Materials & Quality

Last updated: July 13, 2026

This page explains, in plain language, what our jewelry is actually made of, what terms like "gold plated," "gold vermeil," "rhodium plated," and "tarnish-resistant" really mean, how to care for each material, what counts as normal wear, and exactly what our warranty covers. For step-by-step cleaning and repair instructions, see our Care Guide & Repair Policy. For the full terms of our coverage, see our Warranty Policy.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a durable, corrosion-resistant metal alloy. In fine jewelry, it's valued because it holds up well to everyday wear, resists rust, and takes a gold or rhodium finish without the softness of precious metals like pure silver or gold. Stainless steel pieces at La Vie en Rose are either left in their natural silver-tone finish or finished in 18K yellow gold over the steel base.

925 Sterling Silver

925 Sterling Silver is a metal alloy that's 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which gives it strength that pure silver doesn't have on its own. It's a classic choice that's generally gentle on sensitive skin, takes a bright polish, and, like stainless steel, can be worn in its natural silver tone or finished in gold. Every gold-tone finish on a 925 Sterling Silver piece in our catalog is Gold Vermeil — see below.

What "Gold Vermeil" Means

Vermeil (that's pronounced ver-may) is a gold plating technique that dates back to the 19th century. While other jewelers plate over less durable metals, our vermeil starts with a Sterling Silver base and is plated with just over 2.5 microns of 18K gold to create a more timeless piece, worthy of the Demi-Fine name.

Every gold-tone piece in our catalog with a 925 Sterling Silver base meets this standard, and its product page lists the finish as "18K Gold Vermeil" under Details or Specifications. This also meets the U.S. FTC's definition of "gold vermeil": a sterling silver base plated with gold of at least 10 karat fineness to a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns throughout. Because it's a plated layer rather than solid gold, it should still be cared for using the guidance in "What 'Tarnish-Resistant' Means" and "Care by Material" below.

What "Gold Plated" Means

"Gold plated" means a thin layer of real gold has been bonded to the surface of a base metal. In our catalog, that base metal is stainless steel, and the finish is described as "18K Yellow Gold Over Stainless Steel" under that product's Details or Specifications. (Gold-tone finishes over a 925 Sterling Silver base are Gold Vermeil, not gold plated — see "What 'Gold Vermeil' Means" above, which meets a higher, legally defined plating-thickness standard.)

Because it's a plated layer rather than solid gold, the finish can wear thinner over time with friction, exposure to chemicals, or very frequent wear — see "What Counts as Normal Wear" below.

What "Rhodium Plated" Means

Rhodium is a rare, bright-white metal from the platinum family. "Rhodium plated" means a thin layer of rhodium has been applied over a base metal, usually sterling silver, to give it a brighter, more tarnish-resistant white finish than the bare metal alone. Not every silver-tone piece in our catalog is rhodium plated — some are left as bare polished stainless steel or sterling silver. Check the Finish field in the product's Details or Specifications section to confirm which applies to a specific piece.

What "Tarnish-Resistant" Means

Tarnish-resistant means the piece is designed to better resist discoloration during normal wear. It does not mean the finish is permanent or completely unaffected by water, chemicals, perspiration or friction.

All of the metals we use — 925 Sterling Silver and stainless steel, bare or finished in 18K yellow gold, gold vermeil, or rhodium — are treated to resist everyday tarnish and are water-resistant for normal use such as handwashing, light rain, and sweat. Remove before swimming, showering, or prolonged water exposure, and avoid chlorine, salt water, perfume, lotion, or harsh chemicals, which will wear down any plated finish faster than ordinary wear alone. Pearls are the one exception across our catalog — pieces featuring pearls never carry water-resistant or tarnish-resistant claims, regardless of the metal they're set in. See our Care Guide for pearl-specific care.

Care by Material

Stainless Steel & 925 Sterling Silver (bare, gold vermeil, gold-plated, or rhodium-plated)

Safe for everyday wear, including handwashing, light rain, and sweat.
Remove before swimming, showering, or prolonged water exposure, and avoid chlorine, salt water, perfume, lotion, and harsh household chemicals — these wear down any plated finish faster than normal use.
Wipe gently with a soft polishing cloth in one direction to restore shine. Avoid tissue or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
A silver-cleaning solution may be used only on bare, unplated Sterling Silver — never on a gold-, vermeil-, or rhodium-plated piece, since it can strip the finish.
Store in a dry, protected space, ideally in its original pouch or a lined jewelry box, and put jewelry on after applying perfume or lotion, not before.

Pearls (any setting)

Pearls are porous and are damaged by water, perfume, and lotion, regardless of the metal they're set in. Keep pearl pieces dry and remove them before handwashing, showering, swimming, exercising, or applying perfume and lotion. See our Care Guide for full pearl care instructions.

What Counts as Normal Wear

Some gradual change is expected with plated jewelry and is not a manufacturing defect:

Slight dulling or softening of a gold, vermeil, or rhodium finish after months of regular wear, especially with daily use.
Minor surface scratches from everyday contact with skin, clothing, or other jewelry.
Gradual color change on pieces exposed regularly to sweat, lotion, perfume, or chlorinated or salt water.
Slight stretching or loosening of chain links or clasps after extended use.

These are the ordinary effects of wear, not defects — the care steps above will help slow them down, but they're not something a warranty claim can reverse.

What the Warranty Covers

Pieces identified on the product page or your order confirmation as carrying our 1-Year Limited Warranty are covered against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of delivery. This includes issues such as loose stones, faulty clasps, or defective chains that trace back to a defect present when the piece shipped, even if it wasn't visible right away.

What the Warranty Does Not Cover

Normal wear and tear, discoloration, fading, or scratches — see "What Counts as Normal Wear" above.
Damage from misuse, accidents, harsh chemicals, unauthorized repairs, or not following the care guidance on this page.
Water damage to pieces featuring pearls, to Fine Jewelry pieces, or to any piece resulting from swimming, prolonged water exposure, chlorine, salt water, or harsh chemicals — see "What Counts as Normal Wear" above and our Care Guide.
Items lost or stolen after the shipping carrier confirms delivery.

This page is a plain-language summary for quick reference. The full terms, claims process, and timelines are in our Warranty Policy.

Still Have Questions?

Email support@lavieenrosejewels.com with your order number and, if relevant, photos of the piece — we're glad to help you figure out whether something is normal wear, a care issue, or a covered defect.