Demi-fine jewelry bridges the gap between fine jewelry and costume jewelry. It is crafted with high-quality materials like gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver), sterling silver, and semi-precious gemstones, but at a more accessible price point compared to fine jewelry, which uses solid gold and precious gems or freshwater pearls. While demi-fine jewelry contains gold, it is typically in the form of gold plating, such as 14K or 18K gold layered over sterling silver, offering the look of fine gold with greater affordability.
Materials and Care
The main difference between 14K and 18K plated jewelry lies in the gold content used for the plating.
14K PLATED JEWELRY:
18K PLATED JEWELRY:
14K PLATED JEWELRY:
- 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy metals, such as copper and silver, giving it a slightly less rich yellow hue compared to 18K gold due to the lower gold content. It is relatively durable and resistant to wear; however, 14K gold plating may show signs of fading or tarnishing sooner than 18K plated jewelry because of its lower gold content.
18K PLATED JEWELRY:
- 18K gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals, giving it a richer gold content than 14K gold and resulting in a deeper, more vibrant yellow or rose gold color. Its higher gold content makes 18K gold plating more resistant to fading and tarnishing, though it may still wear over time with heavy use. Due to the increased gold content, 18K plated jewelry is generally more expensive than 14K plated pieces, reflecting its enhanced quality and luxurious appeal.
Yes, all gold-plated jewelry will eventually fade, but Moodd pieces are triple-dipped in gold or rhodium, ensuring they retain their finish for years—potentially up to half a decade or longer with proper care.
What materials are MOODD. jewelry made of?
STAINLESS STEEL jewelry can be beautiful, nearly indestructible, and a great cost effective substitute for Sterling Silver. Surgical stainless steel is often a good choice for people with allergic. Stainless Steel itself will not change color or tarnish. Rest assured, it will not turn your skin green or grey from the tarnishing metal.
You will be pleased to know that plating colors used on stainless steel are also hypoallergenic and more resistant than plating used on cheap base metal. Plating colors on stainless steel are made by PVD process. PVD plating is a long lasting plating. However, any colored (anodized) area is not scratch resistant.
Stainless steel jewelry can last a long time and look like new if you keep it clean. It does get dirty from time to time, and when that happens, you will need to clean it. The simplest way to clean your stainless steel jewelry is with a bit of soap and water when it's dull and dirty. This helps clean off any pollutants and grime on your jewelry. Remember to please use a mild liquid soup and warm water.
You will be pleased to know that plating colors used on stainless steel are also hypoallergenic and more resistant than plating used on cheap base metal. Plating colors on stainless steel are made by PVD process. PVD plating is a long lasting plating. However, any colored (anodized) area is not scratch resistant.
Stainless steel jewelry can last a long time and look like new if you keep it clean. It does get dirty from time to time, and when that happens, you will need to clean it. The simplest way to clean your stainless steel jewelry is with a bit of soap and water when it's dull and dirty. This helps clean off any pollutants and grime on your jewelry. Remember to please use a mild liquid soup and warm water.
STERLING SILVER is one of the most malleable and brightest precious metals known to man. In essence, the “925” in its name stands for its 92.5% pure silver composition, which is then alloyed with 7.5% copper.
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. While pure 99.9% silver does not tarnish, any sterling silver will tarnish over time as a result of the metal to mixed in.
To take care of your sterling silver jewelry, polish it frequently with a soft dry cloth to avoid tarnish (do not use silver dip). Ideally, use the specially impregnated silver polishing cloth available from our store HERE to ensure that your jewelry continues to retain its original lustre and shine.
Silver is delicate, and, despite our best efforts, it can still get dirty. While pure 99.9% silver does not tarnish, any sterling silver will tarnish over time as a result of the metal to mixed in.
To take care of your sterling silver jewelry, polish it frequently with a soft dry cloth to avoid tarnish (do not use silver dip). Ideally, use the specially impregnated silver polishing cloth available from our store HERE to ensure that your jewelry continues to retain its original lustre and shine.
GOLD VERMEIL plated Jewelry is not made of gold but base metal or silver applied with a layer of 18K gold by chemical or electrochemical plating. It is a very popular way to make jewelry with a gold richness color, based on its excellence in hardness and reasonable price.
If you are looking for a warmer, sunnier appearance then you would want 18K gold plating—this gives the piece the look of fine jewelry in the same caratage. 14K gold plating is used to give a golden sheen jewelry—remember the amount of gold used for plating is commonly negligible so that this point is more about appearance and design, rather than value.
Better sterling-based pieces are often plated in both 14K or 18K. 18K gold plating is more convincing in terms giving the piece a more luxe look, while 14k gold plating can look lighter or whiter than fine jewelry crafted in 14K gold.
After every use, clean your plated jewelry with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth, helps restore shine. Do *not* use a polishing cloth as this will strip away the plating.
If you are looking for a warmer, sunnier appearance then you would want 18K gold plating—this gives the piece the look of fine jewelry in the same caratage. 14K gold plating is used to give a golden sheen jewelry—remember the amount of gold used for plating is commonly negligible so that this point is more about appearance and design, rather than value.
Better sterling-based pieces are often plated in both 14K or 18K. 18K gold plating is more convincing in terms giving the piece a more luxe look, while 14k gold plating can look lighter or whiter than fine jewelry crafted in 14K gold.
After every use, clean your plated jewelry with a cotton ball or a very soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Gently rubbing the surface of your gold plated jewelry using a soft jewelry cloth, helps restore shine. Do *not* use a polishing cloth as this will strip away the plating.
RHODIUM is one of the of the six platinum group metals: platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium, iridium and ruthenium. It is also classified as a noble metal, meaning that it does not react to oxygen easily, acts as a fantastic catalyst and is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
For rhodium plated jewelry, it involves plating the jewelry with a surface that guards against scratches that also gives a reflective white appearance. It is most commonly found on white gold jewelry but can also be used on silver and other materials.
For rhodium plated jewelry, it involves plating the jewelry with a surface that guards against scratches that also gives a reflective white appearance. It is most commonly found on white gold jewelry but can also be used on silver and other materials.
CUBIC ZIRCONIA (CZ) is an inexpensive diamond alternative with many of the same qualities as a diamond. This crystalline material (or CZ) is synthetic, which means it is created in a laboratory. Since Cubic Zirconia was introduced into the fashion world around 1978, there have not been any synthetic gemstones that have made as much impact as cubic zirconia.
Cubic Zirconia has been so perfected in modern times that it becomes so hard to tell the difference between them and the diamonds, the brilliance and crystal clarity of it makes it a great alternative to diamonds which cost fortunes to own. Today, more and more jewelers are now settling for stones that are made from innovative thinking which protects natural resources and ensure more employment opportunities in the creative synthetic gemstone industry.
Did you know that even though diamonds are the hardest minerals, they can still be scratched? What could possibly scratch a diamond? Another diamond! The same goes for Cubic Zirconia: only an object harder than a CZ can scratch a CZ. To prevent such scratches, we recommend that when you put your CZ jewelry in your jewelry box, you separate it from other Cubic Zirconia, Ruby, Sapphire, and diamond jewelry. Don't clutter your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case where they can easily scratch one another. Most pieces of quality cubic zirconia jewelry will last a lifetime with the proper care.
Cubic Zirconia has been so perfected in modern times that it becomes so hard to tell the difference between them and the diamonds, the brilliance and crystal clarity of it makes it a great alternative to diamonds which cost fortunes to own. Today, more and more jewelers are now settling for stones that are made from innovative thinking which protects natural resources and ensure more employment opportunities in the creative synthetic gemstone industry.
Did you know that even though diamonds are the hardest minerals, they can still be scratched? What could possibly scratch a diamond? Another diamond! The same goes for Cubic Zirconia: only an object harder than a CZ can scratch a CZ. To prevent such scratches, we recommend that when you put your CZ jewelry in your jewelry box, you separate it from other Cubic Zirconia, Ruby, Sapphire, and diamond jewelry. Don't clutter your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case where they can easily scratch one another. Most pieces of quality cubic zirconia jewelry will last a lifetime with the proper care.
MOISSANITE is a lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide, known for its brilliant sparkle and durability. Discovered in meteorites, it offers a dazzling alternative to diamonds, with a higher refractive index and a significantly lower cost, making it an ethical and sustainable choice for modern jewelry lovers.
Unlike diamonds, moissanite is lab-grown, ensuring an eco-friendly and conflict-free origin. It surpasses cubic zirconia in brilliance and durability, maintaining its sparkle and clarity over time. Moissanite's unique fire and timeless appeal make it a standout gem for affordable luxury.
MOODD's moissanite collection pairs this stunning gemstone with durable silver settings, offering beauty, affordability, and sustainability. By choosing moissanite, we celebrate ethical elegance, ensuring our customers enjoy high-quality jewelry that reflects their values without compromising style or quality.
Unlike diamonds, moissanite is lab-grown, ensuring an eco-friendly and conflict-free origin. It surpasses cubic zirconia in brilliance and durability, maintaining its sparkle and clarity over time. Moissanite's unique fire and timeless appeal make it a standout gem for affordable luxury.
MOODD's moissanite collection pairs this stunning gemstone with durable silver settings, offering beauty, affordability, and sustainability. By choosing moissanite, we celebrate ethical elegance, ensuring our customers enjoy high-quality jewelry that reflects their values without compromising style or quality.
How do I keep my jewelry from tarnishing?
Substances with additional sulfur like household cleaners, chlorinated water, perspiration, and rubber will accelerate corrosion and tarnish. It’s a good idea to remove sterling silver completely before cleaning.
Before you hit the beach or pool, be sure to remove your silver jewelry. Sunlight can cause silver to tarnish as well.
For generations, women have been putting their jewelry on last and that’s for good reason! Lotions, makeups, hair spray and perfumes will accelerate tarnishing.
Even the highest quality materials can snap or break if handled aggressively. Extreme bending, force or rough handling is not a manufacturing fault and MOODD. will not be responsible for replacing mishandled products.
We package each of our pieces in a special tarnish resistant case. After each wear, gently wipe away any dirt and store inside the MOODD. pouch to prevent tarnishing. MOODD. is not responsible for the maintenance of your purchased jewelry.