When I first began Auréad Designs, I set a clear intention: to work only with gold-filled and sterling silver. These metals have always felt like the gold standard for jewelry that is both lasting and lovingly handmade.
But as time went on, I watched precious metal prices rise sharply. Gold alone climbed by more than 30% in 2024, and by March 2025, it had reached record levels above $3,000 per ounce. Silver, too, soared, more than doubling in price. Suddenly, the gold-filled and sterling silver I relied on became more expensive than what was accessible. I found myself at a crossroads: either raise prices beyond what seemed right for my customers, or seek out alternative metals that could still honor my standards for quality and integrity.
I wanted to share what I’ve learned through this shift. In this post, I’ll walk you through each metal I use or am exploring for Auréad Designs, discussing its qualities and why I’ve chosen it. When you choose handmade jewelry, you deserve to know exactly what you’re bringing into your collection.
1. Gold Filled
Gold-filled is the closest alternative to solid gold, without the price tag. It's made by pressure-bonding a thick layer of real gold to a brass core under heat. The gold must make up at least 5% of the item's total weight. This makes it much more substantial than any plated option. Gold-filled pieces can last years, even decades, with normal wear. The gold won't rub off the way plating does.
Gold-filled is wonderfully durable, resistant to tarnish, and gentle on most sensitive skin. It’s still my favorite choice for clasps and findings. Those little details where lasting beauty matters most.
You’ll find gold-filled clasps and findings woven throughout many Auréad Designs necklaces. Now, let’s turn to the other precious metal I hold in high regard.
2. Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. It is alloyed with other metals, usually copper, for added strength. This classic material has a long history in fine jewelry. It's the standard for high-quality white metal components, including findings and pendants.
Sterling silver continues to play a special role in Auréad Designs, especially for pendants that call for its unique qualities. Whenever I use a sterling silver pendant, I pair it with matching findings so each piece looks harmonious. You’ll see this in designs like Lunamar, where each detail is thoughtfully coordinated in sterling.
The main reason I don’t use sterling silver even more often is simply cost. Like gold, its price has climbed, and using it throughout a piece would mean raising prices higher than I feel comfortable with. When you see sterling silver in my work, it’s always because it truly feels like the right choice for that design.
3. Gold Plated Stainless Steel
This is where I like to be careful with words, because not all gold plating is created equal. Gold plating means adding a thin layer of gold to a base metal, but the quality and durability depend so much on what’s underneath.
I never use gold-plated nickel or alloy base metals in Auréad Designs. These materials can tarnish, irritate skin, and lose their gold layer far too quickly. That simply isn’t the standard I believe in.
Instead, I use gold-plated stainless steel. The base metal truly makes all the difference. Stainless steel is strong, hypoallergenic, and highly corrosion-resistant. Gold-plated stainless steel won’t turn your skin green, and it holds up to daily wear much better than plating on softer metals. Its stable foundation is what sets it apart.
Gold-plated stainless steel became a way for me to keep pieces both beautiful and accessible, even as gold-filled costs rose. It’s not a shortcut, but a thoughtful alternative that still honors quality. Now, let’s explore how new technologies like PVD are opening up fresh possibilities.
4. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
PVD is a process in which a very thin, extremely hard metal layer is bonded to stainless steel in a vacuum. Vaporized metal particles create this layer. The result is a finish far more durable than traditional gold plating. PVD is scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and long-lasting. When you see jewelry marketed as tarnish-proof or waterproof gold, PVD is usually what's behind that claim.
Through my research, I found that PVD-coated stainless steel is regularly chosen for high-end jewelry and watches, and for good reason. It brings together the strength of stainless steel with a finish that truly lasts. It’s a meaningful step up from standard plating.
Whenever I can, I include PVD components in Auréad Designs. Now, let’s look at how stainless steel on its own finds its place in my work.
5. Stainless Steel
Uncoated stainless steel is exceptionally durable, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant. It doesn't tarnish, and it doesn't require special care.
To create a silver look that’s both beautiful and accessible, I use silver-finish stainless steel findings. This helps keep silver-toned designs cohesive. Now, let’s bring everything together and talk about what this means for your shopping experience.
What This Means When You Shop Auréad Designs
Every material decision I make comes back to a single question: Is this truly the best I can offer at this price, without ever jeopardizing quality or integrity?
Gold-filled and sterling silver are still the standards I reach for first. When I introduce choices such as gold-plated stainless steel, PVD, or stainless steel, it’s because these materials genuinely meet my standards for quality. They aren’t always the simplest or least expensive choices, but I’m proud to stand behind them.
What you’ll never find here: nickel or alloy base metals. They simply don’t meet the quality standards I want for Auréad Designs.
If you ever have a question about the materials in a piece you’re considering, you’ll find a full details section on every product page. And if anything isn’t clear, please get in touch. I’m always happy to share more about what goes into each design.
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