Your Guide to Materials That Matter
At Theo Grace, we believe jewelry becomes powerful when it’s personal. And just like your name, your story, and your reason for wearing it, your material matters. Whether you’re building a gift wishlist or designing a keepsake just for you, here’s everything you need to know about the beautiful materials we use and why each one might be just right for you.
Updated October 29, 2025
Sterling Silver
Bright, timeless, and endlessly wearable - sterling silver is the ultimate classic. We use high-quality .925 sterling silver, which means it’s 92.5% pure silver, strengthened with a touch of other metals to make it durable for everyday wear.
Why we love it: It’s lightweight, hypoallergenic, and perfect for those who love a cool-toned shine. Whether you’re gifting or self-loving, it’s a forever piece.
18K Gold Plated
Want the glow of gold without the luxury price tag? Our 18K gold-plated pieces are crafted from a strong base metal (usually brass or sterling silver) and finished with a thick layer of real 18K gold.
Why we love it: It gives you that warm golden tone we all adore at a more accessible price. Perfect for trend-driven stacks or thoughtful, affordable gifts.
18K Rose Gold Plated
Soft, romantic, and full of charm, rose gold plating brings a dreamy blush hue to your collection. It’s crafted with the same technique as gold plating, but mixed with a hint of copper for that signature rosy glow.
Why we love it: If you’re a romantic at heart (or just love a little pink), rose gold-plated jewelry adds that extra sweetness to your stack.
Gold Vermeil
Want to wear gold every day and make it last? Say hello to gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may). It’s not just gold-plated, it’s gold-plated over sterling silver, with a much thicker layer of gold. Learn more in our Gold Vermeil 101 Guide.
Why we love it: It offers the look and feel of fine gold jewelry, with the durability and shine to match, at a mid-luxe price. A beautiful balance of elegance and everyday wear.
10K Gold
A beautiful balance of strength and shine. 10K gold is solid, durable, and perfect for everyday wear. It offers the warmth and value of real gold with a more subtle look that suits all styles.
Why we love it: A more affordable solid gold option that still brings you the luxury and meaning of fine jewelry. It’s subtle, resilient, and perfect for stacking.
14K Gold
Our favorite for fine jewelry with staying power. 14K gold has a rich, golden hue and a classic feel that never goes out of style. It’s ideal for meaningful pieces you’ll love now and treasure forever.
Why we love it: It’s strong enough for daily wear, and its rich, warm hue never goes out of style. The kind of gold you’ll love now and pass down later.
White Gold
Cool, sleek, and modern. White gold is made by blending pure gold with white-toned metals for a soft, silvery finish. It offers a polished, timeless alternative to yellow gold that still feels elegant and special.
Why we love it: Ideal for engagement-style pieces or a cool-toned look that’s still solid gold. It plays beautifully with diamonds, gemstones, and engraving details.
Rose Gold Vermeil
Want that soft pink glow with a luxe twist? Rose gold vermeil pairs the elegance of rose gold with the quality of sterling silver and an ultra-thick plating.
Why we love it: It’s romantic, refined, and extra durable. A perfect choice for meaningful, personalized designs with a rosy touch.
Stainless Steel
Modern, tough, and always polished, stainless steel is a jewelry essential. It resists tarnish, doesn’t scratch easily, and keeps its shine without much fuss.
Why we love it: It’s ideal for customers looking for long-lasting, affordable pieces that can keep up with real life. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin.
PVD Stainless Steel
Short for Physical Vapor Deposition, this tech-enhanced material fuses color (like gold or rose) directly onto stainless steel. It’s far more durable than standard plating. Think gym-proof, kid-proof, life-proof.
Why we love it: A sleek, future-facing finish that lasts through anything. For moms, movers, and magic-makers who don’t want to take their jewelry off.
Gunmetal
Meet the dark horse of jewelry metals. Gunmetal is a bold, deep gray finish, usually achieved by treating stainless steel or brass. It gives jewelry a smoky, edgy tone with a matte or high-shine finish depending on the design.
Why we love it: It’s stylishly unexpected and perfect for those who like their jewelry to stand out in a subtle way. Gunmetal adds mood, mystery, and major cool factor to any look.
Every material has its own personality, just like the people who wear them. Whether you’re drawn to the luxe glow of 14K gold, the sentiment of sterling silver, or the bold beauty of gunmetal, your piece should feel like you, and last through all the memories you’ll make wearing it. Discover your signature finish now at theograce.com
