material guide
We know picking out your jewelry comes down to budget and expectations. At nunchi, we want to be transparent about the ethics behind the product as well as the materials in its composition, so you’ll get exactly what you want.
What makes fine jewelry fine are the materials it's made of. Below, we break down the definitions to make shopping for that special piece that much easier.
Gold Plated
a layer of 14k gold over a base metal (usually nickel or brass)
Gold Vermeil
a thick layer of 14k gold over nickel-free sterling silver
Gold Filled
multiple layers of solid gold, pressure bonded to a base metal
Solid Gold
at least 10K gold (42% pure) mixed with base metals, able to be melted and recycled
Properties Chart
| Gold Plated | Gold Vermeil | Gold Filled | Solid Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Nickel-free | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Hypo-allergenic | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Waterproof | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Non-tarnishing | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Care Guidelines
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver can tarnish with exposure to moisture or chemicals. To maintain its shine, scrub it gently with a soft cloth using warm water and detergent-free soap. Dry and store in a safe place to protect against daily exposure.
14K Gold Plated
14K Gold Vermeil and Gold Plated can fade with exposure to moisture or chemicals. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to gently rub the surface in a circular motion to clean. Dry and store in a safe place to protect against daily exposure.
Gold Filled
14K Gold Filled pieces have 100x more gold than Gold Vermeil or Gold Plated items. Even with daily wear, 14K Gold Filled styles can last up to 30 years without fading. We’re all about investing in high quality pieces that’ll last beyond ongoing trends. To maintain its shine, scrub it gently with a soft cloth using warm water and detergent-free soap. Dry and store in a safe place to protect against daily exposure.
Solid Gold
Our Solid Gold pieces are made to last. At nunchi, we focus on classic designs that’ll become lasting staples, all produced at a lower volume to prevent creating excess waste. Solid Gold will not oxidize or discolor but to maintain its shine, scrub it gently with a soft cloth using warm water and detergent-free soap. Dry and store in a safe place to protect against daily exposure.