Popular Jewelry Materials Explained by LINK Jewelry you can feel good about wearing.

We believe jewelry should be customizable, beautiful, and honest. Here's everything you need to know about the materials behind your LINK pieces, how they wear over time, and how to keep them looking their best.

18k Gold Plated Brass

Our signature warm gold tone is designed to resemble the rich color and glow of solid 18k gold. Our pieces are beautifully crafted for everyday wear. They combine the elevated look of fine jewelry with the versatility and affordability that LINK is known for.

WHAT DOES GOLD PLATED ACTUALLY MEAN?

Our pieces start with a high-quality brass base - an alloy of copper and zinc. Each piece is then expertly electroplated - a process where an electric current deposits real gold ions onto the surface as solid gold. To help preserve shine and slow natural wear over time, we give each piece a protective anti-tarnish lacquer coating. The result is jewelry with the look of solid gold while being both durable and more affordable.

WHAT DOES 18K GOLD MEAN?

Our gold finish is crafted to closely mimic the warm, rich tone of 18k solid gold - that deeper, more vibrant yellow compared to the paler hue of 14k gold. While it isn't solid gold, the color has that same radiant warmth and glow. Although you might expect 18k gold to look identical everywhere, it can actually vary between jewelers, manufacturers and countries - even with solid gold pieces. Keep in mind that the appearance of the gold tone can shift depending on the design. Thicker chains and larger pendants have more surface area for light to reflect from, which can make the color appear slightly more yellow. We always do our best to make sure our photos reflect the true color of our pieces. Just keep in mind that color may vary slightly from device to device due to your screen settings and resolution.

WHY IS GOLD PLATED JEWELRY LIGHTER THAN SOLID GOLD?

Brass is 55% lighter than solid gold. This explains the weight difference you may be noticing. Our professional plating techniques ensure durability and beauty. It creates a similar look and style as fine jewelry, but without the high cost of solid gold.

At a Glance

18k Gold Color

Warm, rich 18k tone. A deeper, more vibrant yellow compared to the paler hue of 14k gold.

Water Resistant

Avoid prolonged water exposure. Remove before showering or swimming. Pieces hold up amazingly, so an occasional dip in the water is fine.

Long-Lasting Wear

Years of beauty with proper care. Designed for everyday wear with a long-lasting gold finish

Suitable for most Skin Types

The gold layer and protective lacquer create a gentle barrier between the metal and your skin. While we cannot guarantee completely nickel-free jewelry, any traces are minimal.

Care Guide — 18k Gold Plated Brass

Store in a dry place, ideally in airtight pouch or container
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing
Apply perfume and lotion before putting on your jewelry
An occasional dip in the water is fine.
Avoid swimming, showering, or heavy sweating
Avoid direct contact with perfume or cleaning products

Shop Gold Plated Collection

BRIGHT & CLASSIC

Silver Plated Brass

Our silver plated brass pieces are loved for their bright, clean silver tone and beautiful shine. They capture the look of sterling silver beautifully, and have a polished, elevated feel while remaining affordable.

WHAT DOES SILVER PLATED ACTUALLY MEAN?

The color of our silver plated pieces is designed to match our sterling silver pieces, because both are finished with a layer of pure silver. The difference is the base metal. Sterling silver has a solid silver alloy, while our silver plated pieces have a brass core with pure silver electroplated onto the surface and sealed with a protective lacquer coating. That is how we create the same beautiful tone, for an affordable price.

WHY IS SILVER PLATED JEWELRY LIGHTER THAN STERLING SILVER?

Our silver plated pieces have a brass metal core, which is slightly lighter than sterling silver - about 18% lighter. You do not really notice a difference when wearing them. Our high-quality plating process gives each piece the same elevated feel and polished appearance you'd expect from fine jewelry for an affordable price.

HOW DOES SILVER PLATED COMPARE TO STERLING SILVER?

The color of our silver plated jewelry is designed to match our sterling silver pieces. In fact, many sterling silver jewelry pieces - including ours - have a silver plated coating to help reduce oxidation and maintain a brighter appearance over time. It is hard to see the difference between the two.

At a Glance

Silver Color

Bright, luminous silver tone. Designed to match our sterling silver pieces.

Water Resistant

Avoid prolonged water exposure. Remove before showering or swimming. Pieces hold up amazingly, so an occasional dip in the water is fine.

Long-Lasting Wear

Years of beauty with proper care. The silver layer holds up beautifully day-to-day.

Suitable for most Skin Types

The silver layer and protective lacquer create a gentle barrier between the metal and your skin. While we cannot guarantee completely nickel-free jewelry, any traces are typically very minimal.

Care Guide — Silver Plated Brass

Store in a dry place, ideally in airtight pouch or container
Polish regularly with a silver cloth — it restores the shine completely
Apply perfume and lotion before putting on your jewelry
An occasional dip in the water is fine.
Avoid swimming, showering, or heavy sweating
Avoid direct contact with perfume or cleaning products

Shop Silver Plated Collection

TIMELESS CLASSIC

925 Sterling Silver

Whenever you see a 925 stamp (or S925) on a silver piece, it means it is made from genuine Sterling Silver. Sterling silver is loved for its bright silver tone and timeless beauty. As a precious metal, it is designed to be worn and enjoyed for many years. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time, but with occasional polishing and care, you can easily restore its shine.

WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?

Pure silver, like pure gold, does not tarnish. But pure silver is also incredibly soft so it cannot be used for jewelry making. To make it stronger an alloy metal is created by combining pure silver and a small amount of copper or zinc. This alloy with 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper) is called sterling silver.

WHY DOES STERLING SILVER TARNISH?

The addition of copper makes the silver stronger, but the copper is also the metal that tarnishes when exposed to sulfur which naturally exists in the air around us. Many day-to-day items such as soaps, perfumes, and foods (e.g. onions and eggs) also contain sulfur compounds. Other elements that will react with silver are chlorine, tissue paper (as this often contains acids) and the PH levels of our skin. Some people have silver pieces turn black overnight whereas others can wear it for years without a reaction. And some pieces may tarnish quicker or different than others. This reaction dulls or discolors silver, but fortunately the corrosion doesn't do any harm and can be cleaned by polishing.

IS STERLING SILVER WATERPROOF?

Sterling silver itself does not rust, but exposure to water can speed up tarnishing over time and cause permanent damage - especially when the water contains chlorine, salt, sulfur, or harsh minerals. Our sterling silver pieces are plated to help slow oxidation and keep them brighter longer, but we still recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure. • Fresh water: Occasional contact is usually fine, but dry your jewelry afterward. • Shower water: Soap, shampoo, and minerals can dull the shine over time. • Pool water: Chlorine can damage and discolor sterling silver. • Salt water: Ocean water can accelerate tarnishing and wear.

HOW DO I CLEAN STERLING SILVER?

Sterling silver pieces need to be polished regularly with a (silver) polishing cloth. If you let it go too long without polishing and your sterling silver piece has turned black, dull browny-red or a copper color you can use baking soda and aluminum foil to remove it. This is at your own risk. If you prefer to use a silver dip cleaner for your sterling silver or silver plated pieces make sure to read the fine print and follow the directions. Regularly wiping your pieces with a soft, clean cloth is recommended.

HOW LONG DOES STERLING SILVER LAST?

Sterling silver can last a lifetime with regular polishing and proper care. While it naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air, moisture, and chemicals, it does not structurally degrade and can be easily polished back to its original shine.

At a Glance

925 Silver Tone

Bright, luminous silver tone.

Water Resistant

Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time, but it can easily be polished back to its original shine. To help slow tarnishing and prevent permanent damage, avoid prolonged exposure to water.

Made to last a Lifetime

Sterling silver can last a lifetime with regular polishing and proper care.

Suitable for most Skin Types

Sterling silver may contain very small traces of nickel. Many people with sensitive skin can wear sterling silver comfortably, especially since our pieces are plated. This creates a protective barrier between the metal and the skin.

Care Guide — 925 Sterling Silver

Polish regularly with a silver cloth to restore shine and remove tarnish
Store in an airtight pouch to help slow tarnishing
Wear it often — the oils in your skin naturally slow oxidation
Avoid sulfur-containing products (some lotions, rubber, wool)
Avoid prolonged exposure to humidity and open air, which can accelerate tarnishing

Shop Sterling Silver Collection

HIGHLY WATER RESISTANT

PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel

Our PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel pieces are beautifully crafted, versatile, and affordable. The highly water-resistant finish helps maintain its shine and rich gold color over time with minimal upkeep. This makes it a perfect choice for rings and bracelets, which naturally come into contact with water more often than necklaces. Due to the stainless steel base, the gold tone is slightly darker than 18k solid or plated gold.

WHAT DOES PVD GOLD PLATING ACTUALLY MEAN?

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. This is a high-tech process where metallic particles are vaporized and bonded to a metal base inside a vacuum chamber. This gives an exceptionally durable finish. Our pieces are bonded to surgical-grade stainless steel. PVD plated stainless steel is also used in industries like aerospace and medical devices.

IS PVD GOLD PLATED WATERPROOF?

The stainless steel base does not tarnish or rust easily, and the PVD coating bonds the gold finish very strongly. This makes it very well suited for everyday wear and more resistant to water, sweat, and fading. That said, no gold plating lasts forever. To help preserve the color and shine as long as possible, we recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to chlorine, salt water, perfumes, and harsh chemicals.

HOW DOES GOLD PLATED BRASS COMPARE TO PVD GOLD PLATED STAINLESS STEEL?

Both materials are high-quality options, but they each have a slightly different look and feel. Our 18k gold plated brass pieces have a warmer, richer gold tone that more closely matches solid 18k gold and allows for more detailed designs. PVD gold plated stainless steel pieces have a slightly darker gold tone and are loved for their exceptional durability and water resistance. Both are designed for everyday wear. It simply comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and the look you love most.

At a Glance

Gold Color

Features a rich gold color with a slightly darker tone than our 18k gold plated brass pieces.

Highly Water and Scratch Resistant

The durable PVD coating helps protect against water, scratches, and everyday wear - making it ideal for daily life.

Long Lasting

Designed for everyday wear with a highly durable finish that helps maintain its color and shine beautifully over time.

Suitable for most Skin Types

The durable PVD coating creates a protective barrier between the metal and your skin. Stainless steel may contain very small traces of nickel.

Care Guide — PVD Gold Plated Stainless Steel

Designed for everyday wear, including water and sweat
Rinse with fresh water and dry after ocean or pool exposure
Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth as needed
Avoid abrasive scrubbing that could scratch the surface

Shop PVD Gold Collection

WATERPROOF

Unplated Stainless Steel

Our unplated stainless steel jewelry pieces are designed for everyday wear, combining exceptional durability with a naturally darker silver tone. Because the color comes from the stainless steel itself rather than plating, it is made to last beautifully over time with minimal upkeep.

WHAT DOES UNPLATED STAINLESS STEEL MEAN?

Our pieces are made from durable stainless steel with no silver plating added on top. This means the silver tone is the natural color of the metal itself, making it extremely long lasting and resistant to fading, tarnishing, and everyday wear.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO SILVER PLATED OR STERLING SILVER?

Unplated stainless steel has a slightly darker silver tone than silver plated brass or sterling silver. Because it is not plated, the color will not wear away over time. It is especially loved for its durability, low maintenance, and everyday practicality.

IS UNPLATED STAINLESS STEEL WATERPROOF?

Yes. Stainless steel is waterproof and does not easily tarnish or rust. It is designed to handle everyday exposure to water, sweat, and daily wear.

At a Glance

Silver Color

Features a naturally darker silver tone than silver plated brass or sterling silver.

Waterproof

Stainless steel is waterproof and highly scratch resistant - making it ideal for daily life.

Made to last a Lifetime

Because the silver tone is the natural color of the stainless steel itself, it is designed to maintain its appearance beautifully and last a lifetime.

Suitable for most Skin Types

Stainless steel may contain very small traces of nickel.

Care Guide — Unplated Stainless Steel

Designed for everyday wear — water, sweat, and daily life won't affect it
Rinse with fresh water and dry after ocean or pool exposure
Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth as needed
Avoid abrasive scrubbing that could scratch the surface

Shop Unplated Steel Collection

COMPARISON TABLE

Which material is right for you?

	18K GOLD PLATED BRASS	SILVER PLATED BRASS	925 STERLING SILVER	PVD GOLD PLATED STEEL	UNPLATED STAINLESS STEEL
Color Tone	Warm, rich gold color very close match to solid gold	Bright, luminous silver	Bright, luminous silver	Rich gold — slightly darker than 18k gold	Naturally darker silver tone
Waterproof	Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure	Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure	Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure	Highly water resistant	Fully waterproof
Tarnish Resistant	Good, anti-tarnish lacquer coating	Good, anti-tarnish lacquer coating	Tarnishes naturally; fully restorable by polishing	Excellent - PVD coating long lasting	No plating to wear away; color is permanent
Longevity	Years of beauty with proper care	Years of beauty with proper care	Lifetime with regular polishing	Long lasting - durable finish	Lifetime - designed to last
Skin	Most skin types; trace nickel possible; lacquer barrier	Most skin types; trace nickel possible; lacquer barrier	Most skin types; trace nickel possible; plating barrier	Most skin types; trace nickel possible; PVD barrier	Most skin types; trace nickel possible
Care Level	Moderate	Moderate	Regular polishing required	Low - minimal upkeep	Very low - wear & forget
Best For	Everyday elegance; warm 18k gold look	Silver look at accessible price	Lifelong investment; silver purists	Active lifestyle	Maximum durability

18K GOLD PLATED BRASS

Color Tone Warm, rich gold color very close match to solid gold

Waterproof Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure

Tarnish Resistant Good, anti-tarnish lacquer coating

Longevity Years of beauty with proper care

Skin Most skin types; trace nickel possible; lacquer barrier

Care Level Moderate

Best For Everyday elegance; warm 18k gold look

SILVER PLATED BRASS

Color Tone Bright, luminous silver

Waterproof Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure

Tarnish Resistant Good, anti-tarnish lacquer coating

Longevity Years of beauty with proper care

Skin Most skin types; trace nickel possible; lacquer barrier

Care Level Moderate

Best For Silver look at accessible price

925 STERLING SILVER

Color Tone Bright, luminous silver

Waterproof Occasional dip fine; avoid prolonged exposure

Tarnish Resistant Tarnishes naturally; fully restorable by polishing

Longevity Lifetime with regular polishing

Skin Most skin types; trace nickel possible; plating barrier

Care Level Regular polishing required

Best For Lifelong investment; silver purists

PVD GOLD PLATED STEEL

Color Tone Rich gold — slightly darker than 18k gold

Waterproof Highly water resistant

Tarnish Resistant Excellent - PVD coating long lasting

Longevity Long lasting - durable finish

Skin Most skin types; trace nickel possible; PVD barrier

Care Level Low - minimal upkeep

Best For Active lifestyle

UNPLATED STAINLESS STEEL

Color Tone Naturally darker silver tone

Waterproof Fully waterproof

Tarnish Resistant No plating to wear away; color is permanent

Longevity Lifetime - designed to last

Skin Most skin types; trace nickel possible

Care Level Very low - wear & forget

Best For Maximum durability

A note from Be (Boukje), Founder & Owner

We believe beautiful, high-quality jewelry should come with honesty about its materials

Every LINK piece is thoughtfully designed to balance beauty, versatility, quality, and affordability. We carefully select our materials and finishes to create pieces that are made to be worn and enjoyed every day.

It's important to us to be honest and transparent about the materials we use across our collections. We want you to know what each piece is made of, how it wears over time, and how to care for it, so you know what to expect from your LINK jewelry. We promise genuine quality, fair pricing, and a team that's always here if you have questions. We back every purchase with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy because we truly stand behind what we make.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ SECTION

Will my jewelry turn my skin green?

Our plated pieces are finished with a protective coating that creates a barrier between the metal and your skin, making discoloration extremely rare. However, our skin chemistry is unique and moisture, lotions, and sweat can affect how jewelry reacts from person to person.

Can I shower in my LINK pieces?

Our PVD gold plated stainless steel is highly water resistant and our unplated stainless steel pieces are waterproof. That said, no gold finish lasts forever. To help preserve the color and shine as long as possible, we recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to chlorine, salt water, perfumes, and harsh chemicals.

For our plated brass and sterling silver pieces, we recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure to help preserve their shine and finish over time.

Why does my silver piece tarnish?

Tarnishing is a completely natural reaction that happens when 925 sterling silver is exposed to air, moisture, and everyday elements. Because our silver plated brass pieces have a sterling silver layer, they can naturally tarnish over time as well. This is not a defect - it’s a normal characteristic of genuine silver. A quick polish with a silver cloth helps restore shine and brightness.

What makes PVD gold plating different from regular gold plating?

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a high-tech coating process that bonds the finish strongly to its stainless steel metal base. This leads to an exceptionally durable, water-resistant finish designed to withstand everyday wear. Due to the stainless steel base the gold color is slightly darker than 18k solid or plated gold.

Which material is best for sensitive skin?

Many people with sensitive skin comfortably wear our stainless steel, plated brass, and plated sterling silver pieces. While we cannot guarantee completely nickel-free jewelry, any traces are typically very minimal. Our coatings also create a protective barrier between the metal and your skin.

Build your perfect LINK

Now that you know the materials, find the pieces that fit your life.

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Still have questions? Email us at contact@linknecklaces.com or call/text us on 914-222-0609. We're always happy to help you find exactly the right piece.