Specifically, let's talk about metals, and the ones that you'll find here!
(info originally posted 3/22/22 on social, but let's make it more accessible here)
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There are so many choices when it comes to metals!
Base, plated, vermeil, filled, precious, fine...
Someday I'll do a more comprehensive breakdown if you want, but for now,
I'll just share about the ones used to create the pieces you'll see for
Mermaids + Madeleines.
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Here you will find jewelry designs with sterling silver and 14k gold filled metals.
Ready to dive a little deeper?
"Sea" below! ;)
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Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is considered to be a precious metal. Often stamped somewhere with the numbers .925, this represents the metal composition of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additional metals- usually, it's mostly copper.
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Sterling silver is a timeless metal, meaning that unlike plated metals, it won't wear off, its solid all the way through. The more often you wear your sterling pieces
the brighter it will stay. The oils and friction from your skin help the metal to stay polished. Sometimes you may notice a darkening on your silver, this is just oxidation, and it can happen over time.
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Simply, use a polishing cloth or a gentle cleaner specifically for sterling silver (being mindful of gems if applicable) to restore it to its gleaming state!
This precious metal is valuable to designers and jewelry collectors alike!
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14k Gold Filled
There were a few 14k gold filled additions to the collections around the holidays last year and there was a noticeable interest in it- super exciting and happy we get to add these extra sunshiny pieces!
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14k gold filled jewelry is not the same as gold plated. Gold plated chains, findings, and charms are usually made with a mix of base metals including aluminum, tin, copper, and zinc that get a quick dip coating in a thin layer of gold, this light layer wears away fairly easily and the pieces require extreme care to ensure longevity.
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Gold vermeil is also gold plated, with the exception that the base is precious sterling silver and the gold coating is typically thicker (at least 2.5 microns) than gold plated, but, over time, this layer can begin to wear off.
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14k gold filled chains, findings, wire, and charms, are comprised of a brass center and then thick, heavy, layers of 14k gold that's machine rolled on top. 14k gold filled pieces are tarnish resistant, wear well, (often referred to as sweat proof and shower safe- though I highly recommend removing them to take good care of your jewelry), and it's a valuable and more affordable option than 14k solid gold!
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Do you style mix jewelry? Wear silver and gold at the same time? Or do you prefer to keep it just one or the other? Let me know in a comment! :)
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Hope you found this info helpful,
Heather