Materials

MABE&A MATERIALS

GOLD-FILLED

Gold-filled jewelry is composed of a solid layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, which is either sterling silver or brass. Gold-filled jewelry contains more gold than plated jewelry and is measured in weight rather than thickness. By law, it must contain 5% or 1/20 of gold by weight. Perfect for everyday wear, it can take years before discoloration occurs. Gold-filled is a great alternative to solid gold.

GOLD VERMEIL

Pronounced “ver-may,” gold vermeil is made up of a thick layer of gold over high-quality 925 sterling silver, which is completely different from regular gold plating, which consists of a thin layer of gold. Standard gold-plated jewelry has a minimum plating thickness of 0.5 microns, while gold vermeil must have a thickness of 2.5 microns of real gold, making it much more durable. It is normal for the gold to fade over time; however, if your jewels are cared for, you can enjoy them for years.

GOLD PLATED

Gold-plated jewelry consists of a layer of gold over metals such as brass or 925 sterling silver. Standard gold-plated jewelry has a minimum plating thickness of 0.5 microns; however, at Mabe&A, we use a high-quality plating level between 1 and 1.5 microns, which can last for years if cared for correctly.

925 STERLING SILVER

925 sterling silver is a high-quality alloy of silver. The "925" signifies that the alloy is 92.5% pure silver. This is the key defining characteristic. Pure silver is actually too soft for most jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to make it more durable.

STAINLESS STEEL

Crafted from stainless steel and plated with a thick layer of 18K gold applied under high heat, a process that significantly enhances the gold finish's longevity compared to standard flash plating. Stainless steel is very durable, withstanding daily wear and tear without easily scratching or bending, and its low-maintenance nature means it doesn't require frequent polishing or special care; plus, it's water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower, while swimming, or during workouts without worry.