925 Sterling Silver, Gold Plating and Rose Gold: Understanding Your Jewelry Metal
What 925 sterling silver means, how rhodium, yellow and rose gold plating works, how long finishes last, and how to care for plated silver jewelry so it stays bright.
Short answer: our pieces use a solid 925 sterling silver base metal with a thin decorative plating in white/rhodium, yellow gold or rose gold. The silver underneath does not tarnish away; the surface plating can wear over time and be refreshed by our workshop.
What 925 sterling silver means
925 means the alloy is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals for strength. It is durable enough for rings, earrings and chains, and carries a hallmark marking on the piece.
Rhodium / white finish
Rhodium plating gives silver a bright white, platinum-like surface and improves tarnish resistance. It is the standard finish for white diamond and moissanite settings.
Yellow and rose gold plating
Yellow gold plating creates a warm gold look over silver; rose gold uses a copper-toned alloy for a pink-gold finish. These layers are decorative rather than solid gold, and we describe them as plated on every listing.
How long does plating last?
Finish life depends on wear, perfume exposure, sweat and friction. With normal daily wear, many clients enjoy 6–18 months before noticing lighter areas; re-plating restores the original finish. Solid gold jewelry is a separate product category we can quote on request for custom programs.
Care that preserves plating
- Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting jewelry on.
- Remove rings and chains before swimming, showering and gym sessions.
- Store pieces separately in a soft pouch to avoid surface scratching.
- Clean with a dry or lightly dampened soft cloth, never abrasive polish.