Here is a full description of the metal terms used in the jewellery listings and I hope it is helpful.
All Vanillakiln jewellery chains and findings are carefully sourced from reputable suppliers.
Lustre
Lustres are liquid metals used in ceramics. Gold, platinum, copper and mother of pearl lustres are applied to glossy areas of glaze after the initial kiln firing. The ceramic pieces are fired for a second time and the lustres become permanently bonded. Vanillakiln gold and platinum lustres are 24 karat.
Gold fill / gold filled
Gold is measured in carats (karats) where 24 carat is pure gold. Gold fill jewellery is created when two to three outer layers of gold are bonded with heat and pressure onto a core of brass, copper or silver. Vanillakiln gold fill chains are 14 karat gold on brass. Gold fill is defined as the total weight of gold in one piece of jewellery being at least 5% (1/20th) and the chain is stamped "1/20 14K" or "1/2014K GF." Gold fill layers are 5 – 10 times thicker and much more long lasting than gold plating. The jewellery is also tarnish resistant. Gold fill jewellery is more expensive than plated pieces but a lot less expensive than solid gold which makes it an excellent quality alternative to solid gold.
925 Sterling silver
Silver purity is measured in percentages and sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. VanillaKiln sterling chains are stamped "925" and the stampings are positioned on permanent components like the chain end loops and/or the clasp. Pieces of sterling silver jewellery weighing over 7.78g will be fully hallmarked by an essay office in addition to having a 925 stamp. If needed, the hallmark can also be found on the clasp, chain end loop or jump ring. Hallmarks and 925 stamps are often very small and hard to read without a strong magnifying glass but they are your assurance that the silver content is genuine.
Vermeil
Vermeil jewellery has a sterling silver base that has been thickly plated (2.5 micron minimum) with gold or rose gold. Vermeil jewellery is superior to standard gold plated or flash plated jewellery (see below). Vermeil chains are stamped "925".
Rose gold
Rose gold refers to a mix of copper and yellow gold. And where rose gold plating is described as "vermeil", it will be rose gold over 925 sterling silver (see above).
Copper
VanillaKiln copper chains are 100% copper. Copper bails are sometimes fitted to pendants on a rose gold chain because the colouring is a good match.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a silver colour with a slightly grey tone similar to rhodium plating. SUS316, 316 and 304 are grades of steel that are commonly used in the food industry and for surgical equipment due to their anti corrosive properties. In jewellery, stainless steel is a better material than brass because it tends not to cause skin irritation – especially important for earring pins. VanillaKiln stainless steel chains are also more economical than sterling silver.
Gold plated and flash plated
Gold plated brass jewellery chains can look beautiful when new but will not last a long time.
Despite sounding good, the flash plating process applies a much thinner layer of gold/silver to brass than the normal plating process.
As such, gold plated brass and flash plated brass chains will not be used in VanillaKiln jewellery.