What to Know About Materials: Silver, Vermeil, Gold-Plated and More

What to Know About Materials: Silver, Vermeil, Gold-Plated and More

Choosing with Intention

When a bracelet carries a memory, it should be made to last.

For many of us, jewellery is more than adornment—it’s a reminder of where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and the places that still linger in our hearts. But when it comes to choosing a piece that will travel with you through seasons and stories, the material matters. Skin sensitivity, longevity, lifestyle… the details make all the difference.

At The Place, we design with this in mind. This guide is for anyone who wants to choose not just beautifully, but wisely.

How to Choose the Right Jewellery Material for Everyday Wear

Materials aren't just about appearance—they shape how jewellery wears, feels, and endures. The right material ensures your bracelet not only looks elegant today, but carries your story into tomorrow.

Think of the piece of jewellery you’ve worn the longest. What has kept it in your life—style or substance?

Why Rhodium-Plated Sterling Silver is the Best Everyday Jewellery Material

Sterling silver is a timeless choice. At The Place, we elevate it with a rhodium finish—a durable, tarnish-resistant layer that keeps your piece luminous with minimal maintenance.

It’s an ideal match for everyday wearers. It stacks beautifully, ages gracefully, and offers understated elegance that suits every chapter of your story.

Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time, especially when exposed to air and moisture—but it can be easily polished back to a beautiful shine. All our bracelets come with a complimentary polishing cloth, and we recommend giving your jewellery a quick clean every time you take it off.

One customer told us she hasn’t taken off her silver The Place bracelet in over two years—showers, flights, reunions, and all.

Even so, we always recommend removing your jewellery before swimming, sweating, or showering to help it last even longer.

18K Gold Vermeil vs. Gold-Plated: What’s the Difference?

Not all gold finishes are created equal. Here's what sets vermeil apart:

  • Gold-Plated jewellery typically uses a base of brass or copper with a very thin layer of gold—often less than 0.5 microns. It looks the part at first, but wears quickly.

  • Gold Vermeil, by contrast, begins with a solid sterling silver base and is plated with a thick layer (2.5 microns) of 18K gold—the perfect balance of luxury, durability, and skin-friendliness.

We use vermeil because it holds up to real life—travelling, working, parenting—while still offering the golden glow many of us love.

Why Choose Solid Gold Jewellery for Lifelong Keepsakes

There are some memories you never want to fade. For those, there’s solid gold.

All our custom pieces are made in solid 18K gold, built to be worn, loved, and passed down. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about legacy.

Solid gold won’t tarnish or wear through. It’s a lifelong companion, quietly accumulating meaning as time goes by. Whether marking a milestone, celebrating a new beginning, or honouring the past, it’s a material made for memory.

Jewellery Care Tips for Long-Lasting Wear

To keep your sterling silver, gold vermeil, or solid gold jewellery looking its best:

  • Always remove your bracelet before swimming, showering, or exercising.

  • Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals.

  • Store your jewellery in a dry place—ideally in a soft pouch or its original box.

  • All our bracelets come with a complimentary polishing cloth. We recommend giving your piece a quick clean each time you take it off.

  • Sterling silver may naturally tarnish over time, but it can be polished back to a brilliant shine with ease.

With a little care, your jewellery will age gracefully—just like the memories it holds.

How to Choose the Right Jewellery for Sensitive Skin and Everyday Style

Consider your skin: Rhodium and 18K gold are both hypoallergenic.
Consider your lifestyle: Do you travel often? Want a daily piece? Or a forever piece?
Consider your story: Are you marking a moment, or celebrating a lifetime?

A little guidance goes a long way. Not sure what to choose? Our collection offers thoughtfully crafted pieces in:

  • Rhodium-plated sterling silver – elegant, effortless, everyday

  • 18K gold vermeil – warm, rich, beautifully resilient

  • Solid 18K gold – timeless, heirloom-quality, made to last

Wear Your Story in the Material It Deserves

Jewellery isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it lasts—and how it makes you feel.

Whether you’re choosing for yourself or someone you love, know that every The Place bracelet is crafted with care, using only the finest materials. Because when a bracelet holds a piece of your heart, it should be made to last a lifetime

Explore our beautifully crafted collection of map bracelets here.

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