Zurina Ketola Designs handcrafted jewelry features a range of metal options in our designs including 14K gold fill and 14K rose gold fill, and sterling silver to name a few.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of metals used in my designs and how to best care for each type.
ZKD Gold Jewelry + Care
Zurina Ketola Designs features a range of gold in our designs, including 14K gold fill, 16K gold plate, and gold tone materials . Below is a little more information on the type of gold materials used in ZKD jewelry along with the best way to care for each item to keep it looking new for years to come!
14K Gold Fill (US) | 585 Gold Fill (EU)
Gold fill is made using a layer of solid gold which is pressure bonded to a base metal, most often brass. Gold fill products are 5% gold by weight. You’ll find 14K gold fill materials in my handcrafted ear wires, ear cuffs, wire wrapped gemstone drops and links, and chains.
I choose to use this material because of its affordability and durability. Gold fill wears much the same way as solid gold does, making it a good choice if you have metal allergies and want affordable, stylish jewelry options that are still high quality. Gold fill jewelry can be worn in the shower or bath which I do quite a bit with earrings, although I recommend taking off necklaces as dirt and oils can collect in small crevices of the chain. Even with regular use and daily wear, if properly taken care of, your gold filled jewelry can last for decades.
How to Clean and Store Gold Fill Jewelry
Gold filled jewelry should never be cleaned with abrasive cleaners, polishes or jewelry cloths. Although gold fill is considered quite durable, these types of cleaners will remove the surface over time, and will shorten the life of your gold fill jewelry.
Only use jewelry cleaners that are non-abrasive liquids. Often these cleaners will specifically state that they are approved for alternative metals or costume jewelry. These types of cleaners can unfortunately be difficult to find, and if it is unavailable to you, you can also use mild dish soap, water, and a clean, soft cloth.
You will need:
- 2-3 drops Dawn liquid dish detergent, or similar mild liquid detergent
- 1/2 cup water
- bowl + spoon
- soft, clean cloth
DIRECTIONS
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bowl of water, and mix until you see some bubbles.
- Place your jewelry in for a few minutes.
- Remove, use cloth to wipe dry.
16K Gold Plate
Gold plating is a chemical process that binds a layer of gold particles to a metal surface, typically brass. Compared to gold fill, gold plating is not as thick or durable of a finish and will wear off over time. Not recommended for individuals with metal allergies, and not recommended for wearing in water.
In recent years, I’ve discovered more durable options that include thicker plating and include anti-tarnish finishes.
You’ll find 16K gold plating in my line of leather jewelry, including my leather bangles, prosperity bracelets, and chokers.
How to Clean and Store 16K Gold Plate Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry should only be cleaned with specially formulated non-abrasive liquid jewelry cleaner, and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Gold Tone w/ Anti-Tarnish Finish
ZKD jewelry featuring gold tone material has a matte, pale gold appearance and includes an anti-tarnish finish. Not recommended for individuals with metal allergies.
The gold tone finish on the materials used in ZKD jewelry are relatively durable, and wear similarly to gold plated items.
How to Clean and Store Gold Tone Jewelry
Gold tone jewelry should only be cleaned with specially formulated non-abrasive liquid jewelry cleaner intended for costume jewelry, and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
14K Rose Gold Fill Jewelry + Care
Zurina Ketola Designs primarily uses 14K rose gold fill in our jewelry, Find more information on 14K rose gold ZKD jewelry listed below.
14K Rose Gold Fill (US) | 585 Rose Gold Fill (EU)
Rose gold is a specialty gold that uses copper as a coloring agent to bring a pink or rose appearance to gold. While copper can have a blue/green hue, rose gold leans more towards warmer tones.
Rose gold fill is made using a layer of solid gold which is pressure bonded to a base metal, most often brass. Rose gold fill products are 5% gold by weight. You’ll find 14K rose gold fill materials in my handcrafted ear wires, ear cuffs, wire wrapped gemstone drops and links, and chains.
I choose to use this material because of its affordability and durability. Rose gold fill wears much the same way as solid rose gold does, making it a good choice if you have metal allergies and want affordable, stylish jewelry options that are still high quality. Rose gold fill jewelry can be worn in the shower or bath which I do quite a bit with earrings, although I recommend taking off necklaces as dirt and oils can collect in small crevices of the chain. Even with regular use and daily wear, if properly taken care of, your rose gold filled jewelry can last for decades.
How to Clean and Store Rose Gold Fill Jewelry
Rose gold filled jewelry should never be cleaned with abrasive cleaners, polishes or jewelry cloths. Although rose gold fill is considered quite durable, these types of cleaners will remove the surface over time, and will shorten the life of your rose gold fill jewelry.
Only use jewelry cleaners that are non-abrasive liquids. Often these cleaners will specifically state that they are approved for alternative metals or costume jewelry. These types of cleaners can unfortunately be difficult to find, and if it is unavailable to you, you can also use mild dish soap, water, and a clean, soft cloth.
You will need:
- 2-3 drops Dawn liquid dish detergent, or similar mild liquid detergent
- 1/2 cup water
- bowl + spoon
- soft, clean cloth
DIRECTIONS
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a bowl of water, and mix until you see some bubbles.
- Place your jewelry in for a few minutes.
- Remove, use cloth to wipe dry.
16K Rose Gold Plate
Rose gold plating is a chemical process that binds a layer of rose gold particles to a metal surface, in this case brass. This gives the metal a sparkling rose gold finish. Compared to rose gold fill, rose gold plating is not as thick or durable of a finish and will wear off over time. Due to this, it is not recommended for individuals with metal allergies, and not recommended for wearing in water.
In recent years, I’ve discovered more durable options that include thicker plating and include anti-tarnish finishes.
You’ll find 16K rose gold plated details in my line of leather jewelry, including my leather bangles, and leather chokers.
How to Clean and Store Rose Gold Plate Jewelry
Rose gold plated jewelry should only be cleaned with specially formulated non-abrasive liquid jewelry cleaner, and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
ZKD Silver Jewelry + Care
Zurina Ketola Designs features a few varieties of silver in our jewelry, including sterling silver, fine silver, silver plated, and rhodium plated items. More information these silver materials used in ZKD jewelry are listed below.
Sterling Silver / .925 Silver
Sterling silver is a mix of metals consisting of 92.5% silver, and 7.5% other metal, often copper. Pure silver is a relatively soft metal and can be easily scratched and dented. The addition of copper creates a stronger and more durable metal that is more suitable for jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry is more suitable for those with allergies or metal sensitivities, can be worn in water.
You’ll find sterling silver in my handcrafted ear wires, ear cuffs, wire wrapped gemstone drops and links, and chains.
In recent years, I’ve switched to using sterling silver wire that is made from recycled silver to craft ear wires, post earrings, hoop earrings, ear cuffs, wire wrapped gemstones, links and basic components in my studio.
How to Clean and Store Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry can be cleaned in a variety of ways. Because it is a solid metal, abrasive cleaners work well to bring a bright shine back to sterling silver items that are showing signs of tarnish.
Fine Silver / 99.9%
Fine silver is a relatively soft metal, and isn’t suitable for all jewelry, however, works well as details such as pendants, beads, and small components. I often use fine silver focal pieces with a sterling silver clasp and details.
How to Clean and Store Sterling Silver Jewelry
Fine silver jewelry can be cleaned in a variety of ways. Because it is a solid metal, abrasive cleaners work well to bring a bright shine back to sterling silver items that are showing signs of tarnish.
Silver Plate w/ Anti-Tarnish Finish
ZKD jewelry featuring silver plated copper details have a matte, bright silver appearance and includes an anti-tarnish finish.
Not recommended for individuals with metal allergies.
The silver plated copper details used in ZKD jewelry are relatively durable, and wear similarly to rhodium plated items.
How to Clean and Store Silver Plate Jewelry with Anti-Tarnish Finish
Jewelry with silver plated copper details should only be cleaned with specially formulated non-abrasive liquid jewelry cleaner intended for costume jewelry, and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Rhodium Plate
Rhodium is a highly valuable metal (more valuable than gold) that has a silver appearance, and is often seen in the plating of solid white gold jewelry. It is a relatively non-reactive metal, which means that allergies are not common.
Rhodium is a more valuable metal than fine silver or sterling silver and rhodium plating is a chemical process that binds a layer of rhodium particles to a metal surface, in this case brass. This gives the metal a bright silver finish. Compared to solid sterling silver, rhodium plating is not as thick or durable of a finish and will wear off over time. Due to this, it is not recommended for individuals with metal allergies, and not recommended for wearing in water.
In recent years, I’ve discovered more durable options that include thicker plating and include anti-tarnish finishes.
You’ll find rhodium plated details in my line of leather jewelry, including my leather bangles, prosperity bracelets, and chokers.
How to Clean and Store Rhodium Plate Jewelry
Rhodium plated jewelry should only be cleaned with specially formulated non-abrasive liquid jewelry cleaner and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Got Questions?
Have more questions about how to care for your Zurina Ketola Designs handmade jewelry?
Contact me for more information.