Materials

MONT values full transparency. Although shopping for silver can be simple enough, with lots of retailers selling jewellery under "gold" with little description or further details, you can often feel lost and confused as to what you are getting.

MONT uses the following;

*a common metal that is not considered precious, such as copper or zinc.

Sterling Silver

Pure silver is too soft to use in jewellery making. That is why Sterling Silver has a purity of 92.5%. The remaining 7.5% is made of copper or another metal (usually nickel or zinc).

Precious metals being sold over a certain weight must be hallmarked by law. Please see dealers notice for more information.

Gold Plate/Gold Vermeil

MONT uses 22kt Gold with all Plating and Vermeil.

Plating terminology is where things can become confusing for buyers. The thickness of plating is measured by a term known as micron(s). When constructing jewellery the thickness of plating is a preference, which can be applied onto a wide range of metals. The term "Vermeil" is defined as a heavier plating over Sterling Silver. "Gold Plated" can be a vague term when the thickness of plating and metal underneath is left to the jewellers discretion, making it hard to know if you are buying an item of quality. 

For clarity, all metals used will be clearly listed in the items description. MONT will be adhering to "Vermeil" as a term where an item is plated in a heavier layer upon Sterling Silver. The minimum plating to be classed as Vermeil is from 2.5 microns, which is our guarantee. Rings that are noted as Vermeil are plated with 5 microns at MONT, unless stated otherwise.

This being said, please do not be disheartened by the words "Gold plated" on this site... all materials have been well considered for wear, so you can get the most out of your jewellery and 2 microns is the standard minimum for Gold plated items at MONT.

Always remember, terminology aside, that all Gold Plating/Gold Vermeil has a shelf life, due to it being a coating and not a solid metal. This will vary for all, depending on the factors of jewellery care and storage. MONT uses one of the finest plating companies in London for quality and also offers a jewellery refresh service - price upon request.

Gold Filled

"Gold filled" (or "rolled gold") comprises a solid layer of gold (14k) permanently bonded to a base metal, such as brass. The minimum layer of gold must equal at least 1/20th the weight of the total item. It is very hard wearing and under normal wear the gold will not peel or flake, unlike gold plate, and is commonly used as a more economical alternative to pure gold.

Please note, alternative metals are available upon request.