When you order a piece from Opiona you choose between three finishes: silver, gold and rose gold. It is a common question whether they are different metals. They are not — every piece starts as the same solid 925 sterling silver, and the gold and rose gold options add a plated layer on top. Here is what that means in practice.
What is 925 sterling silver?
Pure silver is too soft to hold fine details, so jewelers alloy it with a small amount of other metal — usually copper — for strength. Sterling silver is the standard alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, which is why it is stamped or described as "925". It is a precious metal through and through: if a sterling piece is scratched, more silver is underneath. Shop all 925 sterling silver jewelry.
What does gold plated sterling silver mean?
Gold plated sterling silver — sometimes called vermeil when the plating is thick enough — is sterling silver with a thin layer of gold bonded to its surface. You get the warm look of gold on a precious-metal base, at a fraction of the price of solid gold. Our gold finish uses 18K gold plating, a rich yellow tone that matches most gold jewelry you already own.
And rose gold plated?
Rose gold gets its pink color from a higher share of copper in the gold alloy. Our rose gold plated sterling silver follows the same construction as the gold finish, just with a rose gold layer. It is softer and more romantic, and it looks especially good on warm and olive skin tones.
Side-by-side comparison
| Silver | Gold | Rose gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base metal | 925 sterling silver | 925 sterling silver | 925 sterling silver |
| Surface | Polished silver | 18K gold plating | 18K rose gold plating |
| Look | Bright, cool | Warm, classic | Soft pink |
| Over time | Can tarnish; polishes back to shine | Plating gradually softens with wear | Plating gradually softens with wear |
| Best care | Polishing cloth | Gentle wipe only | Gentle wipe only |
How each finish ages
Sterling silver reacts with sulfur in the air and can darken over time — this is tarnish, and it is completely normal. A silver polishing cloth removes it in seconds. Plated finishes do not tarnish in the same way, but the plating is a thin layer, so friction, chlorine and harsh cleaners wear it down faster. Treat gold and rose gold pieces gently and they will keep their color for a long time. Our care guide explains exactly what to do.
Which finish should you choose?
- Choose silver if the wearer prefers cool tones, already wears silver or white gold, or wants the lowest-maintenance option.
- Choose gold for a classic warm look that layers with existing gold jewelry.
- Choose rose gold for a softer, feminine tone that stands out from everyday metals.
Buying a gift? Look at the jewelry the person wears most and match it. Explore every finish in our necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Handmade in sterling silver, personalized for you.
Shop the collection arrow_forwardKeep reading
