Materials

Gold Filled

Unlike vermeil and gold plated jewelry, gold filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold over the base metal, sometimes as much as 100% thicker. This makes a big difference in terms of the jewelry’s ability to resist wear and tear long term. 

Gold Plated

Manufacturers use a process called electroplating to place a thin layer of gold onto a base of copper, silver, or other metals. The gold will eventually fade over time and can even scratch off, but it is the least expensive alternative to standard gold.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is made from chromium, nickel and titanium. It is a strange alloy which is inexpensive but very durable, highly utilitarian and yet it looks nice. Unlike some alloys that look bland or cheap, stainless steel doesn’t look cheap despite being affordable.

Copper

Copper is a pure element that is often used in metal alloys. Its hardness allows for easy manipulation, making it a great metal for stamping jewelry. Copper is corrosion resistant, but a patina is formed with time.