Material and Plating Guide: Understanding the Craft Behind Kicky & Perky Jewellery
At Kicky & Perky, every piece of jewellery is crafted with precision and an eye for detail, using high-quality materials that embody luxury, durability, and style. Understanding the different metals and plating methods used in our collections can help you make informed choices and care for your jewelry to ensure its lasting beauty. This guide dives into the key materials and plating techniques used in Kicky & Perky jewellery, explaining the unique qualities of each and how they contribute to the elegance of our designs.
1. Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is one of the most popular materials used in Kicky & Perky jewellery. Known for its luster and timeless appeal, sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically consisting of other metals (often copper) to enhance durability.
- Why Choose Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver is durable yet affordable compared to pure silver, which is too soft for practical jewellery. The slight addition of copper makes sterling silver stronger, ensuring your pieces retain their shape while maintaining that signature silver sheen.
- Tarnishing & Care:
Over time, sterling silver can tarnish due to exposure to air and moisture. However, regular cleaning with a polishing cloth and proper storage can easily prevent and reverse tarnish.
2. Rhodium-Plated Silver
Rhodium is a rare and precious metal that is often used to plate silver jewellery, providing an extra layer of protection and a high-gloss finish. Rhodium is part of the platinum family, prized for its brilliant, reflective surface and its resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.
- Why Rhodium Plating?
Rhodium plating not only enhances the appearance of silver but also increases the metal's resistance to scratches and tarnish. This is why many of Kicky & Perky’s silver pieces, especially the ones with intricate designs, feature a rhodium layer to ensure they stay in pristine condition.
- How Long Does Rhodium Last?
Depending on how often the piece is worn and how well it is maintained, rhodium plating can last several years before it needs to be re-applied. Proper care (like avoiding abrasive chemicals) can extend the life of the rhodium coating.
3. Gold Plating
Gold plating involves coating a base metal (usually sterling silver or brass) with a thin layer of real gold. Kicky & Perky uses high-quality 24K gold plating, offering a luxurious appearance without the cost of solid gold.
- Benefits of Gold-Plated Jewelry:
Gold plating gives the jewellery the rich appearance of solid gold at a more affordable price. The look of gold-plated pieces is almost indistinguishable from solid gold, making it a great option for trendy designs and statement pieces.
- Thickness Matters:
The thickness of the gold plating layer is essential in determining how long the piece will maintain its gold appearance. Kicky & Perky uses thick, high-quality gold plating to ensure lasting durability, with proper care extending the life of the plating.
- How to Care for Gold-Plated Jewelry:
Avoid exposure to water, oils, and chemicals, as they can wear down the gold layer over time. Store gold-plated pieces in a dry place, away from other metals, to prevent scratches.
4. Vermeil (Gold over Silver)
Vermeil is a specific type of gold-plated jewellery where the base metal is sterling silver. It offers the look of fine gold jewelry but at a more affordable price due to the silver base.
- Vermeil vs. Standard Gold-Plating:
Vermeil jewellery features a thicker layer of gold (typically 2.5 microns or more) over sterling silver, making it more durable and luxurious compared to regular gold plating over a base metal like brass or copper.
- Care Tips for Vermeil Jewelry:
Treat your vermeil jewellery as you would any gold-plated item—avoid excessive rubbing, chemicals, and water exposure. When cared for properly, vermeil pieces can last for many years while retaining their luxurious finish.
5. Rose Gold Plating
Rose gold is a popular choice for its soft, romantic hue. Created by mixing gold with copper, rose gold plating provides a warm, rosy finish to Kicky & Perky’s jewelry designs.
- Why Choose Rose Gold:
Rose gold’s unique color flatters all skin tones and adds a touch of vintage elegance. Its growing popularity has made it a staple in modern jewelry collections, offering a refreshing alternative to yellow gold and silver.
- Durability of Rose Gold:
Like yellow gold plating, rose gold can wear off over time. However, with gentle handling and proper storage, rose gold-plated jewelry retains its beautiful color and shine.
6. Enamel Jewellery
Enamel jewellery at Kicky & Perky is characterized by vibrant colors and smooth, glossy surfaces. Enamel is created by fusing powdered glass to a metal surface and then firing it at high temperatures, resulting in a hard, colorful finish.
- What Makes Enamel Special:
Enamel adds a pop of color to jewellery designs without using gemstones. The versatility of enamel means it can be applied in a variety of colors and patterns, making it ideal for creative and intricate designs.
- Caring for Enamel Jewellery:
Enamel is durable, but it can chip or crack if exposed to rough handling. To keep your enamel jewellery looking vibrant, avoid dropping it or exposing it to hard impacts. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth, and avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the enamel's finish.
7. Gemstones and Semi-Precious Stones
Many Kicky & Perky collections feature a variety of natural and semi-precious stones, adding a touch of luxury and uniqueness to each piece.
- Ruby: A classic gemstone known for its rich red color, rubies symbolize passion and vitality. They are durable and can be worn daily with minimal care.
- Mother-of-Pearl: A delicate material derived from the inner layer of shells, mother-of-pearl has an iridescent finish that makes it a stunning addition to jewelry. It requires gentle care to avoid scratches and exposure to chemicals.
- Moissanite: Often compared to diamonds, Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone with incredible brilliance and durability. It is one of the hardest stones on the market and is often chosen for its affordability and ethical sourcing compared to diamonds.
- Caring for Gemstones:
Each gemstone has unique care requirements. For example, rubies and sapphires can withstand more frequent cleaning, while softer stones like mother-of-pearl should be handled delicately. Use a soft brush and mild soapy water for cleaning most gemstones, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless the stone’s hardness allows for it.
8. Ethical Sourcing and Sustainable Materials
At Kicky & Perky, we are committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Our materials are carefully chosen to ensure they meet both environmental and social standards, particularly in terms of mining practices, fair labor, and ecological responsibility.
- Conflict-Free Stones:
We work with suppliers who provide conflict-free gemstones, ensuring that the stones used in our jewellery do not contribute to environmental destruction or human exploitation.
- Sustainable Metals:
We are constantly exploring ways to use recycled silver and gold in our products, reducing the environmental impact of mining while still offering high-quality, luxury materials.
Kicky & Perky takes pride in using high-quality, ethically sourced materials in all of our collections. From sterling silver and rhodium plating to gold vermeil and stunning gemstones, we ensure that every piece of jewellery offers not only beauty but also durability. With the right care and handling, these materials will allow your jewellery to maintain its sparkle for years to come.
By understanding the unique properties of each material and plating method, you can make informed decisions about which pieces best suit your style and lifestyle. More importantly, knowing how to care for these materials will help you preserve the beauty and longevity of your jewellery.