Materials

Table of Contents

    Beautiful jewellery starts with quality materials.

    From everyday sterling silver essentials to timeless solid gold and sparkling gemstones, our collections are thoughtfully selected to bring together quality, style, and accessible luxury.

    Here's everything you need to know about the materials, metals, and gemstones we offer.

    Is Your Jewellery Made With Real Gold and Sterling Silver?

    Yes! At Keira James, quality starts with what's underneath.

    Our jewellery is crafted using solid gold or genuine 925 sterling silver as the base metal. We don't use brass or stainless steel bases, and every product description clearly identifies the materials used.

    Our collections feature four beautiful metal options:

    • Solid 14K Gold: Made with 58.3% pure gold, blended with other metals for added strength, durability, and colour.

    • Solid 10K Gold: Made with 41.7% pure gold, blended with other metals for lasting beauty and everyday wear.

    • Gold Vermeil: Crafted with a 925 sterling silver base and finished with a substantial layer of gold, offering a luxurious look at a more accessible price point.

    • Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver: Made with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% strengthening alloys, finished with rhodium plating for enhanced brilliance and resistance to tarnishing.

    All Keira James jewellery is also nickel-free, making our pieces a thoughtful choice for those with sensitive skin.

    What Is Sterling Silver?

    Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is made from 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% other metals to improve strength and durability.

    Pure silver is naturally soft, so this combination makes sterling silver better suited for everyday jewellery.

    All Keira James sterling silver jewellery is rhodium plated, giving each piece a bright, reflective finish while helping protect against tarnishing.

    Rhodium is a precious metal commonly used in fine jewellery for its beautiful shine and protective qualities.

    Like other plated finishes, rhodium may gradually wear over time with frequent use.

    What Is Gold Vermeil?

    Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a type of gold-plated jewellery featuring a sterling silver base with a substantial layer of gold.

    Unlike standard gold-plated jewellery, which may use brass or other base metals, vermeil uses sterling silver underneath its gold finish.

    It offers the beautiful appearance of gold while remaining more affordable than solid gold.

    With proper care, gold vermeil can maintain its warm, polished finish for years, although the gold layer may naturally wear over time.

    What Is Solid Gold?

    Solid gold jewellery is made from gold alloy throughout the entire piece, rather than having a layer of gold applied over another metal.

    Because pure 24K gold is relatively soft, it is commonly blended with other metals to increase strength and durability.

    10K Gold: Contains 41.7% pure gold. Its higher proportion of alloy metals makes it a durable option for everyday jewellery.

    14K Gold: Contains 58.3% pure gold. It offers a beautiful balance of rich gold colour, durability, and lasting value.

    Unlike plated jewellery, solid gold does not have a surface layer of gold that can wear away.

    Both 10K and 14K gold are excellent choices for jewellery intended to be enjoyed for years to come.

    Solid Gold vs. Gold Vermeil: What's the Difference?

    Both offer a beautiful gold appearance, but their composition and long-term wear are different.

    Solid Gold

    • Made from gold alloy throughout the entire piece

    • Does not have a gold-plated surface that can wear away

    • Suitable for long-term everyday wear

    • Higher initial investment

    Gold Vermeil

    • Sterling silver base with a layer of gold

    • Offers a luxurious gold look at a more accessible price

    • Requires additional care to preserve the finish

    • The gold layer may gradually wear with use

    Both are beautiful options. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you plan to wear your jewellery.

    Can Jewellery Turn My Skin Green?

    Occasionally, certain metals can react with moisture, perspiration, skincare products, or an individual's skin chemistry, resulting in temporary discolouration.

    This reaction is generally harmless and does not necessarily indicate poor-quality jewellery.

    Copper, which is commonly used in gold and silver alloys, can contribute to this effect.

    Rhodium plating helps create a protective barrier between sterling silver and your skin, reducing direct contact with the underlying metal.

    To minimize discolouration, we recommend keeping jewellery clean and dry and removing it before swimming, exercising, or applying beauty products.

    Is Your Jewellery Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

    Beautiful jewellery should feel as good as it looks.

    At Keira James Jewellery, we carefully select our materials with both quality and comfort in mind.

    All of our jewellery is nickel-free, making our pieces a thoughtful choice for those with nickel sensitivities.

    Our rhodium-plated sterling silver, gold vermeil, and solid gold collections offer beautiful options for everyday wear.

    While nickel-free jewellery can help reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions, individual sensitivities may vary.

    Does Your Jewellery Contain Nickel?

    No! All Keira James Jewellery is nickel-free.

    We understand that nickel is a common cause of jewellery-related skin irritation, which is why our collections are made without nickel.

    From our rhodium-plated sterling silver to our gold vermeil and solid gold pieces, we want you to feel confident and comfortable wearing the jewellery you love.

    Please keep in mind that individual skin sensitivities can vary, even with nickel-free materials.

    What Gemstones Do You Offer?

    All of our gemstones are natural unless specifically identified as lab-grown in the product description.

    Natural gemstones are formed within the earth, making each stone unique. Subtle variations in colour, clarity, and natural characteristics are part of what makes them so special.

    Our collections may feature a variety of gemstones, including precious and semi-precious stones, carefully selected to complement each design.

    We also offer lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia in select styles, providing beautiful options for every taste and budget.

    Lab-Grown Diamonds

    Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment. They share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance and lasting beauty.

    Cubic Zirconia

    Cubic zirconia is a man-made, diamond-inspired stone loved for its beautiful sparkle and accessible price point. It is not a natural gemstone or a diamond.

    Natural Gemstones

    Our natural gemstones may feature subtle differences in colour, pattern, and clarity. These variations are not imperfections but characteristics of their natural origin, making every piece uniquely beautiful.

    Each product description will clearly identify the gemstone type and indicate when a stone is lab-grown or simulated.

    Do You Offer Different Chain Options?

    We offer a variety of necklace and chain styles designed for everyday wear, layering, and personalization.

    Depending on the piece, you may be able to choose from different chain lengths, styles, or metal finishes.

    Some pendants are also available without a chain, allowing you to add them to an existing necklace or create your own layered look.

    Please review individual product descriptions for available options.

    How Should I Care for My Jewellery?

    A little extra care can help preserve the beauty of your favourite pieces.

    We recommend removing jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, or using harsh chemicals.

    Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, and gently wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth after wearing.

    Avoid silver polishing cloths and abrasive cleaners on rhodium-plated sterling silver and gold vermeil, as these may damage the finish.

    For more detailed instructions, visit our Jewellery Care Guide.

    Need a Little Guidance?

    Not sure which metal is right for you or have questions about a particular gemstone?

    Our Customer Care team is always happy to help you find a piece that suits your style, lifestyle, and budget.

    Thoughtfully chosen materials. Timeless pieces. Everyday luxury.