Know what you are wearing
Sterling silver, plating, vermeil and brass, in plain words. And how to look after each.
Jewellery labels can be vague on purpose. Ours are not. Every CHIEF piece lists its base metal, its stones and the thickness of its plating, so you know what you are wearing before it arrives.
Sterling silver
An alloy of 92.5% silver, stamped 925. It is the base of most of what we make. Left unplated, it is water-safe and polishes back with a soft cloth.
Gold plating and vermeil
A layer of gold over a sterling silver base. The thicker the layer, the longer it wears. Vermeil is gold over sterling silver, usually in a thicker layer than standard plating. We list the thickness on every plated piece.
Brass
The base of a few earlier pieces. Gold-plated, made by suppliers compliant with the Modern Slavery Act.
Care
Plated pieces stay out of water: off to swim, shower or train. Store each piece dry and on its own. Perfume and lotion go on first, jewellery last.
Next entry
For now, and forever →