Most of the gold used in H&C solid gold pieces comes from a global supplier that is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. As a responsible, family-owned company, they drafted a company policy for the selection and verification of its gold suppliers. This is to ensure that none of the company’s worldwide production facilities processes precious metals or other raw materials from mines located in conflict areas, specifically in Congo.   

Over 80% of the solid gold used is recycled from secondary sources, for example, scrap and old jewellery all sourced from traceable, legitimate sources preserving human rights and biodiversity standards. A rigid compliance management system is also in place based on the pillars of Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility and Environmental impact.

For the plated pieces, these are all made from a 925 sterling silver base and plated with 0.25microns of 14k or 18k plating. Your silver pieces are rhodium plated (unless stated as sterling silver only) to make them extra bright and I chose 14k yellow gold plating as it is preferred in the Western world, 18k has a brighter yellow colour.

I would always recommend solid gold for pieces you want to leave in long term, they won’t tarnish for a very long time, and if and when they do, they will brighten up with a simple wipe of a jewellery cloth.  Another benefit of solid gold is that you don’t need to remove it for showering, swimming in the sea or pool, getting sweaty on the peloton etc!  Also, no issues with perfume reacting with it.  

Plated pieces are more delicate, it is exactly what it says, a colour plated over a base colour, therefore the more it is worn, it will fade over time.  The plated pieces have a 12 month guarantee if you look after them.

Most importantly, if you have a mix of colour metals, keep them separate, do not put white gold with yellow gold in a box/pouch, they are more likely to tarnish and this is a reason I launched the earring box and that I send your pieces out in pouches, so that you can keep them stored separately.