Material + Care
ELECTROPLATING
All of our pieces are electroplated with real 14K Gold, 18K Gold or Rhodium. This offers a range of benefits, from durability and affordability to hypoallergenic properties and versatility.
Durability and Longevity
One of the primary benefits of plated jewelry is its increased durability. The plating adds an extra level of protection, creating a stronger and more resilient piece. This added durability helps to prevent scratches, tarnishing, and other forms of wear and tear, ensuring that your jewelry will maintain its luxury and shine for a longer period of time.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Many people have sensitivities to certain metals, making it difficult for them to wear jewelry without experiencing discomfort or irritation. One of the benefits of Gold/Rhodium jewelry plating is that it creates a hypoallergenic barrier between the wearer's skin and the base metal.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining the appearance of your plated jewelry is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft polishing cloth can help to remove dirt and oils, keeping your jewelry looking as good as new.
BASE METALS
When it comes to choosing jewelry, 925 Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel and Brass are the most popular base metals.
See below details of each base metal to see which is better suited to your needs.
925 Sterling Silver
Value: Sterling silver, stainless steel and brass are all alloys but sterling silver is the only one of the three which is a precious metal and because of this, will hold its value.
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver plus 7.5% copper to enhance its strength (hence the term 925 sterling silver).
Design: Sterling silver has a beautiful gleam, soft lustre and smooth surface that puts it on equal footing with the appearance of solid gold and platinum.
Maintenance: Over time, you do need to clean sterling silver jewelry with silver polish or a polish cloth to retain it in its best condition.
It is advised to take sterling silver jewelry off before showering as it will soon damage its appearance and shine. Due to the softer nature of the metal, sterling silver can be scratched and dented quite easy so treat with care and avoid harsh knocks.
Skin sensitivity: Of the three metals, sterling silver is the purest metal because it’s mostly made from silver with only a tiny percentage of copper.
Those who are sensitive to certain types of metal such as brass, usually find they can wear 925 sterling silver.
Stainless Steel
Value: Stainless steel is an alloy comprised of a number of non-precious metals so it has a much lower price point than 925 sterling silver.
Design: Stainless steel is commonly used for jewelry, piercings, high end watches and fashion accessories. It’s popularity is due to its incredible durability, corrosion resistance, and its mirror like shine when polished. Stainless steel does not tarnish or oxidize due to the chromium. This means it is long lasting, waterproof and will retain its original form.
Maintenance: Stainless steel’s value comes from its durability. It is a highly resistant material that resists water and knocks. It won’t tarnish and is easy to maintain so it’s well-suited for everyday use.
Skin sensitivity: Stainless steel is hypoallergenic and well suited to people who experience skin irritation from metals. If you’re sensitive to brass but want to buy jewelry at a lower price point than sterling silver, you may find stainless steel works for you.
Brass
Value: Of the three base metals, brass is the most affordable. Brass jewelry allows people with limited financial resources to enjoy accessorizing without overspending.
Design: Brass is used as the base metal then electroplated in real 14K, 18K Gold or Rhodium; therefore is a great candidate for producing a luminous plated piece at a much lower price point.
Maintenance: It’s important to note that brass jewelry may tarnish over a long period of time when exposed to moisture or contact chemicals and therefore is more suited for occasional wear. However, regular cleaning and maintenance can help preserve its appearance.
All of our brass pieces are 14K Gold, 18K Gold or Rhodium plated, providing an extra level of protection against tarnishing and creating a hypoallergenic barrier between the brass and the wearers skin.
Even with the plating, we still recommend removing your brass jewelry before showering, swimming and exercising, and avoiding contact with perfumes and lotions.
Skin sensitivity: Brass is generally hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin who may react to other metals like nickel.
If you find that you get irritation from wearing brass, opt for sterling silver or stainless steel instead.
No matter the materials, extra care should always be taken to lengthen your jewelry's lifespan and keep maximum shine!
- Avoid spraying perfumes or sprays directly onto jewelry.
- Wait until your lotion or cream is dry or has been absorbed by your skin before wearing your jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before exercising, showering or swimming.
- Remove jewelry before you sleep as this will reduce the amount of wear.
- Use a lint free cloth or a cotton ball to remove any dust and dirt. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry, using a soft jewelry cloth will help restore shine.
Do not use any harsh chemicals or cleaning products to clean your jewelry. - Store your jewelry in the Celia box you received with your order, or in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to daily elements. We also have jewelry storage on our site.
Celia is not responsible for the care and maintenance of your jewelry.