GEMS & METALS

Our Materials

Precious Gemstones & Semi-precious Gemstones

As a gemologist, Ratna carefully selects those stone suppliers who do not dye or alter the color of the stones. She has found some reputable dealers (mainly in India) who meet her criteria for “untreated” gemstones and deals mainly with them.

Pendants and Beads:

Ratna delights in finding unique additions to the gemstones such as artisan hand-crafted or vintage pieces from places as diverse as Russia, Tibet or Ethiopia…as well as vintage glass. She works with a variety of metals, and clearly marks those made with 14K Gold-Filled or Sterling.

(After completing each design, Ratna then cleanses and energizes each piece before it is shipped.)

What’s the Metal?

14K Gold-Filled (14KGF) (this is different than gold-plated which has a very thin layer of gold on the surface).  Gold-Filled is a process where a solid layer of gold (typically at least 5% of the item’s total weight) is mechanically bonded to a base of either sterling silver or some base metal.  It feels and wears like 14K and will not peel off!

925 Sterling Silver is an alloy of pure silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The Sterling Silver standard has a fineness of 925.

 Copper, Brass, Bronze and Silver Overlay The first three are solid metals while the silver overlay is usually a base metal with a Sterling or other silver plating on the outside of the metal.

Earring Wires

We mostly use and our preference is Hypo-Allergenic Surgical Stainless Steel as so many folks have discovered sensitivity to some metals, especially any plated or coated metals. However, we also use Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Filled earring wires on some pieces and those will be clearly marked. We can make any of the earrings with Sterling or 14K GF for an additional charge if replacing the stainless steel—just ask us about it.