What constitutes British hallmarked silver?

Sterling silver in the UK is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The copper toughens the silver and makes it possible to use for jewellery.

All of our silver jewellery is made in the UK from certified Sterling Silver. If our jewellery is over 7.78 grams in weight a stamp is required to confirm its authenticity. This is done at the London Assay office. A Louise Wade makers stamp is used plus a 925 stamp to indicate its purity.

Can you make your pieces in solid gold?

Yes - It is possible to make all of Louise Wade jewellery in solid gold. Pieces can be made in 9ct 18ct or 22ct yellow or rose gold and prices are available upon request. Please contact us for a quote.

What is Gold Vermeil and how long will it last?

Gold Vermeil is a style of gold plating which requires a minimum thickness of 2.5 microns of gold to cover .925 Sterling Silver jewellery. With care, our gold vermeil jewellery should last for many years. If however, you wish to have your jewellery re-plated at any point then please contact us for a quote. Likewise if you wish to have more layers of gold applied to your jewellery from the onset (i.e. additional microns) then please contact us before placing your order and we can arrange this for you.

What is rhodium and can you rhodium plate your items?

Rhodium is one of the world’s most valuable precious metals. It is silvery-white in colour and highly reflective. It is a very tough metal – the only way to dissolve rhodium is with sulphuric acid!

Due to its appealing silvery tone and incredible strength rhodium is often used for plating. White gold is often plated with a thin rhodium layer to improve its appearance while sterling silver is often rhodium plated for tarnish resistance.

All items of Louise Wade jewellery can be rhodium plated as an optional finish if required. Please contact us for a quote.