certain requirement . The jewel is heavier than gold plating, its brilliance is more subtle , and its durability is excellent , provided it is handled with care.
Rhodium , in fact, is a rare precious metal that is not used alone, but as a finish . It is applied in a very thin layer on white gold or silver jewelry to give them a cold , almost mirror-like shine , and to reinforce their resistance to scratches or oxidation . Over time, this layer can fade , but it is entirely possible to have it renewed by a jeweler. Rhodium plating is therefore not a material in itself, but a beautiful added value to enhance certain pieces.
Solid silver , also called 925 silver , is another safe bet in jewelry. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver, to which a little copper is added to solidify it. Bright , elegant , hypoallergenic , it can be polished , brushed or aged depending on the finish. Contrary to popular belief, silver does not "deteriorate" : it simply oxidizes on contact with air if it is not worn . And it is precisely regular wear that protects it from this oxidation . If your silver jewelry blackens , a soft cloth or a suitable product is enough to restore its shine . It can also be rhodium -plated, that is to say covered with a thin layer of rhodium , for a whiter and shinier finish, and better resistance to oxidation.
Gold plating refers to a piece of jewelry covered with a very thin layer of gold – often between 0.5 and 3 microns – applied by electrolysis to a metal base , without the latter necessarily being specified. The result is very bright , often more vivid than that of solid gold , but the layer being thinner than on gold plating , the jewelry is more fragile . It does not withstand water , cosmetics , sweat or friction well , and requires rigorous maintenance . Among these fine gold-plated jewelry, we distinguish those made on a brass base , called fine gold-plated brass . Brass , an alloy of copper and zinc , is widely used in costume jewelry for its malleability and lightness . It allows for bold designs, original or voluminous shapes, very popular in creative collections. However, even if it can be varnished to protect the gilding, it remains thin and sensitive to wear. Brass can also oxidize, altering the color of the jewelry. To preserve their shine , these pieces should be removed before showering , exercising or going to bed , and stored in a dry place, away from air and humidity . These jewels are especially attractive for their style , accessibility and lightness , but must be worn with care .
Gold plating is another popular option, especially for everyday jewelry . It is a base metal (often brass ) covered with a thicker layer of gold than that used for fine gold plating, generally between 3 and 5 microns . This thickness allows for better resistance to water , friction and oxidation . Gold plating offers a beautiful shine , close to solid gold, while remaining much more accessible . It does not carry an official hallmark , but some jewelry may be engraved "gold plated" . If well cared for, these pieces of jewelry can be kept for several years .
Stainless steel , finally, is a material increasingly used in costume jewelry. It is not a precious metal , but it offers excellent resistance to everyday use: it does not tarnish , does not rust , does not oxidize , and is perfectly resistant to water , perspiration and friction . Steel is therefore ideal for jewelry that you do not want to remove: chains, rings, earrings, etc. It requires almost no maintenance . On the other hand, it is more difficult to rework and its shine is cooler than that of gold or silver. It is attractive above all for its solidity , its practicality and its affordable price .
At Blush , we know: every piece of jewelry tells a story , but it's the material that writes the first line. Solid gold or gilded with fine gold, plated or vermeil, silver or rhodium-plated ... each composition has its advantages , its uses and its style . Better understanding materials means making informed choices, between love at first sight and durability , budget and shine . So, whether you're looking for a piece to keep for a lifetime or a trendy piece of jewelry to wear every day , you now have all the keys to choosing the one that will make you vibrate
