Our Material & Stone Guide

THE AUROUS STANDARD

Exceptional Materials for Lifeproof Luxury

At Aurous Atelier, we believe that luxury is defined by the quality of the materials you wear every day. We offer a curated selection of gold finishes and ethically sourced stones, ensuring every piece of jewelry meets our rigorous standards for beauty and durability.

Wondering what material your piece is made of? Our pieces are made of 18K Gold Vermeil, 18K Gold PVD, and 18K Gold Plated.

Our Gold Finishes

18K GOLD PVD (The Performance Choice): Our most resilient finish, where 18K gold is bonded to the base metal at a molecular level in a high-tech vacuum chamber.

  • Best For: Active lifestyles, beach days, and 24/7 wear.
  • Benefits: 100% waterproof, sweat-proof, and tarnish-resistant.

 

18K GOLD VERMEIL (The Luxury Choice): A thick layer of 18K gold (at least 2.5 microns) over a solid Sterling Silver base. It is an alternative for us to craft premium quality gold jewelry without the expense of solid gold. 

  • Best For: Those who prioritize the weight and prestige of precious metals.
  • Benefits: Exceptional depth of color and long-lasting luster.

 

18K GOLD PLATED (The Trend Choice): A beautiful layer of 18K gold electroplated onto premium, nickel-free brass & stainless steel.

  • Best For: High-fashion statement pieces and building a versatile jewelry wardrobe.
  • Benefits: Provides a high-end look at an accessible price point.

 

18K Gold PVD is our "lifeproof" high-performance finish designed to be 100% waterproof and tarnish-resistant for 24/7 wear.

Gold Vermeil offers the heavy, high-end prestige of thick 18K gold over solid sterling silver, while Gold Plated provides a high-shine, real-gold aesthetic for versatile, trend-led styling.

Our Signature Stones

MOISSANITE (The Brilliance King): Originally discovered in a meteorite, Moissanite is a gemstone that surpasses even diamonds in fire and brilliance.

  • Why We Use It: It is incredibly hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale), making it virtually scratch-proof and perfect for "forever" pieces. Offering an alternative to diamonds. 

 

FRESHWATER BAROQUE PEARLS (The Organic Icon): Unlike perfectly round, factory-made pearls, Baroque pearls are celebrated for their unique, irregular shapes which leads to a modern vibe. Pearls are sensitive in nature, so don’t forget to treat them with love.

  • Why We Use It: Each pearl is a one-of-a-kind natural treasure, bringing a modern, "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic to our coastal-inspired designs.

 

PREMIUM-GRADE CUBIC ZIRCONIA (CZ): We use only premium-grade CZ stones that are precision-cut to mimic the light-refraction of high-quality diamonds.

  • Why We Use It: It allows us to create high-glamour, red-carpet looks that are ethical, conflict-free, and accessible.

Founder’s Tip: If you want a piece you never have to take off—even in the ocean—go for PVD. If you want a piece with the highest precious metal content for a special collection, choose Vermeil.