A short and shiny guide to the metals I use — and why they matter.
Whether you’re new here or already own a piece (or two!), here’s a little breakdown of the materials that have been used in Be the Summer's jewelry — what they are, what they’re good at, and where they’re headed.
Each material has been tested (on me first, always), and thoughtfully chosen with comfort, durability, and affordability in mind 💛
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1. 14k Gold-Plated Components
This was used in early practice pieces when jewelry was still a hobby in Singapore.
- 👍🏻 Inexpensive, widely available
- 👍🏻 Great for experimenting or personal projects
- 👍🏻 Pretty gold colour when new
- BUT
- ❌ Tarnishes quickly
- ❌ Plating wears off easily with skin contact, air and moisture exposure
- ❌ Not hypoallergenic
My thoughts: Great for beginners. But not for long-term love stories.
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2. 18k Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Components
Currently used as the main base for most of Be the Summer pieces.
- 👍🏻 Hypoallergenic
- 👍🏻 Strong and durable
- 👍🏻 Tarnish and water resistance
- 👍🏻 Affordable
-
🤔 Plating may wear off over time, and it returns to the original steel colour
My thoughts: Still my trusty staple! For materials where I observe plating wearing off sooner, I will look to replace those to Gold Filled over time for longer durability. For the remaining materials that has held up well, I will not replace them as they allow me to keep my creations more accessible for all ✨
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3. 18k Gold-Plated S925
Currently used in selected pieces.
- 👍🏻 Hypoallergenic for most
- 👍🏻 Lightweight
- 👍🏻 Moderate Tarnish resistance; requires polishing when silver is exposed
-
👍🏻 Still Affordable
My thoughts: A lovely option for special pieces ✨ Gold-plated S925 brings a touch of elegance, though it needs extra care to keep its shine — I’ll be using it selectively for special designs.
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4. 14k Gold-Filled Components (Finally here!!)
It's official, we have welcomed our first few designs crafted in entirely 14k Gold-Filled. See the collection here
- 👍🏻 Hypoallergenic
- 👍🏻 More Durable
- 👍🏻 More Tarnish-Resistance
- 👍🏻 More Water-Resistance
- ❤️ Great Balance between Cost and Quality
My thoughts: The exciting step-up! ✨ Not here in every piece yet, but already available for selected existing designs and our upcoming FW 2025 Part 2 Launch! 💫
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And What About Solid Gold?
Not quite in the mix… yet 😉 But one day? Maybe!
- 👍🏻 Best Quality
- 👍🏻 100% Tarnish-Resistance
- 👍🏻 Highly Water-Resistance
- 👍🏻 Hypoallergenic
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Each material I’ve chosen reflects a balance — between comfort, quality, and keeping designs accessible. I’ll continue learning and evolving as Be the Summer grows — and I’m so grateful you’re here for the journey.
– Esther