Why I Will Always Use Solid Precious Metals

Recently, I’ve seen conversations within the jewellery industry about certain well-known brands moving away from solid silver and switching to plated alternatives due to the volatility of silver prices. I get that rising material costs create challenges for businesses — precious metals fluctuate, sometimes dramatically especially recently with the silver prices! 

However, I want to take a moment to reassure you of something important:

All of my pieces are made from solid precious metals — and that isn’t changing.

Whether it’s sterling silver or 9ct gold, when you purchase from me, you are investing in jewellery crafted from genuine precious metal. Not plated. Not filled. Not coated. Solid.

Why This Matters

Precious metals have intrinsic value. They are durable, repairable, recyclable, and designed to last for years — often generations hence the term heir-loom jewellery.

Plated jewellery, while it can look beautiful initially, relies on a thin layer of precious metal over a base metal. Over time, that plating can wear away, revealing the metal beneath. This can affect longevity, appearance, and even skin sensitivity depending on the base metal used. Base metals are usually a mix of copper and brass however can be other metals depending on the country of origin.

For me, creating jewellery isn’t about short-term solutions. It’s about craftsmanship, integrity, and making pieces you can wear daily without worrying about what’s underneath the surface.

Moving Away from “Throwaway” Fashion

One of the reasons I’m so committed to solid precious metals is because I don’t believe jewellery should be disposable. You've all seen me harp on about using recycled metals etc.

Plated pieces often have a shorter lifespan, which can unintentionally contribute to a cycle of replacing rather than repairing. Most of the time, these plated pieces cannot be repaired so end up in the bin. The cost to reapply the plating is often more than what it would be to buy a new one. Over time, this feeds into a “throwaway fashion” mindset, where items are worn briefly and then discarded.

I believe jewellery should be different. It should hold meaning. It should age beautifully and be repaired if necessary. It should be something you treasure, not something you replace.

Another major advantage of working with solid silver and gold is that they can be melted down and redesigned as styles evolve. If your taste changes or you want to reimagine a piece, the metal itself still holds value. It can be reshaped, remodelled, and given a new lease of life rather than being thrown away. That’s something plated jewellery simply cannot offer in the same way.

Choosing solid sterling silver or gold is a step toward more conscious, long-lasting design — fewer compromises, less waste, and pieces that truly stand the test of time.

Transparency & Trust

As silver prices rise and fall, the cost of creating in solid precious metals naturally changes too. You may see my prices adjust in line with the market — because I refuse to compromise on materials.

What you won’t see is a change in quality.

If I say a piece is sterling silver, it is sterling silver. If I say 9ct gold, it is 9ct gold. I hallmark my pieces in accordance to UK law which adds another layer of protection to your buying experience.* Transparency matters. You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying.

Jewellery Made to Last

Choosing solid precious metals means choosing longevity. It means your jewellery can be polished, resized, repaired, redesigned, and worn for years to come. It means investing in something with lasting value — not something designed to be replaced.

My commitment has always been to create jewellery that feels special, meaningful, and enduring. That commitment remains the same, regardless of market fluctuations.

Thank you for supporting a small business that values quality over shortcuts, longevity over trends, and integrity above all. 🤍

 

* UK Law states that all pieces of sterling silver are to be hallmarked if they weigh over 7.78g & gold must be hallmarked if it weighs more than 1g - most of my silver jewellery is below this weight therefore isn't hallmarked as it's not required by law. If you would like a piece hallmarking, please contact me to arrange a quote.