At Blonde aux Bijoux, we work with several types of metals: 3 and 5 micron French gold plated, solid silver, gold filled, gilded brass. But actually, what does this mean? To put an end to some confusion, here is a little glossary to help you see things more clearly.

- “Fine gold gilding”: the gold plating on a brass base has a thickness of less than 1 micron (often 0.5 microns). The jewelry therefore tarnishes quickly. - “Gold plated”: in France, the name “gold plated” meets strict legislation. This means that the gold plating is at least 3 microns, ensuring stability and durability of the jewelry over time*. French quality in terms of tackling is incomparable, it is the best in the world. - “Silver 925”: also called “solid silver”, 925 silver is therefore “solid” and not plated. - “Brass”: brass is the ideal base for French gold plating, it is a metal that “clings” to gold.* At La Blonde aux Bijoux, brass can be used raw or “gilded”. In this case it is gilded by electroplating. - “Gold filled”: literally meaning “filled gold”, gold filled is a metal treatment that comes from the USA. A solid gold envelope is hot-applied to a metal base (copper or brass). In terms of durability and solidity over time, it is the equivalent of our French gold plated.* - "Vermeil": the name "vermeil" concerns any piece of jewelry composed of a solid silver base on which we apply gold plating of at least 5 microns. It is a metal that holds up well over time.* In France, the legislation is strict and precious metals such as platinum, gold, 925 silver and vermeil are governed by the authorities via a hallmark of State. *** *Under normal conditions of use: for the plating or gilding of your jewelry to last as long as possible, it must absolutely not be exposed to water, creams or alcohol from perfumes.