Frequently Asked Questions - Luxe Silver Plate
Feel free to contact us if you still have questions after reading the information below.
- What is Luxe Silver Plate jewelry?
- How does silver plate compare to sterling silver?
- Is thick silver plate more durable than standard silver plate?
- Is Luxe Silver Plate a good affordable alternative to sterling silver?
- Can Luxe Silver Plate be oxidized like sterling silver?
- Is Luxe Silver Plate nickel free?
- How do you care for Luxe Silver Plate jewelry?
- Can you ship Luxe Silver Plate to the EU, UK, and Switzerland?
What is Luxe Silver Plate jewelry?
Luxe Silver Plate is our answer to rising silver prices without compromising on quality or beauty. Each piece has a solid bronze core finished with an ultra thick layer of silver plate. The result is jewelry that looks and feels like sterling silver at a significantly more accessible price.
How does silver plate compare to sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a solid metal alloy, 92.5% pure silver throughout. Silver plate has a base metal core with a layer of silver on the surface.
The key difference is the thickness of the silver layer. Most silver plated jewelry on the market uses less than 1 micron of plating. That is thin enough to wear away quickly with daily use.
Our Luxe Silver Plate starts at 8 to 12 microns before finishing. That is 8 to 12 times thicker than typical silver plate, and more than three times thicker than the FTC standard for gold vermeil (2.5 microns). The result is a plated finish with real durability and longevity.
Is thick silver plate more durable than standard silver plate?
Yes, significantly. Plating thickness is the primary factor in durability. Standard silver plate wears away quickly because the silver layer is so thin, often less than 1 micron.
Our Luxe Silver Plate uses 8 to 12 microns of silver before finishing. We invested heavily in research and development to achieve this standard. Most plating operations cannot produce silver plate this thick. The result is a finish that holds up to daily wear in a way standard silver plate simply cannot match.
Is Luxe Silver Plate a good affordable alternative to sterling silver?
For many customers, yes. Sterling silver prices fluctuate with the precious metals market. Our Luxe Silver Plate uses a solid bronze core with a thick silver surface, which brings the metal cost down considerably.
The savings vary by piece. On larger, heavier styles the price difference is most significant, because metal is a greater portion of the total cost. On smaller, lighter pieces, labor makes up more of the cost, so the gap is narrower. In all cases, you get the look and feel of sterling silver at a more accessible price point.
Can Luxe Silver Plate be oxidized like sterling silver?
Yes. One of the things that sets Luxe Silver Plate apart is that the plating is thick enough to oxidize. This gives it the same rich, dimensional finish we achieve in our sterling silver styles.
As with all oxidized jewelry, whether sterling or plated, each piece develops its own character. Variations in the finish are natural and part of what makes each piece unique.
Is Luxe Silver Plate nickel free?
Yes. Our Luxe Silver Plate is nickel free. The core metal is bronze, our high quality Italian alloy of copper and tin, with no nickel or zinc. For more information about our bronze, visit our Bronze FAQ.
How do you care for Luxe Silver Plate jewelry?
Luxe Silver Plate is durable, but the silver surface is a plated layer. A few simple habits will keep it looking its best.
Clean with a soft cloth only. Do not use polishing cloths with abrasives. Micro abrasions can wear away the plating over time. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, lotions, and perfumes. Remove your jewelry before swimming or bathing.
With proper care, your Luxe Silver Plate piece will maintain its beautiful finish for years.
Can you ship Luxe Silver Plate to the EU, UK, and Switzerland?
Yes. Luxe Silver Plate is nickel free and can be shipped to customers in the EU, UK, and Switzerland without restriction. This is different from some of our gold plated styles, which contain a nickel barrier layer and cannot be shipped to those regions. See our Gold FAQ for more information.