All About Metals...

At Reigns Jewelry, we love and use many types of quality metals. Here we will give an overview of the types of metals used in our pieces, as well as how to best care for them so that they may be enjoyed for a lifetime. Great care has been taken to ensure that the quality and workmanship are something to be proud of. We hope these inside details will be informative and helpful to you. We also hope you love your treasures as much as we do!

Solid Gold

Solid gold, having no base metal, is the best quality of gold used in making jewelry. Pure gold, 24 karat (24k) gold, is very soft and malleable and is often too soft to be used in substantial or heavy jewelry. So, the gold is alloyed with other metals to ensure its strength and durability. This results in fewer karats of gold. The lower the karat, the less expensive it is because it contains less gold. However, it is still considered solid gold. 18k is 18/24 or 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. 14k is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals, making it one of the most durable and popular choices in solid gold jewelry. 10k is 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals. Solid gold does not tarnish and is perfect for everyday wear. It is also the most hypoallergenic type of gold jewelry. This is great for those with sensitive skin. This precious metal can last many lifetimes and is great for heirloom jewelry.

Gold-Filled

Gold-filled pieces are created using a solid layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, usually jeweler's brass, through heat and pressure. The gold layer in gold-filled jewelry must be at least 5% of the total weight of the item. This is 100 times more gold than gold-plated. Since the gold is mechanically bonded with heat and pressure, and not simply plated on, the gold does not fade or rub off. It is also tarnish-resistant and waterproof. This makes gold-filled jewelry a popular and affordable alternative to solid gold! It is important to note that because gold-filled jewelry is tarnish-resistant, it is perfect for everyday wear with proper care. Prolonged exposure to moisture, perspiration, chemicals, perfumes, and certain air pollutants can cause tarnish. If it does, we recommend using a polishing cloth or a very mild soap with water to remove the tarnish.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver pieces are made with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metal, usually copper due to its strength. Sterling silver is considered jeweler's quality standard for precious silver. Sterling silver can tarnish due to exposure to chemicals and moisture in the air.  To care for your sterling silver, keep it away from chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, or chlorine. Polish it regularly with a silver polishing cloth or very mild soap and warm water. Store in warm, dry places and you will enjoy these pieces for years to come.

Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) pieces are made by applying a thick layer of gold to a sterling silver base. The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick, which is 5 times thicker than average gold plating and makes the jewelry more durable. The gold used must be at least 10k solid gold. Gold vermeil is a durable, high-quality metal. That said, it can tarnish without proper care. So, to keep these pieces beautiful for many years, store them in a cool, dry place, and remove them before showering, swimming, or exercising. For best wear, also avoid chemicals. Simply wipe your jewelry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Niobium

Niobium is a rare, lustrous, and lightweight metal that is also a hypoallergenic, non-reactive, and corrosion-resistant metal. Niobium does not contain nickel and is safe for most people who have a reaction to other metals. It is also resistant to chemicals and keeps its beautiful shine. It can be anodized to make beautiful, color-rich pieces. Much like titanium, it is a smoother and better-tolerated metal. To care for niobium, simply wash it with a very mild soap and water or polish with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives on niobium. 

Brass

Brass is a beautiful metal that is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has long been worn as an affordable, durable metal for jewelry. Brass will tarnish and patina over time, but, with proper care, can last a lifetime or longer. To polish brass, simply use a polishing cloth or a mild brass polish with a soft cloth to remove any tarnish or patina.

Surgical/Stainless Steel

Both surgical and stainless steel jewelry are popular choices for those looking for a very affordable, durable, and hypoallergenic metal. They are highly resistant to tarnish, rust, corrosion, and scratches. They can be worn every day and are easy to clean with a mild soap and warm water. 

Sealed Gold-Plated 

Gold-plated jewelry is a type of metal jewelry with a thin layer of real gold on top. With proper care, it can last many years.  Our gold-plated pieces are coated with a nano-ceramic technology to achieve maximum durability. This coating bonds with the surface of the metal at a molecular level, allowing the coating to protect more effectively. The coating used creates a hypoallergenic layer that protects the piece from tarnish and wear. To clean, use a soft polishing cloth.