Materials & Care
We'd rather tell you exactly what you're buying. This page explains what Hollis & Eve jewellery is made of, what each material is (and isn't), and how to look after your pieces so they stay looking their best.
At a glance
| Material | What it is | What it isn't |
|---|---|---|
| 316L stainless steel | The base metal of every piece | Silver, or a precious metal |
| 18k gold PVD | A thin gold-coloured finish bonded to the steel | Solid gold, gold-filled or gold vermeil |
| Cubic zirconia | A lab-created stone | A diamond |
| Freshwater pearls | Real pearls grown in freshwater molluscs | Plastic or glass pearls |
316L stainless steel
Every Hollis & Eve piece starts with 316L stainless steel. It's a grade of steel widely used in jewellery: it's strong, it holds its shape well in fine chains and small hoops, and it gives a sturdy base for a gold finish.
The "L" stands for low carbon. 316L is an austenitic stainless steel containing chromium, nickel and molybdenum. Because it contains nickel, anyone with a known nickel sensitivity should take that into account. We won't describe our jewellery as hypoallergenic unless independent testing supports it.
18k gold PVD: what it means
PVD stands for physical vapour deposition. In a vacuum chamber, a thin layer of gold-coloured material is deposited onto the surface of the steel, building up a bonded coating. "18k" describes the gold tone of the finish we've chosen: a warm, classic yellow gold.
A few things worth knowing:
- It's a finish, not solid gold. The piece underneath is stainless steel.
- It's different from traditional plating. Traditional gold plating is usually applied by electroplating in a liquid bath. PVD is applied as a vapour in a vacuum.
- It isn't gold vermeil. Vermeil is a specific term for gold over sterling silver. Our pieces are steel, so we never use that word.
Like any surface finish, PVD can wear over time, especially where a piece rubs against skin, clothing or other jewellery. How long it lasts depends on how often you wear it and how you care for it. We'll only make specific claims about durability once we have independent test results to back them up.
Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia (often shortened to CZ) is a lab-created crystal, cut to catch the light. It gives a clear, bright sparkle at a fraction of the price of a natural gemstone.
Cubic zirconia is not a diamond, and we'll never call it one, or describe it as a "diamond alternative" in a way that blurs the two. When a Hollis & Eve piece has a little sparkle, the stone is cubic zirconia, and we'll say so on the product page.
Freshwater pearls
Where we use pearls described as freshwater pearls, they're real pearls, cultured in freshwater molluscs. Because each one grows naturally, no two are exactly alike: you'll see small differences in shape, size, surface and tone. We think that's part of their charm.
If a design ever uses a different kind of pearl, such as a shell or glass pearl, we'll name it exactly on the product page.
How to care for your jewellery
A little care helps every finish look its best for longer. These are good habits for gold-finished jewellery generally:
- Put it on last, take it off first. Add jewellery after perfume, hairspray, moisturiser, sun cream and fake tan, and let them dry first.
- Take it off for water and sweat. Remove your pieces before swimming, bathing, showering, cleaning, sport and the gym.
- Keep it away from harsh chemicals. Chlorine, bleach and cleaning products can damage finishes and pearls.
- Wipe it gently after wearing. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, toothpaste and jewellery dips.
- Store pieces separately. Keep each piece in its own pouch or compartment so chains don't tangle and finishes don't rub together.
- Be extra gentle with pearls. Pearls are soft. Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth, let them dry flat, and never use cleaning products on them.
Questions we're often asked
Is 18k gold PVD the same as real gold?
No. It's a gold-coloured finish bonded to stainless steel. The piece is not solid gold.
Is cubic zirconia a diamond?
No. Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone. It is not a diamond.
Can I shower or swim in my jewellery?
We recommend taking your jewellery off for showering, bathing and swimming. Water, soap and chlorine are hard on any finish over time.
Is your jewellery suitable for sensitive skin?
316L stainless steel contains nickel. If you have a known nickel sensitivity, please take that into account. We'll only use words like "hypoallergenic" if independent testing supports them.
Will my jewellery tarnish or fade?
Any surface finish can wear over time, and how quickly depends on wear and care. Following the care steps above helps. We'll share specific durability information only once it's backed by independent testing.
Have a question we haven't answered? Get in touch, and read our guide on how to choose an initial necklace.