All components in our jewellery designs are made from either 14k gold filled metal or sterling silver. We are often asked about the difference between gold filled and gold plated, so the following information may be helpful.
14k Gold Filled jewellery, also known as rolled gold, is made of a base metal (jewellers brass) covered by a thick layer of solid gold, which is bonded to the base metal using heat and pressure. Gold filled jewellery contains at least 5% gold by weight. This is 100+ times more gold than gold plated or vermeil jewellery, which is dipped in gold, so has a thinner layer of gold that can rub off over time.
With normal wear and tear, and given the same care as any precious metal, 14k gold filled items will not flake, chip or lose their gold colour over time, and are designed to last. All of our gold pieces and suitable for wearing by those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it is only ever solid gold that is making contact with your skin. The thick layer of gold means that these pieces of jewellery have the same beautiful finish, colouring and appearance as solid 14k gold jewellery, at a more affordable price.
Sterling Silver is made from fine silver, which contains 99.9% pure silver, and is generally too soft and easily damaged to use in jewellery making. As with other precious metals including gold, silver is alloyed with other metals to give it strength, while preserving the appearance of fine silver. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. It is the preferred material for use in silver jewellery, being durable, and suitable for all skin types, with a gorgeous quality finish.
To keep your gold or silver pieces at their lasting shiny best, jewellery should be the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off. This is to ensure minimal contact between your jewellery items and any perfumes or creams that may dull their vibrant sparkliness over time.
When jewellery is not in use, it should be stored in the box or bag it came in to avoid scuffs or scratches.
Sterling silver jewellery can be discoloured over time by oxygenation and exposure to moisture in the air, so keeping silver jewellery as airtight as possible when storing it helps to preserve it’s bright finish. In the event that your silver darkens, as is the natural process with this metal, it can be cleaned by polishing with any silver cleaning cloth or products – we recommend Town Talk polishing cloths and silver baths for keeping your silver jewellery in the best condition.
14k gold filled metal can be cleaned in the same way as solid gold, without fear that you will be rubbing off a plated layer of gold on your item. Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush is best for cleaning tricky areas like between chain links, and use of any good jewellery polishing or microfibre cloth will keep your 14k gold filled pieces looking their shiny best.
Chlorine and salt water can affect precious metals over time, dulling their appearance, so are best avoided when wearing jewellery. Your gold jewellery will remain gold though, and if for any reason you are unhappy with the longevity of your piece, we are always happy to polish/rejuvenate/restring/repair All The Falling Stars jewellery items sent to us, at any time, as we would like every piece purchased from us to last.
