At 1/9 Studio, we use a variety of high-quality metal bases and surface-enhancement techniques to balance durability, beauty, and affordability. Below is a breakdown of the materials we most commonly employ, followed by an explanation of Plating, Vermeil, and Filled technologies, their key differences, and best practices for care.
Materials:
Copper with 925 Silver Plating
Base: High-purity copper alloy
Surface: Thin layer of 925 sterling silver electroplated
Benefits: Economical; bright white silver look; hypoallergenic top layer
Limitations: Silver plating can wear off over time, revealing the copper beneath
925 Sterling Silver
Composition: 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% copper or other trace metals
Benefits: Genuine silver jewelry hallmark; resists corrosion; can be polished to a mirror finish
Limitations: Can tarnish (form surface patina) when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals
Stainless Steel with 18K Gold Filled
Base: Marine-grade stainless steel (nickel-free options available)
Core Layer: A mechanically bonded layer of 18K gold, many times thicker than standard plating
Benefits: Exceptional durability; gold layer won’t flake or peel; water- and sweat-resistant
Limitations: Thicker and heavier than plated pieces; typically higher price point
925 Sterling Silver with 18K Gold Plating
Base: 925 sterling silver
Surface: Fine layer of 18K gold electroplated over the silver
Benefits: Luxurious gold finish on genuine silver; more affordable than solid gold
Limitations: Gold plating thickness varies (often just 0.5–2 microns) and can wear over time
Plating
Definition: A thin coat of decorative metal (e.g., silver or gold) is bonded to a substrate via electricity.
Durability: Light to moderate; wear begins when plating thickness is under 1 micron or after heavy abrasion.
Vermeil
Definition: A specialized form of plating where 925 sterling silver is the base, and the gold layer is a minimum of 2.5 microns thick. Must also be at least 10 karat.
Durability: Better than standard plating; withstands months of normal wear before thinning.
Filled (Gold-Filled)
Definition: A thick sheet of solid gold (often 14K or 18K) is mechanically pressure-bonded to a core metal (brass, copper, or steel). Gold-filled must contain at least 5% by weight of gold.
Durability: Excellent; gold layer is far too thick to wear off under normal use.
Care & Maintenance Tips:
General Guidelines
Remove Before: Swimming, showering, exercising, or using household cleaners.
Avoid: Direct contact with perfumes, lotions, hair spray, and chlorine.
Plated & Vermeil Pieces
Clean Gently: Wipe with a soft, dry micro-fiber cloth after each wear.
Deep Clean: Soak briefly in warm water + mild soap; pat dry.
Store Carefully: In individual pouches or anti-tarnish bags to reduce friction and oxidation.
Sterling Silver
Polish: Use a silver-polishing cloth or paste when tarnish appears.
Anti-Tarnish Strips: Keep in your jewelry box to absorb moisture and sulfur.
Gold-Filled
Routine Cleaning: Warm water + mild dish soap; rinse and dry thoroughly.
Minimal Polishing: Gold-filled tolerates light polishing, use a soft cloth to maintain shine.
Return:
Please consider that all 1/9 Studio Jewelry pieces are handmade to order when you make a purchase; please do not forget to read your product description. We DO NOT accept refunds or exchanges for our jewelry products.
For any additional information, please contact us at hello@OneNinthStudio.com