Our Materials
We Love all of the materials we use so much and we hope you will to. Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the materials we use.
14k Gold filled
We absolutely love 14k gold filled for its quality and durability.
Gold Filled is defined as having 5% gold by weight. It is a thick layer of 14k gold fused over a core of the highest quality jewelers brass. This makes it incredibly durable and allows it to behave like 14k gold. It will not tarnish or wear off with daily wear, and will have all of the hypoallergenic properties of gold. By comparison the gold layer in plated gold jewelry is 100 times thinner than that of gold filled.
So go ahead, wear it in the shower or anywhere your heart desires! It can take it.
*As we explore new products we may occasionally offer 18k gold filled options, this is the same process only using 18k gold in place of 14k gold.
CARE:
To clean use mild dish soap, warm water and a soft bristle toothbrush. Allow your jewelry to take a short bubble bath in the warm soapy water before gently giving it a little spa treatment with the toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry under warm water and then pat dry with a soft towl.
If you feel that it has lost a little of its shine you can use a polishing cloth to lightly buff it back to full brightness.
A quick note on other gold we use:
It is important to note that not all designs can be produced in all gold metal types (shown below) that are not solid gold. This is because the process of producing items in, for example gold filled, is limited to pieces that are fairly simple and can be formed or shaped from sheet metals. Complex designs like charms that you may see or accent pieces, are typically poured into a mold and then plated (like Vermeil over silver or a gold plate over brass). You may come across some items in our products that are either Gold plated or Gold Vermeil. In both cases we have been careful to pick components that we believe meet our high standard of quality. If you have any questions about these items please contact us at fleurtationsjewelry@gmail.com
Here you can see the difference in the layers of gold present in 14k vs
Sterling Silver & Hill Tribe Silver
Our silver is .925 Sterling Silver which is also considered a hypoallergenic metal. It is 92.5 % pure silver with the remaining 7.5% usually being made up of copper. It is durable and while it may tarnish can be restored to full brighness and shine with proper cleaning.
CARE
To clean you can use a sterling silver liquid cleaner or a sunshine polishing cloth. Sterling Silver does tarnish naturally when left in humid areas or exposed to air and light (such as bathrooms or bedside tables) this is normal and reversible with most silver cleaners. The silver will never rub off. To extend the time between cleanings, store silver jewelry in a jewelry box or with a strip of anti tarnish paper.
Thai Hill Tribe Silver
Hill Tribe silver comes from the mountains of Thailand and is traditionally worked by the Karen people. It is handcrafted using techniques handed down from generations of artisans. It has a higher silver content than sterling silver (95-99%), will be more resistant to tarnish, and is sustainably made.
Many Hill Tribe silver producers work within fair trade frameworks, ensuring that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe, equitable conditions. This supports local communities, particularly in northern Thailand, where many of the Hill Tribes are located, and provides them with sustainable income opportunities. maintaining the traditions of artistry and cultural sustainability. The silver is often locally sourced, may be recycled or refined and helps to reduce environmental impact.
I have had the great pleasure to personally source the Hill tribe pieces I use from a Karen Family in Chang Mei, Thailand.
CARE
Fresh water Pearls
Our pearls are freshwater pearls, which means that they are farmed rather than found. Freshwater pearls come from oysters that mature in non-salt water. They are farmed by placing a small irritant such as a piece of sand into the muscle tissue of the oyster and then allowing the natural calcium-carbonate to build up also known as nacer. Pearls are sorted into grades by the quality of their nacer. The pearls we use are of the highest quality (AAA).
Because freshwater pearls have a thicker nacre layer than many saltwater pearls, they tend to be more durable. This makes them suitable for everyday wear without as much risk of chipping or damage.
CARE
To care for pearl's delicate shine its best to use gentle methods. Use a mild soap like baby shampoo or gentle hand soap mixed with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and gently wipe the pearls carefully. YOu may use a polishing cloth to clean the surround or near by metals. We love Sunshine polishing cloths.
Semi Prescious Gemststones
Each piece in our collection is crafted with exquisite semi-precious gemstones, hand-selected for their unique beauty and timeless elegance. These stones, formed over centuries by nature's artistry, offer an extraordinary palette of colors, from soft pastels to rich, vibrant hues, making each piece a true work of art.
Our semi-precious gemstones are chosen not only for their captivating appearance but also for their individuality — no two stones are exactly alike. Each gemstone is a testament to the beauty found in nature's diversity.
CARE
Mix a few drops of gentle soap (like dish soap) with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush into the solution, and gently clean the surface of the stone.
Avoid soaking semi-precious stones for long periods, especially those that are porous, like turquoise or opal, as they can absorb water and become damaged.