Our Materials

Our jewelry is water-resistant and hypoallergenic to accommodate your lifestyle and everyday wear. At Mediterra, we avoid high maintenance and reactive metals like copper and brass. We produce our designs using 18k gold and rhodium plated stainless steel. Sterling silver or 925 silver is a copper alloy that is prone to tarnishing in the presence of oxygen and damp environments, which can turn your skin green, potentially causing more reactivity. There is no jewelry made from pure silver as it is too soft to be molded into jewelry, so it must be hardened by other metals. It also scratches and bends more easily due to being a softer metal. Listed below are the materials we have opted for, along with notes on how they should be maintained.

Collapsible content

304 AND 316L STAINLESS STEEL

Unlike traditional jewelry that gets eaten away by the corrosive impact of the elements, stainless steel stands up to chlorides and acids, making it an ideal choice for lasting and low-maintenance accessories. Stainless steel is unlikely to cause contact dermatitis and can be worn by most people, even those with sensitive skin. The two most common types of stainless steel used in jewelry are 304 and 316L. Though these metals have a very small amount of nickel in their chemical composition (304 has 8% and 316 has 11%), these metals typically do not release enough nickel to cause nickel dermatitis (less than 0.03 microgram/cm2/week), even in nickel-sensitive people. The biggest difference between the two stainless steel grades is the presence of molybdenum in 316, which makes the metal more corrosion-resistant and durable.

Cleaning Instructions:

  • Soak your jewelry in a bowl of mild dish soap and warm water for a few minutes. A soft-bristled toothbrush will do the trick for removing stubborn residue from small grooves and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Rinse your jewelry under warm running water to remove any soap residue and streaks.
  • Pat your jewelry completely dry with a soft cloth (included in your order)

RHODIUM PLATING

Rhodium is a member of the platinum group and is a high-quality, inert metal that contains no nickel. We coat our silver-colored stainless steel pieces in rhodium to maintain luster and longevity. It also adds another layer of hypoallergenic protection.

Cleaning Instructions:

  • Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • Dry and polish with a soft microfiber cloth.

PVD GOLD PLATING

PVD gold plating gives jewelry a more luxurious look and has a far higher resistance to wear than traditional gold plating. As it wears over time, the stainless-steel base metal won’t irritate your ears or turn them green.

Cleaning Instructions:

Wipe down your jewelry with a microfiber cloth or cotton pad after wearing to prevent body oils and sweat from building up on gold plating.

STYLED BY NATURE, INSPIRED BY LONGEVITY

Stainless Steel & Sustainability

We support eco-sustainability by opting for longevity-focused materials and reducing waste. Stainless steel is a low-carbon material known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and its energy efficient recyclability. It is 100% recyclable, which means it can be recycled into the same material with no reduction in quality. According to the World Steel Association, recycling one tonne of steel scrap saves 1.5 tonnes of CO2, 1.4 tonnes of iron ore, 740 kg of coal, and 120 kg of limestone.