About Our Material
At Suna London, we believe in providing high-quality jewellery that’s not only beautiful but also durable and practical. That’s why we’ve chosen 18K gold-plated stainless steel as our signature material. Here’s why it stands out and why it’s a great choice for your jewellery collection.
What Makes 18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Special?
- Water-Resistant: Our 18K gold-plated stainless steel can handle everyday splashes and moisture. It’s perfect for daily wear, but not meant for submerging in water, like swimming or showering.
- Tarnish-Resistant: Thanks to the stainless steel base, this material resists tarnishing, so your pieces will stay looking beautiful for longer.
- Durable & Strong: Stainless steel is one of the most durable metals out there, providing strength and long-lasting wear. Plus, it’s resistant to scratches and dents.
- Not Guaranteed Hypoallergenic: While stainless steel is often safe for sensitive skin, we can’t guarantee it’s completely hypoallergenic due to the possibility of contamination from other metals during the plating process.
Why Choose 18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Over Other Materials?
We’ve compared our 18K gold-plated stainless steel to other popular jewellery materials, so you can see the difference.
| Feature | 18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel | Gold Vermeil | Brass-Plated | Solid Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Stainless Steel | Sterling Silver | Brass | Solid Gold |
| Durability | High – resists scratches, dents, and daily wear | Moderate – soft metal, prone to scratches | Low – can bend or tarnish easily | High – very durable, but expensive |
| Tarnish Resistance | Excellent – stainless steel resists tarnishing | Moderate – sterling silver tarnishes over time | Low – brass tarnishes quickly | Excellent – doesn’t tarnish |
| Hypoallergenic | Not guaranteed – Generally hypoallergenic but may contain traces of other metals | Generally hypoallergenic, but can cause irritation in some | Not hypoallergenic – may cause irritation | Generally hypoallergenic (gold itself) |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant (not waterproof) | Not water-resistant | Not water-resistant | Water-resistant (depending on karat) |
| Maintenance | Low – minimal cleaning required | Moderate – needs care to prevent tarnishing | High – needs frequent cleaning | Low – solid gold is easy to maintain |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive | Affordable | Expensive |
Why Stainless Steel Gold-Plated Jewellery is a Smart Choice
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Better Than Gold Vermeil: While gold vermeil uses a sterling silver base, which is softer and tarnishes over time, 18K gold-plated stainless steel is more durable and tarnish-resistant. Plus, it’s more affordable and requires less maintenance.
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Better Than Brass: Brass-plated jewellery can tarnish quickly, often leaving a greenish or discolored stain on the skin. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is much more resistant to corrosion, making it a better long-term choice.
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Better Than Solid Gold: Solid gold is undoubtedly luxurious, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Our 18K gold-plated stainless steel offers a similar luxurious gold finish at a fraction of the cost, with excellent durability and water resistance.
Care for Your 18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Jewellery
While it’s low-maintenance, taking care of your jewellery will ensure it stays looking beautiful:
- Avoid prolonged water exposure: As it’s water-resistant but not waterproof, remove jewellery before swimming or showering.
- Store safely: Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place, ideally in a pouch or box to avoid scratches.
- Clean gently: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe your jewellery to maintain its shine. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the plating.
In Conclusion
18K gold-plated stainless steel offers the perfect balance of durability, water resistance, tarnish resistance, and affordable luxury. It’s a smart alternative to more expensive or less durable materials like gold vermeil, brass, or solid gold, making it a fantastic choice for everyday wear.