Jewelry Metals & Care: Sterling Silver, Vermeil & Gold

Beautiful jewelry is an investment in small moments — the everyday wear, the layering, the years it spends close to your skin. Knowing what your piece is made of, and how to look after it, is the difference between jewelry that fades in a drawer and jewelry that stays bright for years. This guide explains the metals and finishes we use, what terms like "vermeil" and "925" actually mean, whether sterling silver tarnishes, and exactly how to care for your pieces.

Every piece at Stellera & Co. is built on solid, nickel-free 925 sterling silver and finished in your choice of gold, rose gold, or polished silver. Here's what that means for you.

What is 925 sterling silver?

The "925" you'll see on quality silver jewelry is a purity mark. It means the metal is 92.5% pure silver, mixed with 7.5% of other metals (usually copper) for strength. Pure silver on its own is too soft to hold a setting or survive daily wear, so this blend — sterling silver — is the long-standing standard for fine, everyday jewelry. When you see "925," you're looking at genuine sterling silver, not a silver-colored base metal.

Vermeil, plating & solid gold: what's the difference?

Gold jewelry comes in several forms, and the differences matter:

• Gold vermeil (pronounced "ver-may") is a thick layer of real gold over solid sterling silver, with strict thickness standards. Because the base is sterling silver — not brass — vermeil is more durable and more skin-friendly than ordinary plating. It's the sweet spot between price and quality.
• Gold plating is a thin layer of gold over a base metal. It's affordable but wears faster, especially on pieces worn daily.
• Solid gold is gold all the way through. It's the most precious — and most expensive — option, usually reserved for heirloom pieces.

Our gold and rose gold finishes are applied over solid 925 sterling silver, so you get a warm gold look on a quality, hypoallergenic base.

Is the jewelry hypoallergenic?

Yes. The most common cause of jewelry irritation is nickel, which is found in many cheap alloys. Because our pieces are made from nickel-free 925 sterling silver, they're considered hypoallergenic and are comfortable for most people with sensitive skin. If you've reacted to costume jewelry in the past, sterling silver is usually a safe choice.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

All sterling silver can tarnish over time — it's a natural reaction between silver and sulfur in the air, not a sign of poor quality. The good news is that tarnish is only on the surface and is easy to remove. Even better, regular wear actually helps: the natural oils in your skin slow tarnishing, so the pieces you wear most tend to stay brightest. With simple care (below), tarnish is rarely an issue.

How to care for your jewelry

A few easy habits will keep your pieces looking new:

• Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after makeup, perfume, lotion, and hairspray, and take it off before bed.
• Keep it dry. Remove pieces before showering, swimming, or exercising. Chlorine, salt water, and sweat are hard on finishes.
• Store it smart. Keep pieces in a soft pouch or a lined box, ideally separated so chains don't tangle or scratch. An anti-tarnish strip helps for long storage.
• Clean gently. Buff sterling silver with a soft jewelry cloth. For a deeper clean, use warm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemical dips on plated or vermeil finishes.
• Handle gold finishes kindly. Don't scrub gold vermeil or plating with abrasive cloths, which can wear the finish — a gentle wipe is all it needs.

Rose gold, explained

Rose gold gets its warm, blush tone from copper added to the gold alloy — the more copper, the rosier the hue. It's become a modern favorite for good reason: the pinkish warmth is flattering across nearly every skin tone and pairs beautifully with both cool and warm outfits. On our pieces, rose gold is applied over solid 925 sterling silver, giving you that soft, romantic color on a durable, hypoallergenic base.

What is cubic zirconia?

Many of our birthstone accents use cubic zirconia (CZ) — a lab-created stone prized for its clarity and brilliant sparkle. Because it's made in a controlled setting, CZ comes in every birthstone color, is consistently bright, and offers the look of a fine gem at a fraction of the cost. It's also durable enough for everyday wear, which makes it ideal for personalized pieces you'll reach for often.

How to spot quality jewelry

A few signs separate well-made jewelry from disposable costume pieces: look for a 925 stamp or a clear statement of sterling silver content; check that gold is described as vermeil or solid gold rather than vaguely "gold-tone"; and confirm the piece is nickel-free if you have sensitive skin. Quality jewelry will also state how it's made and cared for — transparency is usually a good sign.

Choosing the right finish for you

Finish is partly style and partly skin tone. Cooler undertones tend to glow in polished silver and white finishes, while warmer undertones love yellow gold and rose gold. Rose gold is especially flattering across skin tones and adds a soft, romantic warmth. If you layer a lot, picking one finish family keeps your stacks cohesive — though a deliberate gold-and-silver mix can look beautifully modern, too. For layering inspiration, see our guides to birthstone jewelry and initial & name necklaces.

Frequently asked questions

Will gold vermeil wear off?

Vermeil is far more durable than standard plating thanks to its thicker gold layer and sterling silver base, but like any finish it benefits from care. Keep it dry and avoid abrasives, and it will keep its color for a long time.

Can I shower or swim with my jewelry?

We don't recommend it. Water — especially chlorinated or salt water — and the products in soaps and shampoos can dull finishes over time. Take pieces off first to keep them bright.

How do I remove tarnish from sterling silver?

A soft silver polishing cloth removes most surface tarnish in minutes. For more, a quick wash in warm soapy water followed by thorough drying does the trick. Avoid harsh dips on gold or rose gold finishes.

Is sterling silver good for sensitive skin?

Yes. Our nickel-free 925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic and a reliable choice if other jewelry has irritated your skin in the past.

How should I store jewelry I don't wear often?

Store it dry, in a soft pouch or lined box, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip and away from humidity. Keeping pieces separated prevents tangling and scratches.

Now that you know how to keep it shining, explore made-to-order pieces in nickel-free sterling silver across the Stellera & Co. collection.