At With Love by MC, we work with high-quality materials and coatings, carefully selected for quality and wearing comfort. Stainless steel is our most commonly used material — durable, hypoallergenic, and perfect for everyday wear.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is our primary material and one of the most durable choices for jewelry. It is resistant to rust, discoloration, and wear — perfect for daily use.
Types of stainless steel:
- 316L stainless steel — also known as "medical grade" steel. Contains molybdenum, making it extra corrosion-resistant. The most commonly used grade for jewelry. Hypoallergenic and nickel-free.
- 304 stainless steel — high-quality, slightly less corrosion-resistant than 316L but still excellent for jewelry.
Surgical steel is a common term for 316L stainless steel. It is called "surgical" because it is also used in medical implants — a testament to its high quality and safety for the skin.
Characteristics of stainless steel:
- Hypoallergenic and nickel-free
- Rust and water resistant
- Retains its shine with daily wear
- Ideal for people with sensitive skin
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a classic precious metal that has been used for jewelry for centuries. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for added strength. You can recognize it by the 925 hallmark.
Characteristics:
- 92.5% pure silver (925 hallmark)
- Timeless, cool silver shine
- Can tarnish (oxidize) on contact with air and moisture — easily polished with a silver polishing cloth
- Suitable for people with sensitive skin, provided it is processed nickel-free
Tip: Store sterling silver jewelry in a sealed bag or box to slow down tarnishing.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and has been used for jewelry for centuries. It is lightweight, easy to shape, and gives jewelry a warm, golden shine. Brass is used as the base for some of our gilded pieces.
Characteristics:
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Warm golden undertone
- Ideal as a base for gilding
Gilding: 14k, 18k and 24k Gold
Gilding means that a layer of gold is applied to the base material. The number (14k, 18k or 24k) indicates the purity of the gold.
- 14k gold — 58.5% gold content, warm yellow gold tone, slightly harder and more durable. Ideal for daily wear.
- 18k gold — 75% gold content, richer and deeper gold tone. A beautiful balance between color and durability.
- 24k gold — 99.9% pure gold, the richest and most intense gold color. Because pure gold is very soft, 24k gilding is mainly used for a luxurious finish and less for intensive daily use.
The higher the karat content, the richer the color — but also the softer the gold. 14k is the most durable for daily use.
PVD-Coating & Ion Plating
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and ion plating are advanced coating techniques where metal is applied to the jewelry in a vacuum environment. This results in a layer that adheres much more strongly than traditional gilding.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and wear-resistant
- Hypoallergenic and nickel-free
- Retains color with daily use
- More resistant to sweat and moisture
Ion plating is a specific form of PVD where metal ions are applied via an electric field — this ensures the strongest possible adhesion.
How to Care for Your Jewelry?
- Store jewelry dry and separately
- Avoid contact with perfume, chlorine, and cleaning agents
- Remove your jewelry before showering or exercising
- Clean gently with a soft dry cloth
- Store sterling silver jewelry in a sealed bag to slow down tarnishing
0 comments