Jewelry Materials Guide

At Maylohas, every piece of jewelry begins with a commitment to quality materials. Whether it's the luminous glow of a natural pearl or the brilliant sparkle of a lab-grown diamond, each material is carefully selected to ensure lasting beauty and comfortable wear. This guide will help you understand what goes into your jewelry — and how to care for it.

Natural Pearl

Natural pearls are formed inside mollusks in the wild, making each one entirely unique. Their soft, deep luster — known as orient — is impossible to fully replicate with any synthetic material. Natural pearls symbolize elegance and purity, and remain a timeless choice in fine jewelry.

Luster: Soft, deep orient that shifts with the light
Care: Avoid contact with perfume, sweat, and chemicals; put jewelry on last and take it off first
Storage: Wipe with a soft damp cloth after wear; store flat and away from hard surfaces

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular diamond alternatives, prized for its exceptional refractive index and brilliant sparkle. With high hardness and an accessible price point, CZ is an ideal choice for everyday wear without compromising on visual impact.

Brilliance: High refractive index, sparkle close to diamond
Hardness: Mohs 8–8.5, scratch-resistant
Care: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners

Lab-Grown Diamond

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds — both are pure carbon crystals. Created through CVD or HPHT processes in a controlled environment, they offer the same brilliance and durability as natural diamonds, with a significantly lower environmental footprint.

Composition: 100% carbon, identical to natural diamond
Hardness: Mohs 10 — the hardest known natural material
Sustainability: No mining required, lower carbon footprint
Care: Safe for ultrasonic cleaners; wipe with a soft cloth regularly

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel — typically 316L surgical grade — is one of the most durable metals used in jewelry. It resists oxidation, tarnishing, and water, making it perfect for everyday wear. Its low nickel content also makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Durability: Excellent — rust-proof and oxidation-resistant
Hypoallergenic: 316L grade is suitable for sensitive skin
Care: Wipe with warm water and a soft cloth; maintains shine long-term

Gold-Plated Copper

Gold-plated copper features a copper base with an electroplated layer of gold on the surface. Copper's excellent malleability makes it ideal for intricate designs, while the gold plating delivers a warm, luxurious finish. The thickness of the plating determines how long the finish lasts.

Appearance: Warm golden tone, visually close to solid gold
Note: Avoid contact with water, sweat, and perfume to extend plating life
Care: Wipe dry after wear; store in a sealed pouch to prevent oxidation

14K Gold-Plated Copper

14K gold-plated copper uses a plating layer with 58.3% gold purity. Compared to standard gold plating, the 14K layer offers a more natural, muted gold tone with improved wear resistance — a great balance of aesthetics and everyday practicality.

Gold content: 58.3% — warm, slightly champagne-toned finish
Durability: More resistant than standard gold plating
Care: Avoid chemicals and moisture; same care as gold-plated copper

18K Gold-Plated Copper

18K gold-plated copper features a plating layer with 75% gold purity, delivering a rich, saturated yellow-gold tone that most closely resembles solid gold. This is the standard used across the majority of Maylohas signature pieces, chosen for its premium visual quality.

Gold content: 75% — deep, vibrant gold finish
Appearance: Closest to solid 18K gold in look and feel
Care: Avoid prolonged contact with water and sweat; wipe gently with a soft cloth

White Gold-Plated Copper (Rhodium)

White gold-plated copper is typically finished with a layer of rhodium — a platinum-group metal known for its exceptional reflectivity and corrosion resistance. This gives the jewelry a cool, bright silver-white finish that is a hallmark of modern minimalist design.

Appearance: Cool white-silver, high reflectivity, contemporary feel
Durability: Rhodium is hard and scratch-resistant, though re-plating may be needed over time
Care: Avoid bleach and strong acids; wipe with a soft cloth to maintain shine

Sterling Silver (925)

Sterling silver (S925) contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically copper for added strength. One of the most historically enduring precious metals in jewelry, silver offers natural antibacterial properties and a cool, elegant luster. Silver may tarnish over time but can easily be restored with simple care.

Silver content: 92.5%, internationally certified S925
Hypoallergenic: Suitable for most skin types; those with copper sensitivity should take note
Care: Polish with a silver cloth to remove tarnish; store in a sealed bag to slow oxidation

General Care Tips

Apply perfume and sunscreen before putting on jewelry, and allow products to fully absorb first
Remove jewelry before exercising, swimming, or showering
Store each piece separately to prevent scratching
Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after each wear to maintain shine
If you have any questions, our customer care team is always happy to help with personalized advice

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