Jewellery material guide
Our metals
What is gold-plated jewellery?
Gold-plated is jewellery that has a thin layer of gold coated on top of a different base metal. Our gold-plated jewellery is coated in approximately 1 micron (layer) of 10k gold plate on a brass base.
Why choose gold-plated?
It’s durable and has all the outer beauty of solid gold, but the plating makes it more affordable. Where suitable, we add a protective e-coat on gold-plated designs, which will help preserve the colour of the plating and extend the life of your gold earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a metal alloy made of 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals – usually copper or zinc.
Why choose sterling silver?
‘Because pure silver is so soft, it is combined with other metals to make it more durable,’ explains Lianna Sheppard, Jewellery Buyer. We use sterling silver for many of our silver jewellery pieces, including our silver earrings, studs and fine chain necklaces, because it has a bright and shiny finish that’s ideal for delicate and fine designs.
What is silver-plated?
Silver-plated jewellery has a thin layer of silver coated on top of a base made from a different metal. Our silver-plated jewellery is coated in approximately 5 microns (layers) of silver plate on a brass base.
Why choose silver-plated?
It’s durable and has all the outer beauty of solid sterling silver, but the plating makes it more affordable. Where suitable, we add a protective e-coat on silver-plated designs, which will help preserve the colour of the plating and extend the life of your silver earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
The base metal for most of our silver and gold-plated jewellery is brass. Brass is relatively easy to work with, so skilled jewellery makers can shape it into intricate and detailed designs. It is hardwearing enough for everyday use and much more affordable than precious metals, so we can create exciting designs at accessible prices. Adding gold or silver plating enhances durability and gives a beautiful lustrous finish.
Responsible Jewellery Council
Our sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery is exclusively sourced from four suppliers in India and Thailand because of their excellent quality and craftsmanship. These are traditional businesses we have worked with for many years and enjoy established, collaborative partnerships with. All these factories are either certified, or in the process of being certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
The RJC is the global membership and standards body for responsible jewellery throughout the entire supply chain, from mine to retail. Their ‘Code of Practice’ references key development frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Principles and UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and involves thorough monitoring of systems and processes.
Recycled materials
‘Our four fantastic gold and silver jewellery makers demonstrate continued commitment to responsible production, and we are proud to support them in achieving Responsible Jewellery Council certification. We are working together to source recycled silver wherever possible, ensuring it is refined and tested to the same high standards as any other silver we use,’ says Head of Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability Katherine Bonnick. ‘We are also striving to use recycled brass and zinc where it is available.’ We will start labelling products that have full traceability from Spring 2027, using the below claims:
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Products certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) contain recycled material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from the source to the final product. In addition, facilities from the recycler to final supplier have met social, environmental, and chemical requirements.
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Products certified to the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) contain recycled material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from the recycler to the final product.
Recycled Silver (RJC)
Recycled Sterling silver, made by a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Costume jewellery is made with a base metal and tends to have a lower price point compared to gold and silver-plated pieces. The metals used most in our costume jewellery are zinc and brass. The finished item is then plated using electroplating, which provides the jewellery with either a gold or silver tone appearance. Cords, yarns, resin and beads are all used in our costume range, as well as imitation gemstones. This range of materials creates a bold, colourful collection with textural detailing and sparkly finishes.
Our waterproof jewellery is made from stainless steel with a long-lasting gold or rhodium PVD coating, making it durable enough to be worn to the gym, pool and in the shower. The protective PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is applied via a vacuum process, used to deposit a thin layer of gold onto the surface of your jewellery for a hard-wearing and high-shine finish.
We use natural, cultured and faux pearls across our pearl jewellery. Freshwater pearls are the most common, formed naturally within freshwater mussels. They’re durable with an untreated, natural shade of while which won’t discolour if properly cared for. Cultivated real pearls tend to have a rounder, cleaner shape, while faux pearls are made from glass, ceramic or plastic coated with a pearl-like varnish for a more afforable alternative. Learn more in our guide to the different types of pearls in our jewellery.
Our gemstones are sourced from all over the world, often set into gold-plated and sterling silver pieces. Each chosen for its natural colour and finish, choose from onyx, opalite, quartz and many more. The variations in shape, shade and texture add to the character of each piece.
Enamel jewellery is usually highly decorative and detailed and is a great way to offset a classic gold or silver frame with a brighter colour. To make enamel jewellery, resin is applied by hand to our costume jewellery. When this decorative coating is set, it forms a hard, outer layer that protects the metal underneath.
Resin jewellery is usually made with marbled resin, tortoiseshell, or colourful resin set in gold plated or silver style frames. Once poured, the resin hardens into a solid, glass-like finish. It’s a great option for adding colour and texture, often designed in chunky, statement styles and distinctive swirl patterns.
