925 Silver, Solid Gold & Plating
Our moissanite and everyday jewellery is made in 925 sterling silver, and our Gold & Diamonds range is solid gold. Here is what each means, what the plated finishes are, and how to look after them.
What 925 means
925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which make it strong enough to wear. Pieces are often stamped "925" or "S925", usually inside the band or on the clasp.
Plated finishes
- Silver: the natural colour of sterling silver.
- White gold or platinum plated: a bright white layer over the silver.
- Yellow gold plated: a gold-coloured layer over the silver.
- Rose gold plated: a pink-gold layer over the silver.
Plating is a thin surface finish over sterling silver. It is not solid gold or platinum. It can wear over time, especially on rings, and a local jeweller can re-plate a piece. Every listing names its finish.
Solid gold
Pieces in our Gold & Diamonds range are solid 10K, 14K or 18K gold, as stated by our supplier. 10K is 41.7% gold, 14K is 58.3% and 18K is 75%. The higher the karat, the richer the colour and the softer the metal. Solid gold has no plating to wear off. Every listing names its karat.
Caring for silver and plating
- Take jewellery off before swimming, showering, exercising or using lotions and perfume. Water and chemicals wear plating faster.
- Silver can darken over time (tarnish). Plain silver can be brightened with a silver polishing cloth; on plated pieces, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth instead.
- Store each piece separately in a small sealed bag or its box to slow tarnish and avoid scratches.
Men's metals
Some men's rings and pieces are tungsten carbide or stainless steel, and the listing says so. Tungsten is very hard and resists scratches, but it cannot be resized. Stainless steel is tough and does not tarnish.