Our Materials

Our jewellery is made using high-quality gold-filled components, freshwater pearls, natural gemstones, and Preciosa^® crystals. All materials used comply with safety regulations, and we do not use nickel, lead, or cadmium in any of our pieces. Explore the high-quality materials we use in our jewellery, all carefully selected to ensure durability and elegance. Use the links below to quickly navigate to the section that interests you most.

1. Gold-Filled Jewellery: Everything You Need to Know

What is Gold-Filled Jewellery?

Gold-filled jewellery, also known as "rolled gold," is a high-quality, affordable alternative to solid gold. Despite the name, it isn’t actually filled with gold. Instead, a thick layer of gold is permanently bonded to a base metal, usually brass. By industry standards, gold-filled jewellery must contain at least 1/20th (or 5%) of its total weight in gold, making it significantly more durable than gold-plated jewellery. It offers a long-lasting and cost-effective option for those who want the look and quality of solid gold without the high price.

How is Gold-Filled Jewellery Made?

Gold-filled jewellery is created by permanently bonding a thick layer of gold to a brass base using heat and pressure to ensure a strong and durable bond. The material is then rolled into sheets or drawn into wire, maintaining an even gold layer throughout. These sheets and wires are then shaped into jewellery pieces like chains, earrings, and pendants, offering a durable, long-lasting alternative to gold plating.

What is 14k Gold-Filled?

14k gold-filled jewellery is made by bonding a layer of 14k gold to brass, an alloy that contains 58.3% pure gold, with the remaining metals providing added strength and durability. While other types of gold-filled jewellery, such as 10k, 12k, and 18k, are available, we offer only 14k gold-filled pieces for a rich, warm gold tone.

Gold-Plated vs. Gold Vermeil vs. Gold PVD vs. Gold-Filled

Gold-Plated: A thin layer of gold (less than 0.05% of the total weight) is electroplated onto brass or copper. This is the least durable option, and the gold can wear off quickly, especially with daily wear or exposure to water.

Gold Vermeil: Similar to gold-plated but with stricter standards. It must have a sterling silver base and a thicker gold layer (at least 2.5 microns). Vermeil is more durable than standard gold plating but contains significantly less gold than gold-filled, making it less durable.

Gold PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition): A modern plating method where gold particles are vaporised and bonded to a base metal in a vacuum. PVD coatings are harder and more resistant to wear than traditional gold plating, but the gold layer is still much thinner than gold-filled.

Gold-Filled: A thick layer of gold (at least 5% of the total weight) is permanently bonded to a brass core using heat and pressure. This makes it far more durable than gold-plated, vermeil, and PVD jewellery. With daily wear, it can last 10 to 30 years before the gold layer begins to wear down. Its gold layer is 5 to 10 times thicker than standard gold plating and 15 to 25 times thicker than gold electroplate, making it a more durable choice for everyday jewellery.

Gold-filled offers the best balance of affordability, durability, and gold content, making it the ideal choice for high-quality jewellery that lasts.

Is Gold-Filled or Solid Gold Better?

Solid gold is the most durable and valuable option, made entirely of gold, but it comes at a higher price. Gold-filled offers a thick layer of gold bonded to brass, providing similar durability and appearance at a more affordable cost. At Kearla Jewellery, we believe in jewellery that offers lasting quality and beauty at a more accessible price.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Gold-Filled Jewellery?

Pros:

Durable & Long-Lasting: The thick gold layer resists tarnishing and wear, lasting much longer than gold-plated jewellery.
Affordable Alternative: Offers the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
Hypoallergenic: Generally safe for sensitive skin, as it contains no nickel.
Low Maintenance: Retains its shine with minimal upkeep.

Cons:

Not as Valuable or Durable as Solid Gold: While high quality, gold-filled jewellery contains only 5% gold by weight, making it less valuable and durable than solid gold over time.
Limited Availability: Harder to find than gold-plated or solid gold jewellery.
Less Workable for Jewellers: The thick gold layer makes it more difficult to manipulate, limiting design options.

Gold-filled jewellery strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it a great option for everyday wear.

Can I Wear Gold-Filled Jewellery Every Day?

Yes, gold-filled jewellery is durable enough for everyday wear. The thick gold layer bonded to brass ensures it can withstand regular use without tarnishing or wearing down quickly. With proper care, gold-filled pieces retain their beauty and shine, making them an excellent choice for daily wear.

How Long Does Gold-Filled Jewellery Last?

Gold-filled jewellery can last many years with proper care. With daily wear, it can last 10 to 30 years before the gold layer begins to wear down. The thick layer of gold bonded to the base metal ensures durability, making it more resistant to wear and tarnishing compared to gold-plated pieces. By avoiding excessive exposure to water and chemicals, your gold-filled jewellery can maintain its beauty and last a lifetime.

Is Gold-Filled Jewellery Hypoallergenic?

Gold-filled jewellery is considered hypoallergenic, as its thick outer layer prevents direct contact with the base metal. It’s a great option for sensitive skin, especially compared to gold-plated pieces. However, in rare cases, some people may still experience reactions depending on their specific metal sensitivities. We only offer gold-filled jewellery that is nickel-free and safe for daily wear.

Is Gold-Filled Jewellery Waterproof?

Gold-filled jewellery is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. While it can handle occasional exposure to water, avoiding prolonged contact with water will help extend its lifespan. To keep your gold-filled pieces looking their best, remove them before swimming and showering.

Does Gold-Filled Jewellery Tarnish or Turn Green?

Gold-filled jewellery is highly resistant to tarnishing due to its thick layer of gold. However, over time, as the gold layer wears down and exposes the base metal, it may show signs of wear. Proper care, such as removing jewellery before swimming or showering, can help preserve the gold layer and prevent the base metal from tarnishing.

How Do I Take Care of Gold-Filled Jewellery?

To care for your gold-filled jewellery, remove it before swimming or showering, avoid harsh chemicals like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products, and store it in a dry place. Clean gently with a soft cloth and check for wear regularly. To learn more about caring for your jewellery, check out our Jewellery Care Guide.

Why Isn't Gold-Filled Jewellery More Common?

Gold-filled jewellery is less common because the manufacturing process is more complex and expensive than gold plating. Additionally, gold-filled material is harder to work with than solid gold or plated metals, making it less appealing for mass production. Many large jewellery brands opt for gold plating due to its lower cost and ease of production.

At Kearla Jewellery, we choose gold-filled for its durability, rich gold appearance, and long-lasting quality, ensuring you get beautiful pieces that stand the test of time.

2. Freshwater Pearls: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Freshwater Pearls?

Freshwater pearls are natural or cultured pearls that form inside freshwater mussels. They are known for their soft, lustrous appearance and come in various shapes, sizes, and colours.

How Are Freshwater Pearls Formed?

Freshwater pearls are created when an irritant, such as a tiny piece of mantle tissue, is inserted into a mussel. The mussel responds by secreting layers of nacre, the same iridescent substance that forms natural pearls. Over time, these layers build up, resulting in a pearl. Cultured freshwater pearls are carefully farmed in lakes and rivers, primarily in China, where mussels can produce multiple pearls at once.

Are Freshwater Pearls Real Pearls?

Yes, freshwater pearls are real pearls. Unlike synthetic or imitation pearls, they are formed naturally by molluscs and consist entirely of nacre.

What is Mother of Pearl?

Mother of Pearl is the smooth, iridescent material that lines the inner shell of certain molluscs. It is composed of nacre, the same substance that forms freshwater pearls, giving it a similar luminous quality. Unlike pearls, which develop as rounded or irregular shapes within the mollusc, Mother of Pearl is a natural part of the shell itself and can be cut into various shapes for jewellery. Its organic shimmer and durability make it a popular choice for elegant designs.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls: What’s the Difference?

Origin: Freshwater pearls are grown in mussels in lakes and rivers, while saltwater pearls come from oysters in the ocean.
Shape & Lustre: Saltwater pearls, like Akoya, tend to be rounder and have a higher lustre, while freshwater pearls come in various shapes and have a softer glow.
Durability: Freshwater pearls are composed entirely of nacre, making them more resistant to chipping than saltwater pearls, which have a thin nacre coating over a bead nucleus.
Price: Freshwater pearls are generally more affordable than their saltwater counterparts.

Do Freshwater Pearls Last Forever?

With proper care, freshwater pearls can last a lifetime. However, because they are made of organic material, they are more delicate than other gemstones. Keeping them away from harsh chemicals, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight will help preserve their beauty for years to come.

How Do I Take Care of Freshwater Pearl Jewellery?

To care for your freshwater pearl jewellery, avoid contact with water, perfumes, lotions, and other harsh chemicals. Store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching, and wipe it gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing. Pearls benefit from natural skin oils, so wear them often to maintain their lustre. Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as pearls need moisture from the air to prevent drying out. To learn more about caring for your jewellery, check out our Jewellery Care Guide.

Are Freshwater Pearls Waterproof?

Freshwater pearls are not entirely waterproof. While they can handle occasional exposure to water, prolonged contact—especially with chlorinated or soapy water—can damage their nacre and dull their lustre. It’s best to remove pearl jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising.

3. The Semi-Precious Gemstones We Use

What Are Semi-Precious Gemstones?

Semi-precious gemstones are naturally occurring minerals used in jewellery for their beauty and rarity. Unlike precious gemstones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald), semi-precious stones include a wide variety of gems such as amethyst, garnet, topaz, peridot, and turquoise. They come in various colours, hardness levels, and compositions, making them a versatile choice for jewellery.

Which Gemstones Does Kearla Jewellery Use?

At Kearla Jewellery, we carefully select high-quality gemstones that complement our gold-filled designs. Each gemstone is unique and carefully chosen for its durability and beauty, ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Here are the semi-precious gemstones featured in our collections:

Aquamarine – A soft blue-green gemstone reminiscent of the ocean.
Blue Lace Agate – A delicate, pale blue gemstone with intricate banding patterns.
Champagne Zircon – A warm, golden-brown gemstone with a stunning sparkle and unique, earthy tones, often sought for its elegant look.
Double Terminated Quartz – A unique form of quartz that has natural points at both ends.
Golden Rutile Quartz – A striking variety of quartz with golden needle-like inclusions running through it. These natural patterns make each stone truly unique.
Labradorite – Known for its breathtaking iridescence, labradorite displays flashes of blue, green, and gold when it catches the light.
Prehnite – A pale green gemstone often found with dark inclusions.
Opalite (Man-Made) – Unlike natural gemstones, Opalite is a man-made glass with a milky, iridescent glow. It is sometimes mistaken for real opal, but its beauty still makes it a popular choice in jewellery.
Rainbow Moonstone – A shimmering stone that displays flashes of blue, white, and sometimes even pink.
Strawberry Quartz – A soft pink variety of quartz with natural inclusions that create a speckled effect.
White Topaz – A brilliant, clear gemstone with a bright sparkle. Often seen as a more affordable alternative to diamonds, it is valued for its clarity and versatility.
White Zircon – A brilliant, colourless gemstone known for its intense sparkle and clarity, often used as an affordable alternative to diamonds.

How Do I Take Care of Semi-Precious Gemstone Jewellery?

To care for your semi-precious gemstone jewellery, avoid prolonged exposure to water, perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals. Some stones are more porous or sensitive to heat, so keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Store them separately from harder jewellery to prevent scratches, and clean them gently with a soft cloth or lukewarm water and mild soap. To learn more about caring for your jewellery, check out our Jewellery Care Guide.

4. Preciosa^® Crystals: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Preciosa Crystals?

Preciosa crystals are high-quality glass crystals known for their precision cutting and exceptional brilliance. They are made by Preciosa, a renowned Czech company, and they are known for their precision, clarity, and color consistency. They are used in luxury jewellery, fashion, and home décor, making them one of the best crystal options available.

Preciosa Crystals vs. Swarovski Crystals

While Swarovski is one of the most well-known crystal brands, Preciosa offers comparable, high-quality crystals that are often more affordable. Both brands use precision cutting techniques, but Preciosa focuses on a unique mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.

Preciosa crystals are lead-free and offer exceptional brilliance, much like Swarovski, but are often a more cost-effective option for those who want the same quality without the premium price tag.

How Do I Take Care of Preciosa Crystal Jewellery?

To keep your Preciosa crystal jewellery looking its best, avoid prolonged contact with water, perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals, as these can dull the sparkle or affect any coatings. Store your jewellery separately to prevent scratches, and wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. To learn more about caring for your jewellery, check out our Jewellery Care Guide.