Materials & Quality
This guide offers a transparent look into the materials, standards, and philosophy that define the Elyssienna collection.
We partner with a select group of renowned American suppliers for their exceptional standards. Every piece is crafted from pure solid 14K gold. This ensures intrinsic value that will not fade, and a piece of jewelry destined to become a legacy.
Solid Gold vs. Its Alternatives
We choose solid gold for its absolute integrity. To illuminate why this distinction is paramount, here is a definitive guide to the common alternatives:
Gold Flashed / Washed (often less than 0.5 microns)
A micro-thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal. This process offers temporary color at the lowest cost, but the layer will inevitably fade or rub off after just a few wears.
Gold Plated (typically 0.5 to 1.0 microns)
A thin layer of gold is electrochemically bonded to a base metal like brass or copper. As the standard for fast-fashion jewelry, the plating provides a transient beauty; the underlying base metal will inevitably be exposed, often within a year.
Gold Vermeil (at least 2.5 microns)
A regulated, "demi-fine" category. In the United States, for a piece to be legally termed "vermeil," it must have a thick layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns of 10K or higher) over a sterling silver base. Its primary advantage is that the entire piece is composed of precious metals, making it ideal for those with sensitivities to base metals. However, it remains a surface treatment that can wear down over time on high-contact areas.
Gold Filled (5% of the item's total weight)
The term 'filled' is a misnomer; it describes a process where a thick layer of solid gold is mechanically bonded with heat and pressure to a brass core. By law, this gold layer must constitute at least 5% of the item's total weight, making it far more durable than plating. While a superior choice within fashion jewelry, it does not possess the intrinsic value or permanence of solid gold and is not a material used for true fine jewelry.
Solid Gold
This is the Elyssienna standard because its beauty is intrinsic. The precious metal is the same from the surface to the core. While it may gather the gentle marks of a life well-lived (which a jeweler can easily polish away), its fundamental integrity and color are never compromised. It will never reveal a different metal underneath. It is the unequivocal standard for fine jewelry of enduring value and integrity.
The Art of Alloying
The foundation of any exceptional piece is its material. The Elyssienna collection is exclusively crafted from solid 14K gold, representing the perfect synthesis of purity and durability.
14 Karat Gold
Composed of 58.3% pure gold, 14K is the definitive standard for fine jewelry. Its rich, vibrant hue and ideal durability make it the perfect material for signature pieces meant for daily wear.
Pure, 24K gold, while immensely valuable, is too malleable for practical jewelry. It would bend and scratch with minimal force, making it unsuitable for pieces meant to be lived in. This time-honored art of alloying, blending pure gold with stronger metals like silver and copper, is what gives fine jewelry its resilience and allows for the beautiful spectrum of colors. It ensures your Elyssienna piece is truly built to last.
When you choose Elyssienna, you are investing in a piece of art, defined by timeless beauty and uncompromising quality.