What's Actually in Your Jewelry: Vermeil, Gold-Filled, and Recycled Silver Explained

"Vermeil," "gold-filled," "plated" — these words get thrown around a lot in jewelry descriptions, and they don't always mean what people think. So here's an honest breakdown of what's actually inside our pieces, and why the difference matters for how your jewelry looks, feels, and holds up over time.

Recycled Sterling Silver

Every sterling silver piece we make starts as recycled silver. Same durability, same shine, less impact. It's .925 silver — the real standard, not a cheaper alloy dressed up to look like it.

Shop the Hollow Hoop Earrings →

18k Gold Vermeil, Done Right

Gold vermeil isn't just "gold plated." By definition, it's sterling silver as the base, then coated in a thick layer of real gold — at least 2.5 microns, which is the legal minimum to even use the word "vermeil." Ours meets that standard. It's why it holds up so much better than the thin gold plating you'll find on cheaper pieces, the kind that rubs off in a matter of weeks.

Shop the Oval Huggie Hoop Earrings →

Gold-Filled Chains

All of our chains are gold-filled, not plated. That means a much thicker layer of real gold is bonded to the base, mechanically, with heat and pressure, rather than just coated on top. It's the next best thing to solid 14k gold, and it holds its light, warm color instead of fading or turning brassy over time.

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Why It Matters

Real silver. Real gold, applied the right way. No shortcuts dressed up to look like the real thing — that's the whole philosophy. Every piece we make is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift.

Shop the pieces featured here: Hollow Hoop Earrings, Oval Huggie Hoop Earrings, Heart Chain Necklace — or shop the full collection →