The Orvielle Guide
Our Materials
Five materials, each chosen for how it wears. What's underneath matters as much as what you see.
| Material | Composition | Best For | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14K Gold | 58.3% solid gold | Everyday forever pieces | Lifetime |
| 10K Gold | 41.7% solid gold | Solid gold, accessible | Lifetime |
| 18K Gold Vermeil | 925 silver + 2.5µm 18K | Gold look, everyday wear | Accessible |
| 925 Sterling Silver | 92.5% silver | Cool-toned classics | Lifetime |
| Titanium | Implant-grade | Sensitive or new piercings | Lifetime |
Solid Gold
14K Gold
Solid gold throughout — not plated, not filled. 58.3% pure gold alloyed for strength, in yellow, white, or rose.
- Composition
- 58.3% gold (14 of 24 parts)
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes — nickel-free
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Tarnish
- Does not tarnish
- Daily Wear
- Yes
- Appearance
- Warm, rich gold tone. White and rose available
- Durability
- Lifetime. Colour runs through the metal, so it cannot wear off
- Recycled
- 91% recycled
- Care
- Occasional polish. No special routine
- Level
- Lifetime investment
Solid Gold
10K Gold
Solid gold at a more accessible entry point. 41.7% pure gold, alloyed harder than 14K — more scratch-resistant, slightly paler.
- Composition
- 41.7% gold (10 of 24 parts)
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes — nickel-free
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Tarnish
- Does not tarnish
- Daily Wear
- Yes
- Appearance
- Slightly paler than 14K
- Durability
- Lifetime. Harder alloy resists scratching
- Recycled
- 91% recycled
- Care
- Occasional polish
- Level
- Lifetime investment
Everyday Gold
18K Gold Vermeil
Sterling silver coated in a thick layer of 18K gold. A durable everyday alternative to solid gold — and legally distinct from plating.
- Composition
- 925 sterling silver base, 18K gold, minimum 2.5 microns
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes — nickel-free silver base
- Water Resistance
- Dry thoroughly after getting wet
- Tarnish
- Gold layer resists it; base is protected
- Daily Wear
- Yes
- Appearance
- Rich, warm gold tone
- Durability
- 2.5µm minimum — up to 14× thicker than standard gold plating (0.175–0.5µm). Years of daily wear with care
- Recycled
- 91% recycled sterling silver base
- Care
- Remove before swimming. Dry after contact with water
- Level
- Accessible luxury
Precious Metal
925 Sterling Silver
A cool-toned precious metal at an accessible entry point. Lasts indefinitely with the right care.
- Composition
- 92.5% silver, 7.5% alloy for strength
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes — nickel-free
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Tarnish
- Slows with regular wear. Polishes back
- Daily Wear
- Yes
- Appearance
- Bright, neutral, cool-toned
- Durability
- Lifetime wear
- Recycled
- 91% recycled
- Care
- Polish to restore shine. Regular wear slows oxidation
- Level
- Lifetime investment
Implant Grade
Titanium
Implant-grade titanium — the same material used in surgical applications. The safest option for freshly pierced or reactive ears.
- Composition
- Implant-grade titanium
- Hypoallergenic
- Yes — the safest option for sensitive skin
- Water Resistance
- Waterproof
- Tarnish
- Does not tarnish or corrode
- Daily Wear
- Yes — including sleeping
- Appearance
- Subtle warm-neutral tone
- Durability
- Extremely hard. Highly scratch- and corrosion-resistant
- Recycled
- 91% recycled
- Care
- None required
- Level
- Lifetime investment
Every piece lists its exact material on the product page. If you're unsure which suits you, reply to any order email — a person reads it.
