- Gold-Filled means that a thick outer layer of solid 14-karat gold, is bonded to a core metal such as jewelry’s brass with heat and pressure. Gold-filled metal contains at least 5% solid gold and, and is usually marked. I often use gold-filled metal in many of my gold designs.
- Gold – 14karat is the solid gold standard in the United States. 14-karat contains 14 parts pure gold, and 10 parts non-gold, which makes it 58.3% gold. Alloys are used to maintain the hardness, stability and durability of the gold needed to make wearable jewelry. Although I do not regularly use it in designs, special-orders can be requested in 14k yellow or white gold, and they can be used custom designs.
- Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. For Edelstein designs I use Vintaj brass which is 100% natural brass for findings, filigree, charms and chains. These materials are nickel-free, lead-free and eco-friendly. Vintaj brass is not antique plated or chemically treated. Vintaj brass costs more than other types of brass, however I have found it to be the most beautiful, durable and hardened brass on the market.
- Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver metal, sterling products are stamped with a .925. This standard alloy is used to assure consistent quality, and is used instead of 100% pure silver to maintain hardness, stability and durability of the material. Both silver and silver plated components are used in Edelstein jewelry.
- Surgical Grade Stainless Steel is a silver tone metal best known as a material to make surgical instruments. This material also complements delicate jewelry designs and is used with other silver components. Stainless steel is an excellent alternative for wearers with allergies and sensitivity to other metals. Type 316L (surgical stainless steel) has great resistance to corrosion, while that sounds rather technical, what it means is that stainless steel findings provide a long wear and industrial strength to jewelry.
- Pewter is a silver tone metal that is a malleable alloy, traditionally 85-99% tin along with copper, antimony and bismuth. Edelstein Jewels uses pewter components for spacer beads and bead caps. Great care is taken to be sure that our jewelry components are nickel and lead free.
