We believe that our 14-karat gold electro-plating over yellow bronze is more durable than traditional vermeil plating, which requires a thickness of at least 1.5 microns of 10-karat gold over sterling silver. We use 2.5 microns of 14-karat gold plating over 100% recycled yellow bronze or brass. We use yellow bronze and brass because it extends the lifetime of the gold plating.
Our 14-karat gold-fill chain is constructed by layers of gold bonded to a surface with heat and pressure. We prefer to use gold-filled chain because it is more durable than electro-plated chain. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to use the gold-fill process for our sphere charms, which is why we use a very thick electro-plating as mentioned above.
Rhodium is a metal we electro-plate over some of the sterling silver chain of our Hepworth Silver Necklace to add shine, luster and durability.
Black Rhodium is a metal we electro-plate over certain parts of the Silver Gem Drop earrings to add contrast between the sterling silver and cultured white diamonds.