Metals and Metal Abbreviations

Throughout the site you will see these references:
SS=Sterling Silver
14KGF = 14K Gold Filled

SS or Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver is composed of 925 parts of pure silver and 75 parts alloy; usually copper.

14K GF - 14karat Gold-Filled
GF (Gold Filled) is a process in which heat and pressure are used to permanently bond 14K gold to a core of brass or other base metal. This is a very durable metal and you can expect it to be tarnish free.

Pewter
Some (but not all) pewter beads contain lead and are therefore not recommended for children.

Vermeil
Vermeil or vermeille (pronounced either ver meel' or ver may') is a layer of gold plated over sterling silver.

Niobium
Niobium is an elemental metal, strong, yet flexible, and is slightly heavier than stainless steel. Niobium is chemically non-reactive. Most people with metal allergies do not have reactions to niobium. For an up charge, we can convert most earrings to Niobium earwires.