✧ Sparkle Vocabulary ✧
A helpful guide to understanding the materials used in jewelry.
Jewelry is more than sparkle—it's made of beautiful materials with unique qualities. This page is here to help explain them.
✦ Solid 14k Gold
14k gold is a precious metal made of 58.3% pure gold, blended with 41.7% other metals like copper, silver, zinc, or nickel. These added metals make the gold stronger and more durable for everyday wear, since pure (24k) gold is too soft on its own.
14k gold comes in several beautiful colors:
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Yellow gold has a warm, classic glow and is closest to the natural color of pure gold.
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White gold has a silvery tone, created by mixing gold with metals like nickel or palladium, and is often plated with rhodium for a bright finish.
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Rose gold has a soft pink hue, thanks to a higher copper content in the mix.
All three color options are real gold, just with different alloy blends. 14k gold doesn’t tarnish, though it can get small scratches over time with wear.
✔ Durable for daily wear
✔ Hypoallergenic (except in cases where nickel is used—best to check if you have a known allergy)
✦ 14k Gold Plated (Vermeil)
Vermeil is a thick layer of 14k gold electroplated onto a base of solid sterling silver. To legally be called “vermeil” in the U.S., the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
Because it uses precious metals for both the core (silver) and outer layer (gold), vermeil has a more luxurious quality than standard gold-plated jewelry. With proper care—avoiding moisture, perfumes, and harsh cleaners—it can last beautifully for years.
✔ Nickel-free and generally hypoallergenic
✧ Best for occasional wear or gentle daily use
✦ Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewelry contains a thick layer of real gold (usually 14k or 12k) that’s heat-bonded to a base metal, most often brass. The gold layer is at least 5% of the item’s total weight, making it much more durable than gold plating.
Unlike plated jewelry, gold-filled pieces can handle more frequent wear without the gold rubbing off. They offer the look and feel of solid gold at a more affordable price point.
✔ Tarnish-resistant
✔ Usually safe for sensitive skin (nickel-free varieties are common)
✦ Solid 925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver, blended with 7.5% other metals—usually copper—for strength and durability.
It has a soft, elegant luster and is used in both everyday and fine jewelry. Over time, sterling silver may darken or develop a patina, especially when exposed to air or moisture. This is natural and can be cleaned easily with a silver polishing cloth.
✔ Nickel-free in most cases (but it’s always good to double-check if you have allergies)
✦ Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver
Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white metal from the platinum family. When plated over sterling silver, it adds a bright, reflective finish and protects against tarnish.
Rhodium plating also makes jewelry more scratch-resistant and gives it a sleek, high-polish look. Though durable, the plating may gradually wear off with time and heavy use, especially on rings or bracelets. It can be re-plated by a jeweler if needed.
✔ Hypoallergenic
✧ Great for those who love a bright white shine
✦ Oxidized Sterling Silver
Oxidized silver has been intentionally darkened using a chemical process that speeds up the natural tarnishing of sterling silver. This treatment creates a deep gray-to-black finish that highlights textures, engravings, or patterns in the design.
The oxidized layer may slowly fade with frequent wear, especially on high-touch areas. This gives each piece a worn-in, vintage look—but it can also be re-darkened by a jeweler if desired.
✧ Best for those who love antique or rustic-style jewelry