Metal Guide
The metal used in a piece of jewelry influences not only its appearance, but also how it wears, ages and should be cared for.
At Ora Jewelry, we use carefully selected precious-metal options to complement our genuine cultured pearls. Different metals offer different benefits, and understanding their characteristics can help you choose the option that best suits your style, preferences and lifestyle.
Unplated S925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a precious-metal alloy containing 92.5% pure silver, combined with other metals to provide the strength needed for jewelry.
Our unplated sterling silver has no decorative surface plating, allowing the natural colour and character of sterling silver to remain visible.
Why Choose It
* Natural silver-white appearance
* No decorative surface plating to gradually wear away
* A precious metal suitable for everyday jewelry
* Can be maintained and polished over time
* An accessible alternative to solid gold
What to Know
Sterling silver naturally reacts with elements in the air and environment and may gradually oxidise or tarnish.
This is a normal characteristic of sterling silver and does not mean the metal is defective.
The shine of unplated sterling silver can generally be refreshed with appropriate care and a silver polishing cloth.
Care
Keep sterling silver away from prolonged moisture, chemicals, perfume and household cleaning products.
When needed, gently polish the silver components with a silver polishing cloth.
When your jewelry contains pearls, use the polishing cloth only on the silver components and avoid direct contact with the pearls.
18K Gold-Plated S925 Sterling Silver
18K gold-plated sterling silver combines a solid S925 sterling silver base with a surface layer of 18K gold.
It offers the warm appearance of gold while remaining more accessible than solid gold jewelry.
Why Choose It
* Genuine S925 sterling silver base
* Warm 18K gold-toned finish
* More accessible than solid gold
* A beautiful option for those who prefer the appearance of yellow gold
What to Know
Gold plating is a surface finish and is not permanent.
With wear, the gold layer will gradually change or wear over time. The rate of wear varies depending on frequency of use, skin chemistry, moisture, perspiration, cosmetics, chemicals and individual care.
For this reason, we do not describe plated jewelry as permanently colour-retaining.
Changes to a plated surface resulting from normal wear are part of the natural ageing of plated jewelry.
Care
Avoid prolonged exposure to water, perspiration, perfume, cosmetics and household chemicals.
After wear, gently wipe the jewelry with a soft, non-abrasive jewelry cloth.
Do not use a silver polishing cloth or abrasive polishing products on gold-plated surfaces, as polishing may accelerate wear of the plating.
Rhodium-Plated S925 Sterling Silver
Rhodium-plated sterling silver combines an S925 sterling silver base with a rhodium surface finish.
Rhodium is a precious metal valued in jewelry for its bright, refined white-metal appearance and its ability to provide a protective surface finish over sterling silver.
Why Choose It
* Genuine S925 sterling silver base
* Bright, clean white-metal appearance
* Helps reduce direct exposure of the underlying silver to the environment
* Requires less routine polishing than unplated sterling silver while the plating remains intact
What to Know
Like other plated finishes, rhodium plating is a surface layer and may gradually wear with use.
The rate of wear depends on how often the jewelry is worn and its exposure to moisture, perspiration, cosmetics, chemicals and friction.
Once the plating wears, the sterling silver underneath remains sterling silver and may naturally oxidise where exposed.
Care
Keep rhodium-plated jewelry away from harsh chemicals and prolonged moisture.
Gently wipe after wear with a soft jewelry cloth.
Avoid abrasive polishing products and silver polishing cloths on rhodium-plated surfaces, as they may contribute to wear of the plating.
Solid 14K Gold
Solid 14K gold contains approximately 58.5% pure gold, alloyed with other metals to provide strength, durability and its characteristic colour.
Unlike gold-plated jewelry, solid 14K gold is gold alloy throughout the component rather than relying on a surface layer of gold.
Why Choose It
* Solid gold throughout
* No gold-plated surface layer to wear away
* Good balance between precious-metal content and durability
* Well suited to jewelry components that benefit from additional strength
* Designed for long-term wear with appropriate care
What to Know
Solid gold can still develop fine scratches, surface marks and signs of wear over time.
These changes are normal with regular use and form part of the natural ageing of fine jewelry.
Care
Avoid unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive surfaces.
Clean gently with an appropriate soft jewelry cloth and store separately when not in use.
For pearl jewelry, take particular care to ensure that any metal-cleaning products do not come into contact with the pearls.
Solid 18K Gold
Solid 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, combined with other metals to provide the strength required for fine jewelry.
Its higher gold content gives it the rich character associated with fine gold jewelry.
Unlike gold-plated jewelry, solid 18K gold does not rely on a surface layer of gold for its colour.
Why Choose It
* 75% pure gold content
* Solid gold throughout
* No gold-plated surface layer to gradually wear away
* A refined precious-metal choice for long-term jewelry
* Particularly suited to those seeking a higher gold-content option
What to Know
Like all fine jewelry metals, solid 18K gold may develop fine scratches and signs of wear over time.
Because of its higher gold content, 18K gold is generally softer than 14K gold and should be treated with appropriate care.
Care
Avoid harsh chemicals, unnecessary friction and abrasive cleaning products.
Gently clean with an appropriate soft jewelry cloth and store separately to help minimise scratching.
When caring for pearl jewelry, avoid allowing metal-cleaning products to come into contact with the pearls.
Which Metal Should I Choose?
There is no single metal that is right for everyone. The best choice depends on the appearance, maintenance, longevity and price point you prefer.
Choose Unplated S925 Sterling Silver if:
You appreciate the natural appearance of sterling silver, prefer a metal without decorative surface plating and do not mind occasional polishing as the silver naturally oxidises over time.
Choose 18K Gold-Plated Sterling Silver if:
You prefer a warm gold appearance at a more accessible price than solid gold and are comfortable with a plated finish that will naturally change with wear.
Choose Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver if:
You prefer a bright white-metal finish and would like less routine polishing than unplated sterling silver, while understanding that rhodium is still a surface plating.
Choose Solid 14K Gold if:
You want solid gold throughout and value a balance of durability, precious-metal content and long-term wear.
Choose Solid 18K Gold if:
You prefer a higher gold content and the character of fine 18K gold, and are looking for a solid precious-metal option designed to be enjoyed for years to come.
A Note on Precious Metals
All jewelry changes naturally with wear.
Fine scratches, surface marks, oxidation of unplated silver and gradual changes to plated finishes can occur as jewelry is worn and exposed to everyday life.
These characteristics do not necessarily indicate a defect.
Thoughtful wear, appropriate storage and regular care can help preserve the beauty of your Ora Jewelry for years to come.