About
Our materials

The surface
14K gold plating
A microscopic layer of 14K gold bonded electrically to the base metal. Our white-gold finish uses rhodium, the same metal used to finish white gold in fine jewellery. It gives the colour and the shine of solid gold at a fraction of the material cost.
Plating is a surface, not a solid. It wears with abrasion and chemistry — which is why the care guide matters more here than it would with solid gold.

The core
Brass base, nickel free
Under the plating is brass: dense, workable, and far more stable than the zinc alloys used in fast-fashion jewellery.
Our brass is nickel free, which is the usual culprit behind irritation and green marks.

The stones
Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a lab-grown stone, hand-set in the same prong and channel settings used for diamonds. It is bright, hard-wearing and holds its sparkle.
It is not a diamond, and we will never describe it as one.
At a glance
| Part | Material | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | 14K gold plating | Warm gold colour; wears with chemicals and abrasion |
| Core | Brass, nickel free | Solid weight, comfortable on sensitive skin |
| Stones | Cubic zirconia | Bright and hard; not a diamond |
| Clasps | Plated brass, steel spring | Secure; keep dry to avoid stiffness |
Material questions
Is it hypoallergenic?
Our brass is nickel free, which resolves the most common reaction. We cannot promise every skin will agree with every metal.
Can I shower in it?
Please do not. Hot water and soap strip plating faster than anything else.
Does cubic zirconia cloud over?
It can pick up a film from lotion and skin oil. A minute with warm water and a soft cloth restores it.