Question 1

What metals are used with your permanent jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Our permanent jewelry is crafted from high-quality materials such as sterling silver, 14k gold filled, stainless steel and precious gemstones to ensure durability and elegance. Gemstones do vary by nature, and do not always look the same. Some of our charms and/or connectors are made from cubic zirconia or other imitation materials, and are not actual gemstones.

Due to the higher price point of 14k gold, and the lower demand for Rose Gold, we do not keep these metals stocked, however we can take custom orders for 14k gold or rose gold chains and charms / connectors with a non-refundable retainer.

Please note: We will never offer gold plated jewelry for our permanent collection, as it is known to tarnish quickly and not sustain the test of time. On the rare occasion we do have anything plated, these pieces will be identified, and will not be intended for everyday wear.

Question 2

How can I clean my permanent jewelry at home?

Accepted Answer

You can clean your permanent jewelry at home by using mild soap and warm water. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners to maintain the shine and quality of your jewelry.

See / download our Care Instructions below:

Question 3

Is permanent jewelry really permanent?

Accepted Answer

Most permanent jewelry lacks a clasp, and hence cannot be taken off as easily as traditional jewelry. However, it can be removed if necessary, by cutting the jump ring with wire cutters, small (sharp) scissors, or a sharp pair of nail clippers, ideally at the weld site.

While permanent jewelry is designed to be long-lasting and durable, it is not indestructible and may require occasional maintenance to retain its original beauty and quality. Proper care and cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your permanent jewelry. Lifestyle plays a big role in the longevity of your permanent jewelry.

Question 4

Is permanent jewelry TSA safe?

Accepted Answer

Permanent jewelry is generally TSA safe, but it's recommended to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for specific regulations on jewelry items before traveling. Avoid wearing excessive metal jewelry to expedite the security screening process.

Question 5

What if I need an MRI or surgery?

Accepted Answer

Permanent jewelry will unfortunately need to be removed if you will be having an MRI or surgery. If this is the case, however, no problem! So long as the piece is properly removed (we'd be happy to do this for you!), we will re-weld it back on at no cost once you're ready for it again.

Question 6

Do you offer gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Permanent jewelry is a great gift, and we'd be happy to prepare a gift certificate for you. We can write one out in person, or these can be mailed out as well.

Question 7

Can you resize my piece?

Accepted Answer

At the time of your appointment, we will custom fit the piece of your choice to your desired location and make sure that you're happy with it before welding. Our metals do stretch slightly, however this is accounted for during the fitting. If it were to get snagged, it may stretch more. If you decide after the fact that you'd like a tighter fit, we can make adjustments (there may be a cost associated with this option), however if you're wanting a looser fit, a new piece would need to be purchased. Scrap metal from an old piece can be repurposed to a different (smaller) location (i.e. a necklace to an anklet or bracelet), or can be turned into earrings for a minimal fee.

Question 8

What payment forms are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made with cash, check, Apple Pay, Google Pay, any major credit card, or a gift card. Contact information is gathered at the time of purchase in case a payment fails. Please note, there is a $40 insufficient funds fee for bounced checks.

Question 9

Do you offer 14k gold jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer 14k gold jewelry on special order. Because this is a more expensive metal, it's not something we keep on hand. If you'd like a piece made of 14k gold, let's connect and find a special piece for you! This will require a non-refundable retainer prior to ordering.

Question 10

Do you offer Rose Gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer rose gold jewelry on special order. Because this is a less requested metal, it's not something we keep on hand. If you'd like a piece made of rose gold, let's connect and find a special piece for you! This will require a non-refundable retainer prior to ordering.

Question 11

My skin is very sensitive and is easily irritated by metals -- are your metals hypoallergenic?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver and gold filled jewelry are generally considered hypoallergenic for most people, but they can sometimes cause reactions in individuals with very sensitive skin or specific metal allergies.

STERLING SILVER:  Pure silver itself is hypoallergenic, but sterling silver is an alloy, typically 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, often copper. Being silver is too soft to use in jewelry, it uses an alloy metal for strength and durability. Copper is the most common metal used in sterling silver, because it too is hypoallergenic. Therefore, for most people, sterling silver is safe and unlikely to cause irritation. However, some people with sensitive skin may react to the small amounts of copper or other metals in sterling silver. Unna Jewelry Co only buys 92.5% (or often seen as .925) sterling silver products, that contain 92.5% pure silver.

GOLD FILLED:  Gold filled jewelry has a thick layer of real gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, usually brass. This gold layer is much thicker than gold plating, making gold filled jewelry more durable and resistant to tarnishing. It's usually well tolerated and hypoallergenic for most people, though those with extreme sensitivity to base metals like brass may experience irritation.

For the highest hypoallergenic properties, pure metals like 14K or higher karat gold, titanium and platinum tend to be the safest choices. Unna Jewelry Co always has sterling silver and gold filled jewelry on hand, and can also take special orders for 14k gold or rose gold options.

Question 12

What is rhodium?

Accepted Answer

Rhodium is a rare, silver-white metal in the platinum family, known for it's brilliant reflective finish and durability. It is primarily used as a plating for jewelry, especially on white gold and silver, to enhance shine and prevent tarnishing. Rhodium plating also offers an extra layer of protection, making jewelry more scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic.

Due to it's rarity and high cost, rhodium is usually only applied as a thin layer, rather than being used as a solid metal in jewelry. The plating can wear off over time, especially on pieces that experience heavy wear, but it can be reapplied as needed to maintain the jewelry's appearance. Unna Jewelry Co is unable to reapply rhodium at this time and would recommend an established jeweler.

Question 13

Can I bring my child in for permanent jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Unna Jewelry Co does offer jewelry for kids. Though there isn't an age limit, we'd suggest they be at least 4 years of age. Clasps are offered for free for kids under 10. Anyone under 18 will need a parent present, who will need to sign the authorization. 18 years and older can sign for themselves, with no parent present.

Question 14

What are the differences between standard gold plated jewelry and ion plated (or vacuum plated) stainless steel at Unna Jewelry Co?

Accepted Answer

At Unna Jewelry Co, we offer a variety of exquisite custom jewelry options, including ion plated (or vacuum plated) stainless steel items. We do not offer standard gold plated jewelry, as it is not an ideal option for permanent jewelry*. Understanding the differences between these types of plating is important:

1. WHAT IT IS:  
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry: A thin layer of gold is electroplated (chemically bonded via electric current) onto a base metal — often brass, copper, or silver.
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel: A high-tech method of bonding a layer of metal (e.g., titanium nitride, gold, rose gold) to a stainless steel base using a vacuum chamber and plasma or ionized gas.

2. THE PROCESS:    
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry:
Uses electroplating.
Base metal is dipped into a gold solution and an electric current deposits gold onto the surface.
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel:
Coating metal is vaporized in a vacuum.
Ionized particles are bonded atom by atom onto the surface at high speed.
This creates a very hard, durable coating.

3. DURABILITY:    
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry: This involves a thin layer of gold being electroplated onto a base metal such as brass or copper. While these pieces are beautiful, the gold layer can wear off over time, especially with frequent wear.    
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel: This process involves the physical vapor deposition (PVD) of gold onto stainless steel in a vacuum chamber, resulting in a much more durable and long-lasting finish. This method ensures a tougher bond between the gold and the stainless steel, making it more resistant to wear, scratching, and tarnishing.

4. APPEARANCE:    
- Both standard gold plated and ion plated jewelry have a visually appealing gold finish. However, ion plated jewelry tends to maintain its luster and appearance longer due to the superior durability of the plating process.

5. MAINTENANCE:    
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry: These pieces require more frequent cleaning and careful handling to avoid the gold layer wearing off. It's important to avoid exposure to chemicals and abrasive materials.    
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel: These items are comparatively low maintenance due to their resistance to tarnishing and scratching. They can handle a bit more exposure to various elements without losing their shine.

6. COST:    
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry: Generally less expensive due to the simpler electroplating process and thinner gold layer.    
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel: Typically slightly more expensive due to the advanced technology and durability of the plating process, but offers better long-term value.

7. PROS & CONS
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry:
  PROS
Low cost.
Looks like solid gold (initially).
  CONS
Very thin gold layer (usually ~0.5 to 2.5 microns).
Wears off easily with time, especially with sweat, friction, or water.
Not durable — prone to tarnishing and discoloration.
Can cause allergic reactions if the base metal is exposed.

- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel:
  PROS
Extremely durable — much more resistant to scratching and wear.
Coating is thin but dense and hard.
Hypoallergenic if using stainless steel as the base.
Water-, sweat-, and tarnish-resistant.
Longer-lasting finish (often years with normal use).
  CONS
More expensive than standard gold plating.
Limited options for repair or replating if damaged.
Slightly different luster than traditional gold.

8. TYPICAL USE: 
- Standard Gold Plated Jewelry: Fashion jewelry, short-term wear, costume jewelry.
- Ion Plated/Vacuum Plated Stainless Steel: High-end fashion jewelry, watches, stainless steel rings, luxury accessories, and wear-resistant coatings.

At Unna Jewelry Co, you can rest assured that your pieces are made with quality craftsmanship and stunning designs, perfect for any occasion. We provide personalized service to help you select the ideal piece that fits your style and needs.

*Unna may, on occasion, have select gold plated pieces, not intended for everyday wear, however these pieces will be identified.

FAQ