Our Approach to Choosing Materials for your Jewelry

In jewelry, materials are never neutral. The metals chosen—silver, gold, brass—shape not only the look of a piece, but its longevity, ethics, and relationship to the body over time.

Here at Rebekah J. Designs, I work primarily with sterling silver, solid gold, and jeweler’s brass. Each material is selected intentionally, not as a substitute for another, but as a distinct metal with its own story, strengths, and purpose.

This is why we choose them—and what you should know about how they behave, age, and wear.

Sterling silver has been used in jewelry for centuries. Its softness, luminosity, and responsiveness make it ideal for sculptural forms and heirloom pieces.

• Durable and long-lasting when cared for properly

• Solid metal (not plated), meaning the color will not rub off

• Repairable and renewable over time

• Develops a natural patina that reflects wear and use

Sterling silver naturally oxidizes when exposed to air and moisture. This is not damage—it’s part of the metal’s life cycle. With gentle polishing, silver can be restored to brightness again and again.

Silver is a material that carries time beautifully.

Gold has long symbolized permanence, value, and continuity. In our studio, we work with solid gold because it holds both physical and emotional weight.

• Exceptionally durable and long-lasting

• Resistant to tarnish and corrosion

• Solid material, not plated

• All gold used in our work is conflict-free

Even gold, the most stable of metals, may show subtle signs of wear over time. These marks are often cherished as part of a piece’s story—evidence of being worn, held, and lived in. 

Lower alloy gold like 10k and 14k have less pure gold and more metals that are reactive like copper and silver. As such they can be more prone to tarnish.

Brass has a long history in jewelry-making. We use what's called 'jeweler’s brass', a solid alloy chosen for its warmth, durability, and sculptural potential.

• More accessible than solid gold, allowing for expressive forms at a gentler price point

• Very similar color to 14k gold

• Solid material, not plated

• Brass alloy made in the USA

• Develops a rich patina over time

Brass can react with individual skin chemistry and may occasionally leave a green mark on some wearers. This is natural and varies from person to person.

You can learn more about why this happens and how to care for brass here.

Like silver and gold, brass evolves with wear. Some people love this patina; others prefer to polish it back to brightness. Using a jewelers polishing cloth works wonders with the brass we use. 

Choosing solid metals is not the easiest or cheapest path. But it is an honest one.

We work with sterling silver, solid gold, and jeweler’s brass because they align with our values: longevity, ethical sourcing, and material integrity.

As the cost of precious metals shifts, so too does the reality of making jewelry in these materials. Our commitment remains the same—to create pieces that are meant to be worn, lived in, and carried forward.

As you navigate what material to choose for your next piece of jewelry, know that we make jewelry with intention, integrity and purpose. And no matter what metal it is, the story you imbue it with is what matters most. 

Sometimes. This depends on skin chemistry, humidity, and wear. It’s natural and not harmful. Learn more about this and caring for brass here.

Yes, but they can be easily polished and restored. We sell jewelry polishing cloths but you can also read about my favorite household cleaner that works amazingly on removing tarnish here. 

Yes. All gold used in our work is conflict-free.

No. We work with solid materials rather than plated finishes. Plating is expensive and needs to be redone year after year to maintain it. Knowing that precious materials are flowing down the drain after wearing plated jewelry makes me truly sad. We offer brass as a perfect alternative.