When buying a piece of jewelry, the material matters as much as the shape. It determines the visual appearance, feel, durability, and relationship with time. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate your choices.
Sterling silver is one of the most commonly used metals in artisanal jewelry. Composed of 92.5% pure silver (hence its "925" designation), it offers a beautiful white luster, good malleability for sculpting, and affordability. Its only drawback: it tarnishes over time. But this tarnishing is easily treated with a suitable cloth, and some even find it charming.
Gilded brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, often covered with a thin layer of gold. It provides a warm, luminous appearance, similar to gold, at a much more affordable price. It's a material favored by independent designers for its versatility. However, be careful if you have a sensitivity to copper.
Gold is the noble metal par excellence. Its durability, resistance to oxidation, and incomparable luster make it a luxurious choice. There is yellow gold, white gold (alloyed with palladium or rhodium), and rose gold (alloyed with copper). The karat purity indicates its purity: 18 karats = 75% pure gold.
Gold plating is silver or brass covered with a layer of gold. The quality depends on the thickness of this layer—the thicker it is, the longer the plating will last. It's an intermediate option, elegant if well-maintained.
At Montesino Joaillerie, we primarily work with sterling silver and gilded brass to offer accessible artisanal jewelry without compromising on quality.