Our Guide to Jewelry Metals

Gold

At Bel & The Moon, we value quality, durability, and affordability. Therefore, all of our gold pieces are made exclusively from premium quality 14kt gold-filled metal. Our 14kt gold-filled jewelry will not tarnish, can be worn in the water, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

The three types of gold typically used for jewelry, listed in order from highest to lowest value and durability, include solid gold, gold-filled, and gold-plated.

Although solid gold is top quality, it comes at a very high price. However, if you are interested in making this upgrade, solid gold is available in select pieces and can be inquired through our custom designs page.

Due to its low durability, quality, and high tendency to tarnish, we do not offer any gold-plated jewelry (including custom designs)

  • Composition: Solid gold is made of pure gold (24 karats) or a specific alloy that contains a certain percentage of gold mixed with other metals for durability (e.g., 18K or 14K).

    Durability: Solid gold is very durable and resistant to tarnishing. It can withstand daily wear and is hypoallergenic (especially in higher karat versions).

    Value: Solid gold has a high intrinsic value and can be quite expensive due to the purity of the gold.

    Weight: Solid gold jewelry is usually heavier than gold-filled or gold-plated options.

  • Composition: Gold-filled jewelry consists of a solid layer of gold (at least 14K) mechanically bonded to a base metal (usually brass or copper). The gold layer must comprise at least 5% of the item's total weight.

    Durability: Gold-filled items are more durable than gold-plated items because the gold layer is thicker. They are resistant to tarnishing and can last a long time with proper care.

    Value: Gold-filled jewelry is generally less expensive than solid gold but significantly more expensive than gold-plated items due to the amount of gold used.

    Maintenance: It tends to maintain its appearance better than gold plating over time.

  • Composition: Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold over a base metal. The gold layer can be applied through electroplating or other methods and is usually much thinner than that found in gold-filled jewelry.

    Durability: Gold plating is less durable than both solid gold and gold-filled items. The thin layer can wear off over time, especially with frequent exposure to moisture, chemicals, and friction.

    Value: Gold-plated items are generally the least expensive option, making them accessible for fashionable pieces but without significant intrinsic value.

    Maintenance: Care is essential for gold-plated items to prolong their life; they should be kept away from water and harsh chemicals.

Silver

Currently, silver is only available through our custom service. However, we plan to offer sterling silver as an option for a select number of jewelry pieces in the near future.

  • Composition: Typically composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (often copper).

    Characteristics: Sterling silver is the most common material for silver jewelry due to its strength and affordability. It has a bright, shiny finish and is less prone to tarnishing than pure silver.

    Markings: Often marked with “925” to indicate its silver content. 

  • Store: Keep silver in a cool, dry place, ideally in anti-tarnish pouches or cloths.

    Wear: Wearing silver can help keep it from tarnishing, as body oils and moisture can protect the surface.

    Clean: Use a soft cloth or silver cleaner to remove tarnish and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals.

    *Our favorite trick for cleaning silver is to line a bowl with tin foil and pour in some warm water, dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Stir that around and let your pieces soak for a few minutes. Afterward, using your hands give your jewelry a quick stir/rub then rinse with water. Watch the magic happen before your eyes.