OUR MATERIALS
WHAT WE USE AND WHY
At GAIA, materials are not an afterthought. They are the first decision, because everything that follows from how a chain feels on your skin, to how it holds its finish and how long it lasts, depends entirely on what it is made from.
We only work with precious materials and natural gems. 18K Gold Vermeil or Rhodium Plating over Sterling Silver, each deserving its presence as an adornment on your skin every day. Gems from mother nature, nothing man-made.
18K Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil is for those who want the elegance and beauty of precious metals without compromising on quality. It is the difference between something that looks good for a season and something you live in.
At GAIA, our Gold Vermeil pieces are crafted using a generous layer of solid 18K Gold applied over a base of 925 Sterling Silver, not brass, not copper. Every piece is plated to a minimum of 2.5 microns, five times thicker than standard gold plating, for a finish that is richer, deeper, and significantly more durable.
For complete peace of mind, every GAIA piece is then sealed with an invisible nano-coating that protects your piece against humidity, moisture, and daily wear. You are not just choosing a beautiful accessory, you are investing in the uninterrupted confidence that your piece will stay beautifully luminous.
Rhodium Plated
Our Rhodium Plated pieces are crafted from a core of sterling silver, finished with a layer of rhodium for a bright, timeless shine strengthened for the pace of your daily life.
Every piece then goes through a second layer of protection. Our invisible nano-coating is applied directly over the rhodium, sealing the surface against moisture, humidity, and daily skin contact.
We chose this approach to preserve the beauty of your jewellery, allowing you to wear your favourite pieces with complete peace of mind.
Definitely. Gold vermeil uses a much thicker layer of solid 18K Gold over sterling silver, making it more durable and longer-lasting than standard gold plating, which is typically applied over cheaper metals such as copper or brass as the base.
At least 2.5 microns, five times the thickness of standard gold plating, which normally sits at 0.5 microns. More gold means a richer finish, better durability, and a piece that holds up to the kind of daily wear GAIA is built for.
Yes. In fact, that is the brief we designed for. Every detail, every finish, every coating exists for you to wear our pieces every day, not saved only for the right moment.
Yes, all our pieces are nickel-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free.
Yes, and we will tell you that upfront. Gold and silver are precious metals. They dull with scratches or through wear and tear over time, but our nano-coating slows it down significantly by sealing the surface against moisture, oxygen, and skin contact. When it eventually needs attention, return it to us. Restoration is complimentary for the first two years. After that, a small fee applies per restoration, per piece. We are still here either way.
Keep it dry: While our nano-coating is built for your life, your jewellery will always love being kept dry. Remove your chains before swimming or showering, and if it does get wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid chemicals. Apply first, wear last: Make your jewellery the final touch of your routine. Apply your perfumes, lotions, and hairspray before putting your pieces on to protect the finish from harsh chemicals. Avoid using chemicals such as hand sanitizers with them on too.
Clean it gently and regularly: A few seconds with a soft polishing cloth is all it takes to wipe away daily oils. A gentle, regular rub will keep the beautiful warmth and shine of your pieces exactly as they should be.
Store properly and individually: When you are not wearing your chain, keep it in the GAIA pouch it arrived in. Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. This protects it from the elements and keeps it perfect for its next outing.