Our Materials
High Quality Materials We're Proud to Wear
Our Materials
Our Materials
18k Gold Vermeil
Our 18K gold vermeil is 925 sterling silver that has been plated with 2.5 microns of 18K genuine gold - 5X thicker and more durable than average gold-plating. It is also hypoallergenic and free of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium. The following process is how we create high-quality gold vermeil jewelry:
1. Selection of Base Metal:
Sterling silver is the preferred choice of base metal due to its excellent compatibility with gold plating. The silver base provides a stable and receptive surface for the gold layer, resulting in a superior finish that accentuates the brilliance of the gold.
2. Thorough Cleaning and Polishing:
Before the gold plating process begins, the sterling silver components are meticulously cleaned and polished to ensure the absence of any contaminants. Ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning are used to remove dirt, oils, and residues, guaranteeing an immaculate surface for the gold application.
3. Precise Gold Plating Process:
Unlike traditional gold plating, where thin layers of gold are deposited, gold vermeil requires a more substantial gold layer. A carefully balanced gold solution is prepared, which typically contains a higher concentration of gold. This specialized solution ensures a luxurious, long-lasting layer of gold that will not tarnish or wear off easily. Skilled artisans carefully immerse the cleaned silver components into this gold solution and apply an electric current to facilitate the deposition of gold particles onto the surface. The plating process is repeated multiple times to achieve our desired thickness of 2.5 microns.
5. Polishing & Sealing:
For extra protection, we use an advanced coating technique that ensures the beauty of our pieces. This process is then followed by polishing to enhance the jewelry's overall appearance and luster.
925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver jewelry is a timeless and classic choice, but over time, it may tarnish and lose its shine. To combat this, we utilize an advanced rhodium plating technique that is followed by polishing and protective coating, enhancing the durability and beauty of our sterling silver pieces. Our sterling silver pieces are hypoallergenic and free of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium. The following process is how we create high-quality sterling silver jewelry:
1. Thorough Cleaning and Polishing:
Before the plating process begins, the sterling silver pieces are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, oils, or contaminants that might hinder proper adhesion.
2. Rhodium Plating:
Rhodium, a precious metal from the platinum group, is renowned for its brilliant white color and exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. In plating the silver jewelry is submerged in a rhodium electroplating solution. An electric current is then applied, causing rhodium ions to bond with the surface of the silver. This creates a thin but protective layer of rhodium, which transforms the silver's color to a brilliant white and provides a protective barrier against tarnish and wear, preserving the silver's original shine for extended periods - as long as proper jewelry care is taken.
3. Protective Coating:
Following the rhodium plating, a protective coating is applied to the jewelry. This additional layer acts as a shield against everyday wear and tear, helping to maintain the rhodium's brilliance and ensuring the longevity of the jewelry. The protective coating serves as a barrier against scratches, environmental pollutants, and oxidation, safeguarding the sterling silver beneath and preserving the jewelry's pristine appearance.
Gemstones & Pearls
All of our gemstones are responsibly sourced and primarily originate from Brazil, with the exception of some that have origins in Uruguay, Russia, or India. We also use natural freshwater pearls that come in a variety of shapes and sizes and originate from China.
Stainless Steel Watches
Discover Ptera quartz watches, crafted with high-quality 316L stainless steel. Known for its durability and strength, stainless steel is the preferred material for crafting watches. Our watches feature 316L stainless steel, which is a grade of stainless steel that is composed of 10.5% chromium, making it resistant to corrosion and providing a metallic finish. Additionally, it contains only 0.03% carbon, making it an ideal choice for high-temperature and corrosive environments.
PVD Plating. Our watches are coated with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to achieve a gold-tone, rose gold-tone, or silver-tone finish. PVD is a vacuum coating process that utilizes a titanium nitride to produce a brilliant, scratch-resistant coating that is highly durable and long-lasting.
Water-Resistant. With a water resistance rating of 3-5 ATM, our watches are splash-proof and can withstand rain and water splashes. However, they are not recommended for full water submersion.
At Ptera, we believe jewelry is meant to be loved and cherished. That's why 100% of our pieces are made with you in mind. Our goal is to provide high-quality materials befitting to leading luxury brands at half the price, without the crazy mark-ups and without jewelry that turns your skin green. You deserve beautiful, high-quality jewelry that doesn't break the bank. Shop our collection today.