Gold
We offer 9k and 18k gold. What’s the difference? Each contains more pure gold as the K weight increases. 9K is comprised of 37,5 percent pure gold, 14k contains 58.3 percent and our most expensive option 18k contains 75 percent (the balance of the yellow gold value is made up of silver and for rose gold, we add a mix of silver and copper). The reason we don’t design with 24k is due to its softness, making it unsuitable to work with. We create primarily in rose and yellow gold, and on request, make up pieces in white gold. White gold is pricier than yellow and rose gold and needs to be rhodium plated to achieve a brighter appearance.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver in South Africa is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals and we comply with this regulation.
Gold Vermeil
We offer rose gold vermeil for certain silver pieces (a popular accepted standard is 1.5micrometres thick using 10k gold). What is the difference between vermeil and standard gold plating? It's the base layer metal. Vermeil refers to sterling silver plated in 18k gold, while gold-plated can be copper, brass or a number of different inexpensive metals. We plate our sterling silver with 3 to 5 microns thick using 18k gold. Vermeil is long lasting but as it’s a thin layer of metal coating the sterling silver it can wear off over time, which is affected by care and frequency of wear. This can be further influenced by chemicals such as chlorine, detergents, perfumes and body lotions as well as sunscreens. Vermeil can also be influenced by skin acidity which shortens the lifespan of the coating. Once the gold vermeil wears off, the piece will return to a silver hue but it can be re-plated. *We offer one free re-plating service, and further plating for a nominal fee. Please email us for more details. info@verusfinejewellery.com
Oxidised
A piece of blackened or oxidized silver is true sterling silver, but it’s surface has been intentionally darkened by introducing it to a chemical process. A layer of silver sulphide forms on the exterior of the metal giving it a blackened look. We use a chemical compound such as liver of sulphur (potassium sulphide) to create the matt gunmetal black surface on silver jewellery. Like other patinas, oxidized silver is just a surface treatment and does not change the internal colour or properties of the metal. Therefore, only the top layer of metal particles have been given that blackened colour, and over time, depending on the amount of wear and how you care for your pieces, the oxidized finish will polish off and the true colour of the silver will shine through. This means your piece will evolve.
To care for it properly, remove your oxidized silver jewellery before aggressive contact, and also when showering or washing your hands so that you prolong the dark colour. In general, oxidized silver jewellery should not be cleaned with jewellery cleaning dips or heavily polished so that will strip off the blackened surface. If cleaning is necessary, use mild dish detergent and a soft toothbrush with as little rubbing as possible.
*The oxidized finish of jewellery can be restored at any time. We offer one free treatment and thereafter we can treat it for a nominal fee. info@verusfinejewellery.com