What kind of materials do we use?

Here you can get acquainted with the materials that we use in the manufacture of Usavel Jewelry. There are many different materials and all have their advantages and disadvantages, which is why we decided to create our jewelry for a wide range of people: we use only hypoallergenic materials, without the use of nickel, cadmium, and lead. Studying jewelry on the world market, we choose high quality, purchasing products in Finland, EU countries, the USA, South Korea, and China. We also have a 3-month warranty on our jewelry.

As we are serious about the choice of materials for creating our jewelry, we ask you to report surface damage or breakage of our Jewelry by mail: usaveljewelry@gmail.com. Feedback is very important to us.

Usavel Jewelry creates jewelry in Brass/Copper, Stainless Steel, and 925 Sterling Silver.

Brass/Copper

  • Gold plated (14K, 18K, 24K)

  • Platinum color (rhodium, white gold, platinum/platinum color plated)

  • Gold-filled (14K)

Sterling silver 925

  • 925 Sterling silver

  • 925 Sterling silver Gold plated (Vermeil)

Stainless Steel (304, 304L, 316, 316L)

  • Gold plated (PVD plated WATERPROOF)

  • Steel (WATERPROOF)

BRASS/COPPER

Copper, like aluminum, is a pure element (Cuprum or Cu on the periodic table). The purer copper is, the softer it is. It is also the metal most often used in alloys with other metals, appearing in sterling silver, rose gold, brass, bronze, and more. Reducing exposure to humidity and moisture, as well as regular cleaning will keep copper components from oxidizing.

Brass is a golden-colored alloy of copper and zinc. This bright, durable metal is often used as a base for affordable plated jewelry components, as well as costume jewelry. This alloy is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion so that the jewelry won't rust, blacken or scratch easily. They are also highly resistant to the application of various treatments - such as polishing. Reducing exposure to humidity and moisture, as well as regular cleaning will keep brass components from oxidizing.

Copper and brass jewelry have been in the jewel industry for decades. Their warm earthy tones and durability have made them one of the more valuable metals in the industry. 

Rhodium is the whitest and most precious metal used for jewelry. It is rarer than gold or platinum and whiter than silver. Rhodium comes from the same group of metals as platinum (known as the platinum group), which includes Platinum, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium, and Palladium. Rhodium’s extreme shine, reflectiveness, and strength make it desirable in industries that produce automobiles, lighting, and mirrors, as well as jewelry. 

Rhodium-plated means jewelry made from a base metal of gold, silver, or other alloys that is coated in a thin layer of rhodium for extra strength and luster. Jewelry plated in rhodium is shinier and more durable than other metals. Rhodium plating does not scratch, dent, or corrode and retains its luster.  

Rhodium is hypoallergenic because it does not contain nickel which can cause serious skin reactions. It actually guards against other metals alloyed with nickel to keep your skin safe. If you have a nickel allergy or want to protect your skin, then rhodium is an excellent choice for you.

The fittings in our store what made of brass/copper with gold, platinum, or rhodium plating surface, thanks to the coating, they look like a piece of jewelry, but these pieces have special attention to care. By learning how to clean and care for your jewelry, you can help to prevent tarnishing from happening to your pieces. If you choose certain rules, your Jewelry will delight you for a long time. You can read the instructions for caring for the jewelry in our Jewelry Care Guide.

STERLING SILVER

Usavel Jewelry uses 925 Sterling silver and Vermeil (Gold plated silver).

Sterling silver is the most common and found in most silver jewelry. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The addition of copper makes sterling silver hard and also malleable, making it easy to work with and create different kinds of jewelry such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings.

GOLD PLATED, GOLD FILLED, or VERMEIL JEWELRY?

Gold Plated: Gold-plated jewelry has a layer of gold placed over some metals (brass/copper/stainless steel). With good and proper care, the jewelry can be worn daily and remain in its high-quality condition for a long time. The most affordable option with the widest variety of designs.

Vermeil (Gold plated 925 Sterling silver): Gold vermeil jewelry has a layer of gold placed (at least 2.5 microns) over 925 sterling silver. Due to the thicker layer of gold plating, gold vermeil jewelry can be worn daily and last for a long time. Hypoallergenic, great quality, and more affordable than solid gold/gold filled.

Gold Filled: Unlike vermeil and gold-plated jewelry, gold-filled jewelry has a much thicker layer of gold over the base metal, sometimes as much as 100% thicker (requires at least 1/20th or 5% of its weight). This makes a big difference in terms of the jewelry’s ability to resist wear and tear long term. Although the base metal is usually brass, it would be hard to tell the difference between “real” gold and a gold-filled piece. Gold-filled jewelry is more tarnish/discolor resistant than gold-plated jewelry (vermeil and regular), and with good care, they are great for daily wear and last for years. High quality, hypoallergenic, tarnish, and water resistant, second best to solid gold, and is more affordable.

Usavel Jewelry use 14K gold-filled and are at least 5% real gold by weight. All Gold-filled production we use is made in the USA. It is the best quality gold-filled that is available!

BODY CHEMISTRY: hormones vary from person to person and for some people, less than 10% of people, their body chemistry may not mix well with 14K/18K/24K Gold-filled or Gold-plated jewelry, so you will see jewelry tarnishing a bit quicker. Unless you know how your body reacts to 14K/18K/24K Gold-filled or Gold-plated jewelry, the only way to find out is to try it.

STAINLESS STEEL (WATERPROOF)

Our Jewelry is also made from WATERPROOF Stainless steel. Gold Stainless steel (where is it specified that it is PVD plated (Vacuum plated), which is plated with 14K/18K gold using a technique called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). This new, modern way of plating, is ten times thicker than standard gold plating, is environmentally friendly, and uses a vacuum coating process, resulting in an extremely durable finish.

This means that it is 100% WATERPROOF and tarnish-resistant so do your daily routine without having to take it off! You can wear your jewelry in the shower, to the gym, and at the beach, they will never tarnish! ✨

IMPORTANTLY! If vacuum-plated (PVD plated) Stainless steel jewelry is used natural, faux stones, pearls, or glass beads, the surface may fade over time underwater.

Whichever material you select (except Gold PVD plated Stainless steel), there is a strong correlation between the level of care applied to the jewelry and the length it will stay in its original condition! Outside of solid gold pieces, they all can tarnish/discolor in time when getting in contact with certain materials. Please refer to our Usavel Jewelry care guide for more information. 

If you have any questions anytime, please contact us! We are here to help.