Jewellery Materials & Care

Stainless steel or sterling silver? A plain comparison of tarnish, skin, durability, price and care, so you can choose the right metal for how you wear it.

Why sterling silver tarnishes, what speeds it up, and how to slow it down. Simple storage and cleaning steps that keep 925 silver bright.

The infinity symbol is younger than it looks. This guide traces it from the ouroboros and the endless knot to a 1655 maths treatise, compares zinc alloy with stainless steel through the metals in your zip and watch, and answers the questions buyers ask before choosing.

From silphium coins and medieval manuscripts to Edinburgh luckenbooths, the long story of the heart symbol - plus a plain guide to zinc alloy versus stainless steel using the metals in your zip, buckle and cutlery, and the questions people actually ask.

The spiral is the oldest symbol humans still wear. This guide tells its five-thousand-year story, compares zinc alloy with stainless steel using the metals in your zip, keys and cutlery, answers the questions buyers ask, and ends with a free JewelFreebies hands-on set.

A practical, academically grounded guide that teaches you how to identify jewellery metals at home. Learn to distinguish stainless steel, zinc alloy, silver, copper, gold and iron using simple tests such as weight, hardness, magnetism, sound and surface clues.

Magnetism in stainless steel is one of the most misunderstood topics in jewellery. A magnetic bracelet doesn’t mean it’s fake — it simply reveals which alloy family it belongs to. This guide breaks down 316L, 304, 201 and 430, explains why magnetism varies, and shows you how to test stainless steel confidently.

Zinc alloy, nickel, and iron may look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently in jewellery. Zinc alloy is lightweight and versatile, nickel is bright but often allergenic, and iron is heavy and prone to rust. Understanding these differences helps buyers recognise quality, avoid irritation, and choose pieces that last.

Authenticity in silver jewellery isn’t just about the metal — it’s shaped by how pieces are sourced, presented, and supported. As online marketplaces expand, the seller’s behaviour, clarity, and packaging standards become part of the trust equation. Temu’s UK launch in April 2023 introduced a fast, ultra‑low‑cost model with mixed quality control, while traditional MOQ‑based platforms like Alibaba still offer more stable supplier relationships. Understanding these differences helps buyers and small brands navigate the modern silver market with clearer expectations.

Learn the difference between 925 and S925 silver hallmarks. Discover purity standards, regional stamping, care tips, and how to verify sterling silver authenticity with confidence.

What does a hallmark really mean? In this post, we explore how UK hallmarking guarantees the authenticity of your 14K and 18K gold jewellery, why it's trusted worldwide, and how you can request certification directly from the Assay Office. Complete with visual examples and price guidance.