Materials Guide

All Love’s Labour’s Won jewellery is created with fine materials using either Sterling Silver, 22ct Gold Vermeil, solid 9ct or 18ct Gold.

Sterling Silver

The beauty of working with precious metals is they are long-lasting and recyclable! Where possible we use Ecosilver - an eco-friendly alternative that is manufactured using 100% recycled silver from the jewellery, giftware, medical & electronic industries. It has exactly the same properties as recently mined silver (and is hallmarked as sterling silver) but with all the eco-benefits of not contributing to dangerous, unsustainable mining. Where it isn't possible to use recycled silver (for example for most findings - earring posts, butterflies, clasps etc. and some castings) we purchase from a reputable supplier who is regularly audited to ensure only acquiring from regulated vendors. Silver can tarnish over time, especially if not worn every day and kept shiny by your skin oils. The shine can be returned to any piece with the help of a polishing cloth or polishing solution.

22ct Gold Vermeil

An affordable alternative to solid gold. The process of electroplating 22ct gold onto sterling silver. Measured in microns and the minimum requirement for Gold Vermeil in the UK is 2.5. All LLW’s Gold Vermeil pieces are plated with a minimum of 3 microns to stand the test of time. But they have to be treated with care. All Gold Vermeil jewellery should be taken off before sleeping, showering or exercising.

When you are not wearing your item, please store it in the box or pouch provided. If the plating dulls over time, give it a new lease of life by simply bathing your piece in a washing-up liquid and warm water solution and rubbing gently with a microfibre cloth to restore the shine.

9ct Gold and 18ct Gold

LLW’s creator Emily O’Dwyer is a Goldsmith with a registered sponsor's mark, so all solid gold (and sterling silver pieces over 7.8 grams) include a unique hallmark from The Goldsmiths’ Company London Assay office. It is a legal requirement in the UK for Silver items over 7.8g and solid gold items over 1g to have the UK recognised hallmark. You should always look for a hallmark before purchasing any solid gold jewellery! Please see the dealer’s notice here for more details on what UK hallmarks should include. We've worked with 9ct or 18ct white, yellow and rose gold - and love it all! Due to the handmade nature of our pieces, each design can be recreated in any metal option you wish - if it's not already an option on the website feel free to email emily@loveslabourswon.co.uk for a quote.