Every CÉLVAE piece starts with a 925 Sterling Silver base — the
same grade used by fine jewelry houses worldwide. "925" means the
metal is 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with other metals for strength,
since pure silver alone is too soft to hold its shape through
daily wear.

It's naturally hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant with basic care,
and substantial enough to feel like an investment piece — not
costume jewelry.

For our gold pieces, we apply 18K gold plating over the silver
base. Here's what that actually means: a real layer of 18-karat
gold is bonded to the surface, giving you the same warmth, color,
and richness you'd get from solid gold — at a fraction of the
weight and price. Solid gold jewelry in this size and detail would
run into the thousands; plating lets us offer that same look
without asking you to insure it before you wear it out the door.

Why silver as the base, instead of brass or another common
alternative? Silver is denser, more resistant to corrosion, and
simply feels better in the hand — it's the difference between
jewelry that feels "real" and jewelry that doesn't.

A quick note on longevity: like all plated jewelry — regardless of
brand or price point — the gold layer can wear thinner over time
with heavy daily contact (lotions, perfume, chlorine, friction
against skin or clothing). This isn't a flaw specific to us; it's
physics. The good news: a few simple habits can significantly
extend how long your pieces stay looking new. See our Care Guide
below.

Prefer the look of silver on its own? Every gold piece is also
available in solid silver finish — same craftsmanship, cooler
tone, zero plating to worry about.