Our Metals

Our Metals

Timeless Materials. Exceptional Craftsmanship.

At Aqualine Jewelry, we believe exceptional jewelry begins with exceptional materials.

Every metal has its own unique beauty, durability and purpose. Whether you're investing in a bespoke engagement ring, a treasured heirloom or an everyday waterproof piece, understanding the differences between precious metals will help you choose jewelry that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Our collections feature responsibly sourced precious metals selected for their quality, longevity and timeless appeal.

---

# Solid Gold

Gold has symbolised beauty, wealth and enduring love for thousands of years.

Unlike plated jewelry, solid gold contains gold throughout the entire piece, making it one of the most valuable and long-lasting choices available.

Solid gold will not flake or peel and can be polished and restored for generations.

---

# Understanding Gold Purity

Gold purity is measured in karats (K).

### 9K Gold (37.5% Gold)

Durable and affordable.

Excellent for everyday wear.

Slightly paler in colour due to its higher alloy content.

Best for:
✓ Everyday jewellery
✓ Budget-conscious buyers

---

### 10K Gold (41.7% Gold)

A popular choice in North America.

More durable than higher karat gold due to additional alloy metals.

Best for:
✓ Everyday rings
✓ Active lifestyles

---

### 14K Gold (58.5% Gold)

One of the most popular choices for engagement rings.

Offers an excellent balance between luxury, durability and value.

Best for:
✓ Engagement rings
✓ Wedding bands
✓ Daily wear

---

### 18K Gold (75% Gold)

Rich, luxurious colour.

Contains significantly more pure gold than 14K.

A favourite among luxury jewellery houses.

Best for:
✓ Fine jewellery
✓ High-end engagement rings
✓ Heirloom pieces

---

### 22K & 24K Gold

Beautiful but much softer.

Generally reserved for investment pieces, ceremonial jewellery or cultural traditions rather than everyday engagement rings.

---

# Yellow Gold

Classic.

Warm.

Timeless.

Yellow gold beautifully complements most skin tones and highlights both white diamonds and coloured gemstones.

---

# White Gold

White gold is created by alloying gold with naturally white metals before being finished with rhodium plating to achieve its bright white appearance.

Over time, the rhodium layer naturally wears and may require professional replating every few years to restore its brilliant finish.

Ideal for:
• Diamonds
• Sapphires
• Contemporary designs

---

# Rose Gold

Rose gold combines pure gold with copper alloys to create its romantic blush tone.

Its warm colour beautifully complements vintage-inspired designs and many coloured gemstones.

Rose gold is naturally durable and develops a rich character over time.

---

# Platinum

Platinum is one of the world's rarest precious metals.

Naturally white, exceptionally dense and incredibly durable, it is prized for fine jewellery and engagement rings.

Unlike white gold, platinum does not require rhodium plating.

Rather than wearing away, platinum develops a soft patina that many collectors appreciate.

Best for:
✓ Daily wear
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Heirloom jewellery

---

# Sterling Silver (925)

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% strengthening alloys.

It is valued for its bright white appearance and affordability.

Because silver naturally reacts with oxygen and sulphur in the air, it may develop tarnish over time.

Fortunately, tarnish is a surface reaction and can usually be removed with gentle polishing.

Best for:
✓ Everyday jewellery
✓ Statement pieces
✓ Affordable luxury

---

# Stainless Steel

Surgical-grade 316L stainless steel is exceptionally durable, corrosion resistant and hypoallergenic.

It does not easily rust or tarnish and is ideal for modern everyday jewellery.

Because of its strength, stainless steel also provides an excellent base for advanced PVD gold coatings.

---

# PVD Gold Jewelry

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is one of the most advanced coating technologies used in modern jewellery.

Instead of applying gold through traditional electroplating, PVD bonds a layer of gold to the metal surface in a high-vacuum environment, creating a finish that is significantly more durable and resistant to wear. This process produces a coating that is considerably harder and more resistant to fading than conventional gold plating. (Wikipedia)

Benefits include:

✓ Waterproof

✓ Sweat resistant

✓ Tarnish resistant

✓ Scratch resistant

✓ Hypoallergenic

✓ Designed for everyday wear

Our Everyday Luxury Collection uses premium PVD-coated jewellery for effortless style and exceptional durability.

---

# Gold-Plated Jewelry

Gold-plated jewellery features a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal such as brass or sterling silver.

It offers the appearance of solid gold at a more accessible price point.

Over time, the plated layer naturally wears with regular use, particularly when exposed to water, chemicals or friction.

Proper care can help extend its lifespan. Thicker plating generally lasts longer than very thin coatings. (Byrdie)

Best for:
• Occasional wear
• Fashion jewellery

---

# Gold-Coated Brass

Brass is an alloy primarily made from copper and zinc.

When coated with gold, it provides an affordable alternative to solid gold while maintaining a luxurious appearance.

As the gold coating naturally wears over time, the brass beneath may become visible.

Proper storage and regular cleaning help preserve the finish.

---

# Copper

Copper has been used in jewellery for thousands of years.

Its distinctive warm colour develops a natural patina over time.

Some people may notice temporary green discolouration on the skin, which is a harmless reaction between copper and natural skin chemistry.

Copper is often used as an alloy in rose gold or as a base metal beneath plated jewellery.

---

# Which Metal Is Right for You?

| Metal | Durability | Tarnish Resistance | Everyday Wear | Luxury Level |
|-------|------------|-------------------|---------------|--------------|
| Platinum | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 18K Gold | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 14K Gold | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 10K Gold | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 9K Gold | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PVD Gold | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Sterling Silver | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Gold-Plated | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Gold-Coated Brass | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |

---

# Caring for Your Metals

To preserve the beauty of your jewellery:

• Apply perfume, lotions and hairspray before putting on your jewellery.

• Remove jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or using harsh cleaning products.

• Store each piece separately in a soft-lined jewellery box.

• Clean regularly with warm water, mild soap and a soft microfiber cloth.

• Have valuable fine jewellery professionally inspected and cleaned every 6–12 months.

---

# Crafted for a Lifetime

Every Aqualine Jewelry piece is thoughtfully designed using carefully selected metals that balance beauty, durability and longevity.

Whether you choose solid gold, platinum, sterling silver or our premium waterproof PVD collection, every piece is created with exceptional craftsmanship and made to become tomorrow’s heirloom.