Jewellery that changes colour, earrings that itch, a necklace that can't handle the shower… In most cases, it all comes down to the material. 925 silver, gold-finish 925 silver, stainless steel, brass with a fine gold finish: each has its strengths and limits. Here is how to tell them apart and choose the right piece for your skin and your everyday life.
At a glance: which material for which use?
| Material | Shower and pool | Sensitive skin | Over time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 925 silver | Take it off | Yes, our first recommendation | May darken, revived with a cloth |
| 925 silver with a fine gold finish | Take it off | Yes, the base is 925 silver | The gold finish may fade, revealing the silver underneath |
| Stainless steel | Yes | Suits most skin types | Won't tarnish |
| Brass with a fine gold finish | Take it off | Avoid if you have a known metal allergy | The gold finish may fade with friction |
925 silver: the choice for sensitive skin
925 silver, or sterling silver, contains 92.5% pure silver. The rest is another metal, added to make the piece stronger: pure silver is too soft to be worn every day.
For sensitive skin. This is the material we recommend first if you react easily to jewellery. Our 925 silver has been tested by the SGS laboratory: its nickel release complies with European regulations (REACH).
Why it darkens. In contact with air, humidity, sweat or perfume, silver can take on a darker shade. This is not a defect: it is a natural reaction of the metal and does not mean your jewellery is fake. A soft cloth is usually enough to restore its shine.
Our tips. Take it off before showering, swimming or going to the sea, and store it away from the air in its pouch when you are not wearing it.
925 silver with a fine gold finish: gold for sensitive skin
Many of our gold earrings, including our mini hoops, are made of 925 silver covered with an 18-carat fine gold finish, 1 micron thick. You get the shine of gold, with 925 silver as the base metal.
Why it is a good choice for sensitive skin. Under the gold finish, the base metal is not a fashion-jewellery alloy but our 925 silver, tested by the SGS laboratory. This is the gold option we recommend if you react to fashion jewellery.
Over time. Like any gold finish, it may fade with friction, water, sweat and perfume. If it does, it is the silver that shows underneath. The same care habits as for gold-finish brass will keep it shining longer.
Stainless steel: the piece you never take off
Stainless steel is ideal for jewellery worn every day. It is water-resistant and won't tarnish: you can keep it on in the shower. After the sea or the pool, simply rinse it with clean water.
What about sensitive skin? Stainless steel suits most skin types. If you are very sensitive to nickel, we recommend our 925 silver pieces instead.
Brass with a fine gold finish: the shine of gold at a small price
Our gold-tone brass pieces are also covered with an 18-carat fine gold finish, 1 micron thick. This is what allows us to offer pretty gold jewellery at a small price.
Why do we say “doré” rather than “plaqué or”? In France, the term “plaqué or” is reserved for jewellery covered with a gold layer of at least 3 microns. With a 1-micron finish, we prefer to use the accurate term: brass or 925 silver with a fine gold finish.
Will it tarnish? A gold finish is a fine layer of gold. Over time and with friction, it may fade, especially in contact with water, sweat and perfume. Well cared for, your jewellery keeps its shine much longer.
Our tips to preserve it:
- take it off for the shower, the pool, the sea and sport;
- apply perfume and creams before putting on your jewellery, not after;
- wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, without any product;
- store it on its own in its pouch to avoid scratches.
If you have a known metal allergy, choose our 925 silver pieces.
How to choose for your situation
- You have sensitive skin or react to fashion earrings: 925 silver.
- You love gold but have sensitive skin: 925 silver with a fine gold finish.
- You want a piece you never take off, even in the shower: stainless steel.
- You want gold jewellery on a small budget or to vary your style: brass with a fine gold finish, taking care to remove it for water and sport.
- You are giving jewellery without knowing the person's skin: 925 silver is the safest choice.
On our product pages, the material is shown under the name of the piece. And if you hesitate, write to us at contact@maylie-lou.com: we will help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
My 925 silver piece has darkened. Is it damaged?
No. Silver naturally darkens in contact with air and humidity. Gently rub it with a soft, dry cloth, then store it in its pouch.
Can I sleep with my jewellery on?
We recommend taking it off at night: your jewellery, like you, needs rest, and it limits friction and snagging.
Which material should I choose for a first pair of earrings?
925 silver, gold-finish or not: it suits sensitive skin, and our silver has been tested by the SGS laboratory for nickel release.
Can I return a piece if the material doesn't suit me?
Yes, you have 30 days after delivery to return an unworn piece in its original packaging. This also applies to earrings. Engraved or personalised pieces cannot be returned.
To find out more, see all our care tips on our Jewelry care page.
