Materials and care

You'll see three metals across the collection: 14k gold vermeil, rhodium-plated sterling silver, and solid 14k gold. None of it is an accident.

Vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is sterling silver plated with a thick layer of real gold. Ours is 14k. To legally be called vermeil, the gold layer has to be at least 2.5 microns thick, applied over solid sterling silver, a combination of two precious metals. That thickness is what separates vermeil from gold-plated jewelry, where the gold layer is often a fraction of that and wears through in months.

What that means for you: the feel and warmth of real gold, at a fraction of the cost of solid gold, and a piece that holds up to daily wear far better than plated jewelry.

Rhodium is a rare, brilliant-white metal from the platinum family. We start with solid sterling silver, then plate it in rhodium, a finishing step used across fine jewelry to give silver a brighter, harder, more reflective surface than silver alone.

On its own, sterling silver tarnishes over time and can scratch. Rhodium plating resists tarnish, resists scratching, and keeps that bright white shine through daily wear.

What that means for you: a bright, platinum-like white shine at the most accessible price in the collection, without the tarnish or softness of silver on its own.

Solid 14k gold is gold all the way through, not a plating over another metal. There is no base metal underneath and no layer that can wear away.

What that means for you: a piece that never needs re-plating, never dulls, and looks the same in twenty years as it does today. It costs more than vermeil or rhodium-plated silver. For anyone who wants the one forever piece, it is the option built to outlast the rest of the collection.

An accessible price should never mean compromised craft. Not when the piece on your wrist is the one that keeps you safe. Vermeil and rhodium-plated silver let us hold to fine jewelry standards without fine jewelry pricing.

It matters for sensitive skin, too. 14k gold and rhodium traditionally do not contain the metals most commonly linked to allergic reactions, like nickel.

Solid 14k gold sits alongside these for a different reason. It is the only truly permanent option we make.

This is jewelry meant to be worn every day, not saved for occasions. A little care keeps it looking and functioning the way it should.

Most people wear this continuously through showers, sleep, and swimming, since it cannot do its job on a dresser. Vermeil and rhodium plating are not permanent. That is true of any plated piece, and no amount of care changes it. We want that transparency clear upfront, not something for you to discover after your piece may have worn. Quality vermeil and rhodium plating allow us to make pieces that hold up well at a price most people can actually afford, but a few habits will slow the wear:

• Rinse and pat dry after swimming, especially in chlorine or salt water.
• If your piece stays on, keep lotion, perfume, and hairspray from landing directly on it.
• During activities with a higher risk of scratching, like weightlifting or contact sports, cover the piece with a sweatband or sleeve rather than removing it.
• Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals, including cleaning products.

If you'd rather never think about re-plating, we also offer this piece in solid 14k gold. It is the only truly permanent option we make. Solid gold does not plate or wear away, so it is built to last indefinitely.

Wipe your piece with a soft, lint-free cloth after wear so oils do not build up. For a deeper clean every few weeks, use a mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Skip anything abrasive. No polishing cloths made for solid gold or silver, since they can wear through plating. No ultrasonic cleaners, and no harsh jewelry dips.

On the rare occasion the piece is off, store it somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight, and separate from other jewelry so it does not scratch or tangle. A soft pouch or the box it arrived in both work.

The engraved side carries information that matters, so keep it legible. When you clean the piece, pay extra attention to the engraving. A soft-bristled brush, like a clean, dry toothbrush, can lift buildup from the grooves without scratching the surface.

Worn daily, even the best-cared-for vermeil and rhodium plating will show gradual wear. A little softening of the shine is normal after months of constant use, not a flaw. If the piece looks dull well before that, or the engraving becomes hard to read, reach out.

If the piece has worn beyond a simple cleaning, we offer re-plating. With proof of purchase, your first re-plating within 3 years of buying the piece is free. You cover $25 shipping. After that, or if you'd like it re-plated sooner, re-plating is $75 plus a $25 shipping fee.