Materials & Care

Handmade to last in 14k gold fill, sterling silver, and bronze. Every piece is made to order in our Orlando studio by a small team of jewelers. 

• Real metals: We primarily use 14k gold fill and .925 sterling silver, with bronze accents on select designs.
• Why it lasts: Gold fill has a thick layer of real 14k gold mechanically bonded to a core metal, far thicker and more durable than standard gold plating.
• Skin‑friendly: We don’t add or use nickel. Our pieces are good for most sensitive ears/skin
• Made to order: Crafted in Orlando; we build each piece for you. 

What we use (and why)

14k Gold Fill

What it is:

• A substantial layer of real 14k gold is pressure‑bonded to a core metal (often brass). By law in the U.S., the gold content must be at least 5% of the total weight.

How it compares:

• Gold fill vs. Gold plated: Gold‑fill has much more gold and a permanent mechanical bond; standard plating is a thin electroplated wash that can wear quickly.

• Gold fill vs. Solid gold: Solid gold is pure through‑and‑through (and priced accordingly). Gold fill gives you the look and long wear of gold at a more accessible price.

How it wears:

• With normal care, gold‑fill resists tarnish and fading for years. Chemicals and abrasives are the main things to avoid.

Care & Keeping

Deep care

• Gold‑fill: Warm water + mild dish soap, brief soak, rinse, pat dry. Avoid abrasive cloths and chemical dips.

• Sterling silver: Use a silver polishing cloth for tarnish.

• Bronze: Polish lightly with a soft cloth. If desired, a small amount of metal polish can brighten; avoid stone settings and rinse/dry completely.

Storage

• Keep pieces dry and separate: individual pouches/zip bags slow tarnish and prevent scratches.

Water, Sweat & Beauty Products

• Short, occasional contact won’t ruin your jewelry but for ultimate shine we recommend not spraying chemicals on it.

• If your jewelry gets wet, rinse with fresh water and dry fully.

Sustainability Notes

• We make pieces to order to avoid overproduction.

• Where possible, we reuse and recycle scrap metals from our bench work.

• We design for repairability: many components can be re‑soldered, re‑polished, or replaced to extend the life of your piece.

FAQ

Is gold‑fill “real gold”?
Yes—gold‑fill uses a thick layer of real 14k gold bonded to a core metal. The gold surface you see and touch is real gold; the bonding makes it far more durable than standard plating.

Will my jewelry tarnish?
Gold‑fill is highly resistant to tarnish; It may darken in some cases but can always be brought back to its original shine with a polishing cloth.

Can you repair or refresh my piece?
In many cases yes—contact us with a photo and order number. We love to keep our pieces in circulation.

Do you use real gemstones?
We hand‑select stones for color and character; exact stone info appears on each product page. Natural stones vary—no two are alike.

Materials at a Glance

Our Process

• Design → Fabrication → Finishing: We cut, solder, file, and polish each piece in our Orlando studio.

• Made to order: Building your piece when you order lets us minimize waste and customize sizing.

• Quality check: Every piece passes a final inspection for finish, fit, and function.

Questions?

If you’re unsure which metal is right for you, reach out—we’re happy to help match the material to your lifestyle.

Email: hello@shiftdjewelry.com
DM: @shiftdjewelry