02/11/2025
Let’s talk materials! I offer most of my pieces in brass, sterling silver, 14k gold plated vermeil, and solid 10k gold. That’s 3 gold colored options! Why? It’s not really because of the variance in color. In my opinion, while they are slightly different, the overall effect is the same. I really offer these options to fit different budgets. I think we can all agree solid gold is the GOAT - but oh my is it expensive. That’s why I offer brass and gold vermeil.
Brass is wonderful because the color is warm and inviting, and it’s a solid metal through and through. It’s also very affordable! The downside to brass is it can tarnish, especially if exposed to moisture, oils and chemicals. The great thing though is as a solid metal, it’s infinitely cleanable.
Gold vermeil is great because it’s the thickest coating possible of gold plated overtop sterling silver. For cast jewelry (jewelry that is sculptural, dimensional and unique), it’s the best option for affordable gold. It wears like gold and won’t tarnish. However, the more it’s handled, the more it can wear away and eventually reveal the silver underneath. This is more likely to happen where the piece touches your skin a lot. At a fraction of the price of solid gold though, it’s a pretty good deal.
I get asked often about gold fill, which is an even thicker layer of gold than vermeil - and I love using it for pieces like my stacking rings! However, it can only be made in wire or sheet so design options are limited. The pendant pictured cannot be made in gold fill. All my gold colored chain is gold fill though, even with brass pendants (besides solid gold of course).
With the price of gold these days, I love being able to offer more affordable options. That’s always been really important to me!
Pictured is the looking glass necklace (front and back), left to right: brass, sterling silver, 14k gold vermeil and solid 10k gold.
