Plate III · Materials & Craft
The metals, stones and finishes we work in.
A short guide to what your collection can be made of, and how to choose. Every option below is offered through our partner workshops in Mexico and confirmed per project.
Gold, explained
Pure gold is soft.
Gold is alloyed with silver, copper or zinc to make it hard enough to wear and to bring the cost down. The karat tells you how much of the metal is pure gold: 24 parts out of 24 is pure, 14 parts out of 24 is 14k.
For fashion collections, most of our clients choose vermeil or plated pieces. Solid gold is available on request for fine lines.
| Gold plated | Gold vermeil | Solid gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Brass or silver | Sterling silver | Gold alloy throughout |
| Gold layer | Thin, specified per project | At least 2.5 µm, 10k or higher | Not a layer: solid metal |
| Wear | Best for fashion pieces | Everyday wear with care | Lifetime wear |
| Price point | Most accessible | Mid | Highest; tracks the gold price |
Finishes
The surface is where a piece catches the light.
High polish
Mirror-bright surface, finished by hand on the wheel.
Satin
Fine brushed lines that soften the shine and hide wear.
Hammered
Faceted hand-hammered texture that catches light.
Micropavé
Tiny stones set close together under magnification.
Engraving
Names, dates, logos or patterns, by laser or by hand.
Enamel
Coloured glass or resin fired or cured into recesses.
Stones
Gemstones and the stories they carry.
We set cubic zirconia, crystals and natural pearls as standard. Precious and semi-precious stones are sourced on request. Birthstones and their old meanings are often the brief behind a personalised piece.
Amethyst February
From the Greek amethystos, “not intoxicated”: worn to keep a clear head.
Diamond April
From the Greek adamas, “unconquerable”: a long-standing sign of lasting commitment.
Emerald May
Associated with spring and renewal since antiquity.
Pearl June
Grown inside a living mollusc; a symbol of purity and calm in many cultures.
Ruby July
Called ratnaraj, “king of gems”, in Sanskrit; passion and vitality.
Sapphire September
Linked with wisdom, loyalty and truth.
A Mexican classic
The hoop: where vintage meets modern.
Hoops are the most popular earring there is. They suit every age, every outfit and every price point, and they have been reinvented in every decade.
In Mexico the hoop has its own form: the arracada, a crescent-shaped hoop with roots in Mexican goldsmithing, often worked in filigree or as an open basket. It is one of the pieces our workshops know best.
See the earrings lineGifting
What a piece says when you give it.
A lot of the jewelry we make is given rather than bought for oneself. When you plan a gift collection, these old meanings still guide what people choose.
Ring
A circle without end: commitment, promise, belonging.
Necklace
Worn close to the heart: affection and closeness.
Bracelet
A bond around the wrist: friendship and support.
Earrings
A gift that frames the face, often chosen for milestones and celebrations.
Capability
General specifications
Line-specific details are on each product-line page.
| Parameter | Typical capability |
|---|---|
| Metals | 925 sterling silver · gold vermeil · gold plating over brass or silver · 10k / 14k gold on request |
| Plating colours | Yellow gold · rose gold · rhodium (white) |
| Plating thickness | 0.5–2.5 µm typical for plating; vermeil 2.5 µm minimum |
| Stones | Cubic zirconia 0.8–12 mm · crystals · freshwater and natural pearls · precious stones on request |
| Settings | Prong · bezel · channel · micropavé |
| Finishes | High polish · satin · hammered · oxidised · enamel |
| Engraving | Laser or hand; inside or outside; names, dates, logos |
| Hallmarking | Metal stamp (925, 10K, 14K) plus your brand mark |
| Packaging | Pouches, cards, boxes and gift sets under your brand |
Not sure which metal fits your price point?
Tell us your target retail price and who you sell to. We will suggest metals, finishes and stones that hit it, and sample the options side by side.