Materials + Care

What is Gold-Filled

All Nā Wehi jewelry pieces are made with 14K gold-filled for a high-quality finish at a more accessible price than solid gold.

Gold-filled is made by heat and pressure bonding a thick layer of solid 14K gold to a brass core. The gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal, creating a durable layer that is designed to withstand everyday wear. This bonding process, combined with the significantly thicker layer of gold, is what makes gold-filled jewelry much more resistant to wearing away than gold-plated jewelry.

Gold plating, on the other hand, consists of a very thin layer of gold applied over a base metal. With regular wear, this thin layer can gradually rub or wear away, exposing the base metal underneath. Once the base metal is exposed to air, moisture, and everyday products, it can oxidize and tarnish, potentially causing discoloration on the skin.

With gold-filled jewelry, the thicker layer of solid gold is permanently bonded to the base metal through heat and pressure, rather than simply being coated onto the surface like gold-plated. Because of this strong bond, the gold layer does not rub away during normal wear, helping prevent the base metal from being exposed and leading to tarnishing.

14K gold-filled jewelry is made for everyday wear and is safe to wear in water. With proper care, your Nā Wehi pieces can remain beautiful and be enjoyed for many years to come.

Care

14K gold-filled jewelry does not tarnish, rub off or turn your skin green, being perfect for sensitive skin. It can be worn every day and last beautifully for many years with proper care.

When the wrong chemicals are left on the surface of your jewelry, the gold can darken or become dull more quickly than it should. Avoid wearing your jewelry in pools and hot tubs as the chemicals in the water create a harsh environment for the jewelry pieces. Depending on your personal chemistry, you may want to avoid wearing your jewelry during sweaty activities such as working out, as the chemicals in your sweat can be hard on your jewelry pieces as well.

To properly clean your jewelry pieces, wipe with a soft cloth such as jewelry cloth, lens cloth or flannel. For a deeper clean, gently clean your pieces with mild soap and warm water to remove build up from sunscreen, sweat, etc. Dry your jewelry pieces well before storing.