MATERIAL GUIDE
Tiny Tags are designed to be forever pieces that a mother wears every day to celebrate and honor her most precious gifts, her children.
As our commitment to you, we use only the finest material in all our jewelry. Please read about our materials below and we are happy to answer any questions at info@tinytags.com.
14K Gold
The classic and timeless look of 14k gold is undeniable. Pure gold, a precious metal, is soft so additional metals are added for durability. Our 14k gold jewelry is .585 which is defined as 58.5% gold and 41.5% non-gold metals. All our 14k gold jewelry is marked with .585 to identify it as such. We offer 14k yellow, rose and white gold.
sterling silver
Sterling silver is known for its reflective and beautiful shine. Pure silver, a precious metal is soft so additional metals are added to make it more durable. Our sterling silver is .925 or 92.5% silver and .750 or 7.50% other metals.
All our sterling silver is marked with .925 to identify as such. Over time sterling silver may tarnish due to airborne compounds, but will come clean using the enclosed polishing cloth.
gold vermeil
Considered the highest quality 14k gold alternative on the market, vermeil strikes a beautiful balance between quality and value. Often misunderstood vermeil is significantly different that regular gold plating or gold filled jewelry in both quality and durability. To be considered vermeil, the Federal Trade Commission requires the following:
- The base metal has to be sterling silver (not brassor copper as often seen in gold plated or gold filled products).
- Minimum of 10 karats of gold. At Tiny Tags we use a minimum of 22k gold.
- 100 millionths of an inch, or 2.5 microns of gold overthe sterling silver.
It is important to note that gold plated and gold items that are NOT called vermeil have no such requirements on the amount of gold, the thickness of gold or the base metal which is often a cheaper and less expensive metal like cooper or brass. At Tiny Tags, we want your vermeil jewelry to last a lifetime.
MIX AND MATCH
mix and match
which metal is right for me?
This may seem like an odd question to lead with but it's an important one. Many of our moms like to keep their Tiny Tags on all the time, never taking it off to swim, sleep, etc. It makes them feel like their children are always near them and it's part of the appeal of personalized jewelry with their children's names. While our high quality gold vermeil is the best 14k gold alternative, it does require special care like all fine jewelry. Vermeil is considered the best 14k gold alternative because it has a base of sterling silver, not brass or copper like gold plated or gold filled jewelry, and is layered with 100+ mls of 24k gold (that's a lot of gold!). However, gold vermeil jewelry does need to stay dry and away from other harsh chemicals, lotions etc. If you don’t want to worry about taking off your jewelry and know you will wear day and night, then 14k gold might be better option.
For example, is your Tiny Tags your push present or a "on a whim" purchase? If you just want to "test drive" our jewelry with earrings to match an outfit or not sure you'll love the look of personalized jewelry, then gold vermeil or sterling silver may be just right for you. At a lower price point, it's less of a commitment and that may be exactly what you're looking for. You can always invest in another piece down the line if you choose. However, if you have been eyeing that special necklace for a while and your first Mother's Day is coming up or a milestone birthday, this may be the time to get that 14k gold! The value of gold is a pretty solid investment (pun intended) as it is expected to continue togo up. All of our 14k gold pieces come in premium gift packaging and include a cleaning cloth. Now, to decide between yellow gold, rose gold and white gold! Our14K gold collectionis a good place to start.
Rose gold, silver, yellow gold, if you like to mix and match or go through phases of one over another, you may want to stick to gold vermeil so as not to be disappointed down the line when you're feeling more rose goldy and you just invested in a 14k yellow gold piece. If you're, however, a die-hard fan of just one metal, you may be ready to add that 14k gold piece in your color choice to your collection. For example, if you're all about silver but want a more premium, solid metal, then 14K White Gold may be for you.
This is more relevant for pieces like our popularSkinny Bar NecklaceorCuff. Once they are engraved, you can not add to them. So if you love the look and want it RIGHT NOW but worry you'll be leaving a future child behind, go for the gold vermeil or sterling silver now and you may feel more inclined to go 14k solid gold in the final family piece later on once you can include all of your babies' names. Another option, of course, if you're a 14k gold gal, is to go for a "add-on" necklace like our super popularMini Dog Tags(made famous by the lovelyMadi Nelson). For more inspiration, see ourMultiple Kids guide.
Straight talk: what can you afford right now? Our mamas love our gold vermeil and sterling silver options for their look and their price points. They look just as good as their 14k gold counterparts and are more budget-friendly. They are such a great option for mamas who want to celebrate their children with a special piece but can't justify 14k gold at the moment. We love that we can offer this and part of our mission is to support all moms so we always will. We also offerafterpayon all of our products where you can make four interest-free payments over several weeks. That said, if it fits within your budget, 14k gold is always asmart investment!