DESIGN & SHIPPING
What type of gold is it?
When listed our jewelry is Gold filled
Gold filled is not to be confused with gold plating as filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating. Gold filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant. It does not flake off, rub off or turn colors. As a matter of fact, anyone who can wear gold can wear gold filled without worries of any allergic reaction to the jewelry. Gold filled jewelry is an economical alternative to solid gold!
The product is easy to care for and will usually maintain its golden shine for a lifetime.Most high quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as high carat gold, and gold-filled items, even with daily wear, can last 20 to 30 years.
Gold-filled is constructed in two or three layers. The core metal is jewelers brass. A gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. Unlike plated (aka electroplated or "dipped") metals, Gold-filled is legally required to contain 5% or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the karatage of the gold alloy. So, What is Gold Plate?
Gold plating is a miniscule layer of solid gold applied to a brass base. The plating does not compose any measurable proportion of the products total weight. It is estimated to be 0.05% or less of the metal product. Gold plating will generally wear off rather quickly and expose the brass base product. It does not stand up to heat, water or wear over time.
(Bonus note: Gold Plate is not to be confused with "Vermeil" (pronounced vehr-MAY), which is a thicker level of gold plating over sterling silver rather than a base metal, and can rub off with wear. To truly qualify as Vermeil, the plating should be a minimum of 2.5 microns thick and always over sterling silver.)
The Difference Between Gold-Filled and Solid Gold
Solid gold is an alloy that is described with the karatage of pure gold. Pure gold is 24kt. However, it is much too soft to hold its shape or wear well. Therefore, it is mixed or alloyed with other metals to make it harder and easier to work with. Karatage refers to the alloy purity. For example, 8 karat gold is 8/24 pure gold or 33.3% pure. Gold-filled is not the same as solid gold. It is a layered alternative product. The gold-filled karatage only refers to the gold layers that compose 5% of the product on the surface.
Care and Cleaning
Gold-filled does not de-laminate or peel like plated or "dipped" products. Nor does it tarnish as readily as silver. Many owners find that they never have to clean gold-filled items at all. However, from time to time your jewelry may become dirty from everyday wear. To clean gold-filled it is best to use mild soap and water. We prefer dawn dish soap and a tooth brush for cleaning dirt or product build up. Hot weather and water will not damage the material.
Avoid direct contact with perfumes and lotions, these things have potential to oxidize your jewelry. As well as Some Cleaning supplies or sunscreen. In very rare circumstances some peoples body composition may affect the longevity of jewelry pieces
How long does it take to receive my purchase?
A lot of my jewelry is made to order.
Once I receive your order we will immediately get started on it. If you need your order a bit faster than that then please feel free to contact me.
Each and every piece is not like another. Please note that each is handmade, unique in shape and size.