What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The copper adds strength. It is identified by the 925 hallmark, is hypoallergenic for most people, and can be polished and restored repeatedly.

What is gold filled jewellery?

Gold filled jewellery has a thick layer of real gold (usually 14ct) mechanically bonded to a base metal core. The gold must be at least 5% of the total weight, which is 50 to 100 times thicker than gold plating. It lasts 10 to 30 years with care.

What is the difference between gold filled and gold plated?

Gold filled has a thick layer of gold pressure-bonded to the base metal (5% minimum by weight). Gold plated has a very thin layer (less than 0.5 microns) applied through electroplating. Gold filled lasts decades while gold plating wears off within months.

What is demi-fine jewellery?

Demi-fine jewellery sits between costume and fine jewellery. It uses real metals like sterling silver and gold filled, genuine gemstones, and handcrafted quality, but at an accessible price point. No compromises on materials, but no pretension either.

Are freshwater pearls real?

Yes. Freshwater pearls are genuine pearls naturally formed inside a living mollusc. Each one is unique with slight variations in shape, size, and lustre. They require gentle care and should be kept away from chemicals and perfume.

Our Materials: A Complete Guide

I get asked about metals and materials all the time, so here is a straightforward guide to everything I use at Lae Jewellery. No jargon, just the facts.

Sterling Silver (925)

Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The copper adds strength. Without it, pure silver would be far too soft to wear as jewellery.

You can identify sterling silver by the 925 hallmark stamped on the piece. It is hypoallergenic for most people, tarnishes slowly with proper care, and can be polished and restored repeatedly. Every silver polishing cloth I include with orders will keep your pieces looking fresh.

Sterling silver is the foundation of almost everything I make. It lasts decades, holds its value, and develops a beautiful patina over time. If you are wondering about green marks, I have written a guide on why sterling silver can turn your finger green and how to prevent it.

Gold Filled

Gold filled is not the same as gold plated. The difference matters.

Gold filled jewellery has a thick layer of real gold (usually 14ct) mechanically bonded to a base metal core. By law, the gold layer must be at least 5% of the total weight. That is 50 to 100 times thicker than gold plating.

The result is a piece that looks, feels, and wears like solid gold, but at a fraction of the cost. Gold filled jewellery will not tarnish, flake, or rub off under normal wear. It is safe for sensitive skin and can last 10 to 30 years with proper care.

I use gold filled for chains, connectors, and charms where a warm gold tone is wanted without the price of solid gold.

For a deeper comparison, read my full guide on what gold filled jewellery is and how it compares to gold plated.

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewellery has a very thin layer of gold (usually less than 0.5 microns) applied to a base metal through electroplating. It looks beautiful when new, but the plating wears off over time, especially with daily wear.

I use 18ct gold plating on surgical steel for my huggie earring range. Surgical steel is durable and hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent base metal. The gold layer adds warmth and style.

If you want to understand the full difference between silver types, read my comparison of silver plated vs sterling silver. Gold plated pieces need a little more care than gold filled. Avoid contact with water, perfume, and lotions to keep the plating looking its best for longer.

Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a specific type of gold plating where the base metal must be sterling silver and the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick. It sits between gold plated and gold filled in terms of quality and durability.

Because the base is sterling silver rather than brass or copper, gold vermeil is hypoallergenic and will not cause skin reactions even if the gold layer wears through.

Freshwater Pearls

All the pearls I use are genuine freshwater pearls, not plastic or glass imitations. Each one is naturally formed inside a living mollusc, which means no two are identical. You will notice slight variations in shape, size, and lustre. That is what makes them real.

Freshwater pearls need gentle care. Keep them away from chemicals, perfume, and hairspray. Wipe them with a soft damp cloth after wearing and store them separately to avoid scratching.

Gemstones

I work with a range of semi-precious gemstones including morganite, rose quartz, aquamarine, carnelian, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and many more. Each gemstone is hand-picked for quality and colour.

Gemstones add personality and meaning to a piece. Many of my customers choose stones based on their birthstone, a colour they love, or the traditional meaning associated with the gem.

Demi-Fine Jewellery

You might see me describe Lae Jewellery as "demi-fine." This is a category that sits between costume jewellery and fine jewellery.

Costume jewellery uses base metals with thin coatings and artificial stones. Fine jewellery uses solid gold, platinum, and precious gemstones. Demi-fine sits in the middle: real metals (sterling silver, gold filled), genuine gemstones, and handcrafted quality, but at a price point that does not require a special occasion.

For me, demi-fine means no compromises on materials, but also no pretension. These are pieces meant to be worn every day, not kept in a safe.

Surgical Steel

Surgical steel (316L stainless steel) is the base metal I use for my gold plated huggie earrings. It is extremely durable, completely hypoallergenic, and resistant to tarnishing. Even if the gold plating were to wear through entirely, the surgical steel underneath is safe and comfortable against your skin.

If you have any questions about the materials in a specific piece, please get in touch. I am always happy to explain exactly what goes into your jewellery.

Lucy x